What Does the Bible Say About . . . .
Music, Songs and Musical Instruments
Music fills the courts of heaven as heavenly beings praise our Lord and Creator. When God created the world, the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy (Job 38:7). God created man in His own image, to be a instrument of praise. He gave humans the ability to sing and to make music with musical instruments to complement the voice.
Music was an important part of the worship service at the temple. Certain groups of the Levitical tribes were designated as temple musicians and singers, offering their praises to God. David had a real gift of music, providing soothing harp music to King Saul when the king was distraught. David also commissioned most of the instruments and songs for the temple services. He also wrote most of the songs in Psalms, the longest book in the Bible.
Songs and poetry were also means to improve the memory, to help remember significant events or warnings. The Song of Moses is a good example of this.
From the introduction of the harp and flute early in Genesis to the song of the redeemed in God's heavenly city, music fills the Holy Scriptures. A number of songs are included in their entirety in this compilation. Our prayer is that your heart will be filled with music as together we study what the Bible has to say about music, songs and musical instruments.
Parentheses ( ) enclose the various suffixes used.
Note: There are no references to any drum type instruments mentioned in the New International Version of the Holy Bible such as: drum(s), percussion and rhythm or beat. Tambourines and cymbals are the only percussion instruments mentioned. The Hebrew from which word "sistrums" came, has also been translated as "castenets" or "cornets" in other translations of the Bible. It is only used once in the Bible, in 2 Sam. 6:5.
The word trumpet is used frequently in non-musical settings such as for warning, a battle signal and for religious occasions prior to some important declaration. The usage of trumpets in those settings have been left out of the text compilation. Where trumpets are used for musical purposes or to announce Christ's "second coming," the verses have been retained.
Gen. 4:20 Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock.
21His brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute.Gen. 31:26 Then Laban said to Jacob, "What have you done? You've deceived me, and you've carried off my daughters like captives in war.
27Why did you run off secretly and deceive me? Why didn't you tell me, so I could send you away with joy and singing to the music of tambourines and harps? 28You didn't even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters good-by. You have done a foolish thing.Exod. 15:2 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
3The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name. . . . 19When Pharaoh's horses, chariots and horsemen went into the sea, the LORD brought the waters of the sea back over them, but the Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground. 20Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing. 21Miriam sang to them: "Sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea."Singing and dancing accompanied the worship of the golden calf
Exod. 32:17 When Joshua heard the noise of the people shouting, he said to Moses, "There is the sound of war in the camp."
18Moses replied: "It is not the sound of victory, it is not the sound of defeat; it is the sound of singing that I hear." 19When Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned and he threw the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the mountain.Num. 21:16 From there they continued on to Beer, the well where the LORD said to Moses, "Gather the people together and I will give them water."
17Then Israel sang this song: "Spring up, O well! Sing about it, 18about the well that the princes dug, that the nobles of the people sank-- the nobles with scepters and staffs."Introduction: Songs as poetry were a mechanism used frequently in days of old to improve recall. The song of Moses is such as song. Since it is referred to in Revelation as being sung by those standing on the sea of glass, I have included it in its entirety.
Deut. 31:19 "Now write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites and have them sing it, so that it may be a witness for me against them.
20When I have brought them into the land flowing with milk and honey, the land I promised on oath to their forefathers, and when they eat their fill and thrive, they will turn to other gods and worship them, rejecting me and breaking my covenant. 21And when many disasters and difficulties come upon them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten by their descendants. I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them on oath." 22So Moses wrote down this song that day and taught it to the Israelites. . . . 30And Moses recited the words of this song from beginning to end in the hearing of the whole assembly of Israel:Deut. 32:1 Listen, O heavens, and I will speak; hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
2Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.Judg. 5:1 On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song:
2"When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves-- praise the LORD! 3"Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I will sing to the LORD, I will sing; I will make music to the LORD, the God of Israel. 4"O LORD, when you went out from Seir, when you marched from the land of Edom, the earth shook, the heavens poured, the clouds poured down water. 5The mountains quaked before the LORD, the One of Sinai, before the LORD, the God of Israel. 6"In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the roads were abandoned; travelers took to winding paths. 7Village life in Israel ceased, ceased until I, Deborah, arose, arose a mother in Israel. 8When they chose new gods, war came to the city gates, and not a shield or spear was seen among forty thousand in Israel. 9My heart is with Israel's princes, with the willing volunteers among the people. Praise the LORD! 10"You who ride on white donkeys, sitting on your saddle blankets, and you who walk along the road, consider 11the voice of the singers at the watering places. They recite the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous acts of his warriors in Israel.Judg. 11:34 When Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah, who should come out to meet him but his daughter, dancing to the sound of tambourines! She was an only child. Except for her he had neither son nor daughter.
