Bible Commentaries

It is easy to imagine what joy the poet king would take in arranging the song service of the new Temple. Music played a very important part in his career. His musical skill had been his first introduction to Saul, and had put his life in peril in Saul's presence. Then the psalms attributed to him in our collection breathe out the spirit of the varied experiences through which he passed. The days of his simple life as a shepherd, the period of his exile and suffering, the hours of battle and weariness, the triumph of his crowning, the agony of his sin, the joy of pardon, these and many other experiences are reflected in the great collection.

The man of poetic nature would naturally take great delight in making such arrangements for that "magnificent" house of God as would ensure proper and skilful attention in its service of praise. Again, from among the trained the courses were so arranged as to ensure perfect use of all classes, "as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar."

This work of praise is thrice described by a somewhat singular, and, in this connection, arresting word, "prophecy." The use of this word here is a revelation of the true value of the service of music in the sanctuary of God. There is no doubt that it is used in its broadest sense of forthtelling rather than its more restricted sense of foretelling. Therefore, music is at once the medium of expressing praise to God, and telling forth that praise in the hearing of men for their instruction and blessing. This includes the whole sphere, and the two thoughts interact. That is true praise of God which instructs the hearers. That is true musical prophesying which sets forth the praise of God.