Music and Poetry in the Bible and Their Purpose
Music Was Part of Israelite Worship
Throughout Scripture you will see an abundance of Music and Poetry. However these are not just forms of entertainment. To the nation of israel, these provided memory; worship; warning; Praise; and prophecy. The most high gave israel a means of remembering his deeds on behalf of the nation; teaching future generations of his covenant truths; and expressing those truths in song.
Israelite specificity of the Bible
The scriptures record the relationship between god and his chosen nation (israel), and not as a general spiritual model for all mankind. As such when we read the various Songs, psalms, laments and Poetry within Scripture we are reading the voice of israel (a black North East African people) with its own History, culture, homeland, laws and covenant identity.
Singing provided a means of remembering national History
Prior to mass production of written texts by which common folk could read and learn from them, Songs functioned as a primary means of preserving historical events. In singing, israel commemorated deliverance; judgment; victories; and mercies granted to it by the most high. Upon delivering israel across the waters of the Red Sea, moses and the children of israel celebrated their deliverance through song. Additionally, Miriam took a tambourine and led the women in song and dance.
The song being sung at this time was no mere celebratory expression. Rather, it served as an act of national remembrance. The song recounted what the most high had done for israel and cautioned other nations of god's mighty power. By using song to commemorate the past, the people of israel were able to carry their History in both their hearts and their mouths.
Poetry provided expression and voice to sorrow and joy
In contrast to hiding the anguish experienced by israel, there are many poetic expressions within Scripture of sorrow; repentance; yearning; and woe. Lamentations provides a voice to national sorrow. Many of the psalms express either fear; betrayal; oppression; etc. Yet, there are also numerous expressions of joy within the Poetry of israel. These expressions demonstrate that sorrow does not negate faith. The most high's people could grieve yet remain grounded in his promises. They could experience suffering yet continue to invoke him. This ability to freely express itself before the most high, while maintaining adherence to covenant truth, was possible through Poetry
King David: A model of worship through song and strength
one example that clearly illustrates how Music, Poetry, and strength can be combined in one individual is king David. David was not weakened by his passion for Music. David composed psalms; danced before the most high; played the lyre; and sang. David was also a soldier; a skilled swordsman; and a king.
It is this combination that matters. David's love for song did not diminish his masculinity nor his military prowess. When David expressed himself through song he spoke words that reflect covenant meaning today. When he sang, he provided comfort to Saul through his playing of the harp. When he sang, he provided israel with covenant meanings through his Songs.
David danced before the ark because he recognized honor and glory in the presence of the most high in his midst. His joy was not self-serving performance seeking approval from others. Rather, his worship demonstrated reverence and humility as a king who had been elevated from a lowly shepherd to a ruler of the nation.
Song taught israel how to obey the lord
Many of the Songs found in Scripture serve as instructional reminders. They remind israel to follow the most high; avoid idolatry; and remember the covenant established between the most high and his people. Music was never intended to evoke emotions independent of truth. It had purpose.
The Levites were appointed to serve in Music and worship. Each group serving in worship had its assigned role: instrumentalists; singers; appointed Praise leaders; etc. Worship by israelites was organized, rather than chaotic. It demonstrated reverence; beauty; and obedience to the most high.
Sound, memory & covenan
When we envision ancient israelites we should not visualize a silent society. Rather, we should hear voices singing hymns of Praise and thanksgiving; beat of drums; strumming of harps; crying out with Songs of ascent; Songs of lamentation; wedding Songs; victory Songs; etc., reverberating through the courts of the temple. Music and Poetry defined israel's identity.
For black israelites in Scripture, song was a means by which they remembered who they were, who had saved them, and whom they worshipped. The musical compositions of the people of israel conveyed History. Their Poetry conveyed truth. Their worship belonged exclusively to the most high.
To examine additional racially-accurate biblical accounts as they were always intended to be shared, begin reading my True Hebrews novels.