35When he saw her, he tore his clothes and cried, "Oh! My daughter! You have made me miserable and wretched, because I have made a vow to the LORD that I cannot break." 36"My father," she replied, "you have given your word to the LORD. Do to me just as you promised, now that the LORD has avenged you of your enemies, the Ammonites.1Sam. 10:5 [Samuel said to Saul] "After that you will go to Gibeah of God, where there is a Philistine outpost. As you approach the town, you will meet a procession of prophets coming down from the high place with lyres, tambourines, flutes and harps being played before them, and they will be prophesying.
6The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.David plays his harp to soothe King Saul
![]() |
1Sam. 16:15 Saul's attendants said to him, "See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. 16Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the harp. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes upon you, and you will feel better." 17So Saul said to his attendants, "Find someone who plays well and bring him to me." 18One of the servants answered, "I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the LORD is with him." 19Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, "Send me your son David, who is with the sheep." 20So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul. 21David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. 22Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, "Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him." 23Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him. |
Saul has slain his thousands and David his ten thousands
1Sam. 18:5 Whatever Saul sent him to do, David did it so successfully that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the people, and Saul's officers as well.
6When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with tambourines and lutes. 7As they danced, they sang: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands." 8Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. "They have credited David with tens of thousands," he thought, "but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?" 9And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David. 10The next day an evil spirit from God came forcefully upon Saul. He was prophesying in his house, while David was playing the harp, as he usually did. Saul had a spear in his hand 11and he hurled it, saying to himself, "I'll pin David to the wall." But David eluded him twice.1Sam. 19:8 Once more war broke out, and David went out and fought the Philistines. He struck them with such force that they fled before him.
9But an evil spirit from the LORD came upon Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand. While David was playing the harp, 10Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall. That night David made good his escape.1Sam. 21:10 That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath.
11But the servants of Achish said to him, "Isn't this David, the king of the land? Isn't he the one they sing about in their dances: "`Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands'?" 12David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath.1Sam. 29:4 But the Philistine commanders were angry with him and said, "Send the man back, that he may return to the place you assigned him. He must not go with us into battle, or he will turn against us during the fighting. How better could he regain his master's favor than by taking the heads of our own men?
5Isn't this the David they sang about in their dances: "`Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands'?" 6So Achish called David and said to him, "As surely as the LORD lives, you have been reliable, and I would be pleased to have you serve with me in the army. From the day you came to me until now, I have found no fault in you, but the rulers don't approve of you.2Sam. 3:32 They buried Abner in Hebron, and the king wept aloud at Abner's tomb. All the people wept also.
33The king sang this lament for Abner: "Should Abner have died as the lawless die? 34Your hands were not bound, your feet were not fettered. You fell as one falls before wicked men." And all the people wept over him again.Israel celebrates with all their might before the Lord
2Sam. 6:3 They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart
4with the ark of God on it, and Ahio was walking in front of it. 5David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the LORD, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals.2Sam. 19:34 But Barzillai answered the king, "How many more years will I live, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king?
35I am now eighty years old. Can I tell the difference between what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats and drinks? Can I still hear the voices of men and women singers? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? 36Your servant will cross over the Jordan with the king for a short distance, but why should the king reward me in this way?2Sam. 22:1 David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.
