Bible Commentaries

Prophetic Music

1 Chronicles 25:3

The singing of Jeduthun and his sons, accompanied as it was by the rich tones of the harp, is described as prophesying. They "prophesied with a harp". They made a revelation of Divine truth by music, vocal and instrumental.

I. This is a Notable Form of Prophecy.—Prophecy may assume many forms; the uttered word, the written word, the symbolic action. But how impressive this particular form, communicating spiritual truth by song and harp! It is Spiritual. The Psalter is a magnificent illustration of such prophesying. In Isaiah's vision you discover the same method of setting forth theologic truth. The seraphic choir sang in sublime antiphony. This form of prophecy is historic. At our Saviour's birth the angel-choir "prophesied". The Gloria in excelsis was prophetic music. Beyond all telling glorious was that earliest Christmas carol which baptized with melody the plains of Bethlehem.

II. This is an Appropriate Form of Prophecy.—Music, vocal or instrumental, or both, is a most suitable vehicle for Divine truth. Music is essentially religious. There are those who differentiate between sacred and secular music, but surely such distinction is factitious. All music is sacred. We may attach to it irreligious elements, but in essence it is Divine. Music transcends the Material. It is closely allied to the spiritual. It tints the eternal. It is itself a plea for the unseen. Music stirs imagination. Imagination is an ally of religious truth. It fosters faith. Music in appealing to the imagination justifies itself as a prophetic medium. Music suggests immortality. Music is one of the revealed attributes and pursuits of heaven. It points to other and grander spheres than the time-sphere.

III. This is a Form of Prophecy which Serves Noble Spiritual Ends.—Music is a glorious means of expressing gratitude for God's good gifts. Praise is the homage of God's character. Praise revels in what God is and not alone what He bestows. Music is never more nobly engaged than when it is used to praise the Lord.

IV. This is a Form of Prophecy which Demands Great Qualifications.—Training is needed. It should be spiritual as well as mental. They who lead the song of God's house need to be trained to be true prophets of God. Not easily is this spiritual qualification attained. Nothing worthy is easily won. But the Spirit Divine can make you such prophetic musicians as shall evoke God's good pleasure.

—Dinsdale T. Young, Messages for Home and Life, p203.

References.—XXV:7.—F. Stanley Root, Christian World Pulpit, 1891 , p168.