2He said: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; 3my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior-- from violent men you save me. 4I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.2Sam. 23:1 These are the last words of David: "The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, Israel's singer of songs:
2"The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.1Kgs. 1:39 Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the sacred tent and anointed Solomon. Then they sounded the trumpet and all the people shouted, "Long live King Solomon!"
40And all the people went up after him, playing flutes and rejoicing greatly, so that the ground shook with the sound. 41Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they were finishing their feast. On hearing the sound of the trumpet, Joab asked, "What's the meaning of all the noise in the city?" 42Even as he was speaking, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest arrived. Adonijah said, "Come in. A worthy man like you must be bringing good news." 43"Not at all!" Jonathan answered. "Our lord King David has made Solomon king.Solomon wrote over a thousand songs
1Kgs. 4:31 [Solomon] was wiser than any other man, including Ethan the Ezrahite --wiser than Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations.
32He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five.1Kgs. 10:11 (Hiram's ships brought gold from Ophir; and from there they brought great cargoes of almugwood and precious stones.
12The king used the almugwood to make supports for the temple of the LORD and for the royal palace, and to make harps and lyres for the musicians. So much almugwood has never been imported or seen since that day.)2Kgs. 3:14 Elisha said, "As surely as the LORD Almighty lives, whom I serve, if I did not have respect for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or even notice you.
15But now bring me a harpist." While the harpist was playing, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha 16and he said, "This is what the LORD says: Make this valley full of ditches. 17For this is what the LORD says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink. 18This is an easy thing in the eyes of the LORD; he will also hand Moab over to you.David chose men to minister with music at the tabernacle
1Chr. 6:31 These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark came to rest there.
32They ministered with music before the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem. They performed their duties according to the regulations laid down for them. 33Here are the men who served, together with their sons: From the Kohathites: Heman, the musician, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel, . . . [etc.]1Chr. 9:33 Those who were musicians, heads of Levite families, stayed in the rooms of the temple and were exempt from other duties because they were responsible for the work day and night.
34All these were heads of Levite families, chiefs as listed in their genealogy, and they lived in Jerusalem.1Chr. 13:7 They moved the ark of God from Abinadab's house on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it.
8David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, cymbals and trumpets.The ark moves to Jerusalem with much fanfare and music
![]() |
1Chr. 15:15 And the Levites carried the ark of God with the poles on their shoulders, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD. 16David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to sing joyful songs, accompanied by musical instruments: lyres, harps and cymbals. 17So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his brothers, Asaph son of Berekiah; and from their brothers the Merarites, Ethan son of Kushaiah; 18and with them their brothers next in rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom and Jeiel, the gatekeepers. 19The musicians Heman, Asaph and Ethan were to sound the bronze cymbals; 20Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah and Benaiah were to play the lyres according to alamoth, 21and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel and Azaziah were to play the harps, directing according to sheminith. 22Kenaniah the head Levite was in charge of the singing; that was his responsibility because he was skillful at it. |
1Chr. 15:25 So David and the elders of Israel and the commanders of units of a thousand went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-edom, with rejoicing.
26Because God had helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, seven bulls and seven rams were sacrificed. 27Now David was clothed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and as were the singers, and Kenaniah, who was in charge of the singing of the choirs. David also wore a linen ephod. 28So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouts, with the sounding of rams' horns and trumpets, and of cymbals, and the playing of lyres and harps. 29As the ark of the covenant of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David dancing and celebrating, she despised him in her heart.1Chr. 16:4 He appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to make petition, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel:
5Asaph was the chief, Zechariah second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom and Jeiel. They were to play the lyres and harps, Asaph was to sound the cymbals, 6and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests were to blow the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God.1Chr. 16:41 With them were Heman and Jeduthun and the rest of those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the LORD, "for his love endures forever."
42Heman and Jeduthun were responsible for the sounding of the trumpets and cymbals and for the playing of the other instruments for sacred song. The sons of Jeduthun were stationed at the gate. 43Then all the people left, each for his own home, and David returned home to bless his family.A four thousand member choir and orchestra
1Chr. 23:4 David said, "Of these, twenty-four thousand are to supervise the work of the temple of the LORD and six thousand are to be officials and judges.
5Four thousand are to be gatekeepers and four thousand are to praise the LORD with the musical instruments I have provided for that purpose."1Chr. 25:1 David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals. Here is the list of the men who performed this service:
2From the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah and Asarelah. The sons of Asaph were under the supervision of Asaph, who prophesied under the king's supervision. 3As for Jeduthun, from his sons: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah and Mattithiah, six in all, under the supervision of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied, using the harp in thanking and praising the LORD. 4As for Heman, from his sons: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shubael and Jerimoth; Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti and Romamti-ezer; Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir and Mahazioth. 5All these were sons of Heman the king's seer. They were given him through the promises of God to exalt him. God gave Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. 6All these men were under the supervision of their fathers for the music of the temple of the LORD, with cymbals, lyres and harps, for the ministry at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the supervision of the king. 7Along with their relatives --all of them trained and skilled in music for the LORD --they numbered 288.Commentary: One of David's chosen directors for the ministry of music was Asaph. He was very talented and wrote a number of the Psalms. His descendants provided music at the temple for many generations and even after the Babylonian captivity when the temple was rebuilt. You will notice his name is mentioned frequently as you read on.
All lifted their voices to the Lord
2Chr. 5:12 All the Levites who were musicians --Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and their sons and relatives --stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets.
13The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: "He is good; his love endures forever." Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud, 14and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God.2Chr. 7:5 And King Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty-two thousand head of cattle and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep and goats. So the king and all the people dedicated the temple of God.
6The priests took their positions, as did the Levites with the LORD's musical instruments, which King David had made for praising the LORD and which were used when he gave thanks, saying, "His love endures forever." Opposite the Levites, the priests blew their trumpets, and all the Israelites were standing.2Chr. 9:10 (The men of Hiram and the men of Solomon brought gold from Ophir; they also brought algumwood and precious stones.
11The king used the algumwood to make steps for the temple of the LORD and for the royal palace, and to make harps and lyres for the musicians. Nothing like them had ever been seen in Judah.)2Chr. 15:14 They took an oath to the LORD with loud acclamation, with shouting and with trumpets and horns.
15All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side.King Jehoshaphat, with a choir, goes to battle
2Chr. 20:20 Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful."
21After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever." 22As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. . . . 27Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies. 28They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the LORD with harps and lutes and trumpets. 29The fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard how the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel.2Chr. 23:12 When Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and cheering the king, she went to them at the temple of the LORD.
13She looked, and there was the king, standing by his pillar at the entrance. The officers and the trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets, and singers with musical instruments were leading the praises. . . . 18Jehoiada placed the oversight of the temple of the LORD in the hands of the priests, who were Levites, to whom David had made assignments in the temple, to present the burnt offerings of the LORD as written in the Law of Moses, with rejoicing and singing, as David had ordered.Hezekiah's celebrates with his people and worships God
2Chr. 29:25 He stationed the Levites in the temple of the LORD with cymbals, harps and lyres in the way prescribed by David and Gad the king's seer and Nathan the prophet; this was commanded by the LORD through his prophets.
26So the Levites stood ready with David's instruments, and the priests with their trumpets. 27Hezekiah gave the order to sacrifice the burnt offering on the altar. As the offering began, singing to the LORD began also, accompanied by trumpets and the instruments of David king of Israel. 28The whole assembly bowed in worship, while the singers sang and the trumpeters played. All this continued until the sacrifice of the burnt offering was completed. 29When the offerings were finished, the king and everyone present with him knelt down and worshiped. 30King Hezekiah and his officials ordered the Levites to praise the LORD with the words of David and of Asaph the seer. So they sang praises with gladness and bowed their heads and worshiped.2Chr. 30:21 The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great rejoicing, while the Levites and priests sang to the LORD every day, accompanied by the LORD's instruments of praise.
22Hezekiah spoke encouragingly to all the Levites, who showed good understanding of the service of the LORD. For the seven days they ate their assigned portion and offered fellowship offerings and praised the LORD, the God of their fathers.2Chr. 31:2 Hezekiah assigned the priests and Levites to divisions --each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites --to offer burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, to minister, to give thanks and to sing praises at the gates of the LORD's dwelling.
3The king contributed from his own possessions for the morning and evening burnt offerings and for the burnt offerings on the Sabbaths, New Moons and appointed feasts as written in the Law of the LORD.2Chr. 34:12 The men did the work faithfully. Over them to direct them were Jahath and Obadiah, Levites descended from Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, descended from Kohath. The Levites --all who were skilled in playing musical instruments--
13had charge of the laborers and supervised all the workers from job to job. Some of the Levites were secretaries, scribes and doorkeepers.2Chr. 35:15 The musicians, the descendants of Asaph, were in the places prescribed by David, Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun the king's seer. The gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their posts, because their fellow Levites made the preparations for them.
16So at that time the entire service of the LORD was carried out for the celebration of the Passover and the offering of burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD, as King Josiah had ordered.2Chr. 35:25 Jeremiah composed laments for Josiah, and to this day all the men and women singers commemorate Josiah in the laments. These became a tradition in Israel and are written in the Laments.
26The other events of Josiah's reign and his acts of devotion, according to what is written in the Law of the LORD-- 27all the events, from beginning to end, are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.Ezra 2:40 The Levites: the descendants of Jeshua and Kadmiel (through the line of Hodaviah) 74.
41The singers: the descendants of Asaph 128. . . . 64The whole company numbered 42,360, 65besides their 7,337 menservants and maidservants; and they also had 200 men and women singers.Ezra 2:70 The priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers and the temple servants settled in their own towns, along with some of the other people, and the rest of the Israelites settled in their towns.
Ezra 3:10 When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the LORD, as prescribed by David king of Israel.
11With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD: "He is good; his love to Israel endures forever." And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.Ezra 7:6 Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him.
7Some of the Israelites, including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers and temple servants, also came up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.Singers and other temple workers were exempted from paying tax
Ezra 7:24 [King Artaxerxes, wrote to the treasurers of Trans-euphrates] You are also to know that you have no authority to impose taxes, tribute or duty on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants or other workers at this house of God.
Ezra 10:24 From the singers: Eliashib. From the gatekeepers: Shallum, Telem and Uri.
Neh. 7:1 After the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers and the singers and the Levites were appointed.
Neh. 7:44 The singers: the descendants of Asaph 148. . .
66The whole company numbered 42,360, 67besides their 7,337 menservants and maidservants; and they also had 245 men and women singers. . . . 73The priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers and the temple servants, along with certain of the people and the rest of the Israelites, settled in their own towns.Neh. 10:28 "The rest of the people --priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand--
29all these now join their brothers the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the LORD our Lord. . . . 38A priest descended from Aaron is to accompany the Levites when they receive the tithes, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of the tithes up to the house of our God, to the storerooms of the treasury. 39The people of Israel, including the Levites, are to bring their contributions of grain, new wine and oil to the storerooms where the articles for the sanctuary are kept and where the ministering priests, the gatekeepers and the singers stay. "We will not neglect the house of our God."Neh. 11:22 The chief officer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mica. Uzzi was one of Asaph's descendants, who were the singers responsible for the service of the house of God.
23The singers were under the king's orders, which regulated their daily activity.Neh. 12:8 The Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah,
and also Mattaniah, who, together with his associates, was in charge of the songs
of thanksgiving. . . .
27At the dedication of the
wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to
Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with
the music of cymbals, harps and lyres. 28The singers also were brought together from the region around
Jerusalem --from the villages of the Netophathites, 29from
Beth Gilgal, and from the area of Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built
villages for themselves around Jerusalem. 30When
the priests and Levites had purified themselves ceremonially, they purified the people,
the gates and the wall.
31I had the leaders of Judah
go up on top of the wall. I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks.
One was to proceed on top of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate. 32Hoshaiah and half the leaders of Judah followed them, 33along with Azariah, Ezra, Meshullam, 34Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, Jeremiah, 35as
well as some priests with trumpets, and also Zechariah son of Jonathan, the son of
Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph,
36and his associates --Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai,
Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah and Hanani --with musical instruments
[prescribed by] David the man of God. Ezra the scribe led the procession. 37At the Fountain Gate they continued directly up the steps
of the City of David on the ascent to the wall and passed above the house of David to the
Water Gate on the east.
38The second choir
proceeded in the opposite direction. I followed them on top of the wall, together with
half the people --past the Tower of the Ovens to the Broad Wall, 39over the Gate of Ephraim, the Jeshanah Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of
Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate. At the Gate of the Guard
they stopped.
40The two choirs that
gave thanks then took their places in the house of God; so did I, together with half the
officials, 41as well as the priests --Eliakim,
Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah and Hananiah with their trumpets--
42and also Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi,
Jehohanan, Malkijah, Elam and Ezer. The choirs sang under the direction of
Jezrahiah. 43And on that day they offered great
sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also
rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.
44At that time men were
appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the contributions, firstfruits and tithes.
From the fields around the towns they were to bring into the storerooms the portions
required by the Law for the priests and the Levites, for Judah was pleased with the
ministering priests and Levites. 45They performed the
service of their God and the service of purification, as did also the singers and
gatekeepers, according to the commands of David and his son Solomon. 46For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had
been directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving
to God. 47So in the days of Zerubbabel and of
Nehemiah, all Israel contributed the daily portions for the singers and
gatekeepers. They also set aside the portion for the other Levites, and the Levites
set aside the portion for the descendants of Aaron.
Neh. 13:4 Before this, Eliashib the priest had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God. He was closely associated with Tobiah,
5and he had provided him with a large room formerly used to store the grain offerings and incense and temple articles, and also the tithes of grain, new wine and oil prescribed for the Levites, singers and gatekeepers, as well as the contributions for the priests. . . . 9I gave orders to purify the rooms, and then I put back into them the equipment of the house of God, with the grain offerings and the incense. 10I also learned that the portions assigned to the Levites had not been given to them, and that all the Levites and singers responsible for the service had gone back to their own fields. 11So I rebuked the officials and asked them, "Why is the house of God neglected?" Then I called them together and stationed them at their posts.Job 21:11 They send forth their children as a flock; their little ones dance about.
12They sing to the music of tambourine and harp; they make merry to the sound of the flute. 13They spend their years in prosperity and go down to the grave in peace.Job 29:11 Whoever heard me spoke well of me, and those who saw me commended me,
12because I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist him. 13The man who was dying blessed me; I made the widow's heart sing. 14I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban.Job 30:8 A base and nameless brood, they were driven out of the land.
9"And now their sons mock me in song; I have become a byword among them. . . . 30My skin grows black and peels; my body burns with fever. 31My harp is tuned to mourning, and my flute to the sound of wailing.Job 35:9 "Men cry out under a load of oppression; they plead for relief from the arm of the powerful.
10But no one says, `Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night, 11who teaches more to us than to the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds of the air?'Job 36:23 Who has prescribed his ways for him, or said to him, `You have done wrong'?
24Remember to extol his work, which men have praised in song. 25All mankind has seen it; men gaze on it from afar.Job 38:1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said:
2"Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? 3Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4"Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? 6On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone-- 7while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?Introduction: The word Psalms means Songs. The entire book is primarily composed of songs and poems, songs of praise, of lament, of mourning, or thanksgiving. Being the longest book of the Bible, it would be impractical to repeat the book in its entirety here. Therefore, bits and snatches, and some entire chapters have been repeated here to whet the reader's appetite. It is recommended that the reader obtain a copy of the Holy Bible and read through the book of Psalms at least once to gain an appreciation of the music and prayers of the past.
Ps. 5:0 For the director of music. For flutes. A psalm of David. . . .
10Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you. 11But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. 12For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.Ps. 7:0 A shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning Cush, a Benjamite. . . .
17I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name
Ps. 8:0 For the director of music. According to gittith. A psalm of David.
1O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.Ps. 9:0 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "The Death of the Son." A psalm of David.
1I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. 2I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. . . . 10Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. 11Sing praises to the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done. 12For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not ignore the cry of the afflicted. . . . 18defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.Ps. 13:0 For the director of music. A psalm of David. . . .
5But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.Ps. 18:0 For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD. He sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:
1I love you, O LORD, my strength. . . . 48You exalted me above my foes; from violent men you rescued me. 49Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O LORD; I will sing praises to your name. 50He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever.The heavens declare the glory of God
Ps. 19:0 For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. . . . 14May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.Ps. 21:0 For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1O LORD, the king rejoices in your strength. How great is his joy in the victories you give! . . . 13Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might.Ps. 22:0 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "The Doe of the Morning." A psalm of David.
1My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?Ps. 27:5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
6Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. 7Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.The Lord is my strength and my shield
Ps. 28:6 Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy.
7The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. 8The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.Ps. 30:0 A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple. Of David.
1I will exalt you, O LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. 2O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. 33O LORD, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down into the pit. 4Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name. 5For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. . . . 11You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.Ps. 31:0 For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.Ps. 32:6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.
7You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah 8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. 9Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. 10Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. 11Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!Ps. 33:1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
2Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. 3Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. 4For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.Ps. 40:0 For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
1I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. 4Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.Ps. 42:0 For the director of music. A maskil of the Sons of Korah.
1As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. 2My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? 3My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" 4These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. 5Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and 6my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon --from Mount Mizar. 7Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. 8By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me-- a prayer to the God of my life. 9I say to God my Rock, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?" 10My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, "Where is your God?" 11Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.Ps. 43:3 Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.
4Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. 5Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.Ps. 45:0 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "Lilies." Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil. A wedding song.
1My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.The music of the strings makes you glad
Ps. 45:7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.
8All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad. 9Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir. . . . 17I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.Ps. 46:0 For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth. A song.
1God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.Clap your hands all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy
Ps. 47:0 For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.
1Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. 2How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth! 3He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet. 4He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved. Selah 5God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets. 6Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. 7For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. 8God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. 9The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.Ps. 48:0 A song. A psalm of the Sons of Korah.
1Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain.Ps. 49:0 For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.
1Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world, 2both low and high, rich and poor alike: 3My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding. 4I will turn my ear to a proverb; with the harp I will expound my riddle: . . .Ps. 51:0 For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.
1Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. . . . 13Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. 14Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. . . . 19Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.Ps. 52:0 For the director of music. A maskil of David. When Doeg the Edomite had gone to Saul and told him: "David has gone to the house of Ahimelech."
1Why do you boast of evil, you mighty man? Why do you boast all day long, you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God?Ps. 53:0 For the director of music. According to mahalath. A maskil of David.
1The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good.Ps. 54:0 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil of David. When the Ziphites had gone to Saul and said, "Is not David hiding among us?"
1Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might.Ps. 57:0 For the director of music. [To the tune of] "Do Not Destroy." Of David. A miktam. When he had fled from Saul into the cave.
1Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. . . . 6They spread a net for my feet-- I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path-- but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah 7My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. 8Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. 9I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 10For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 11Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.Ps. 58:0 For the director of music. [To the tune of] "Do Not Destroy." Of David. A miktam.
1Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge uprightly among men?Ps. 59:0 For the director of music. [To the tune of] "Do Not Destroy." Of David. A miktam. When Saul had sent men to watch David's house in order to kill him.
1Deliver me from my enemies, O God; protect me from those who rise up against me. . . . 15They wander about for food and howl if not satisfied. 16But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. 17O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.Ps. 60:0 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "The Lily of the Covenant." A miktam of David. For teaching. When he fought Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah, and when Joab returned and struck down twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.
1You have rejected us, O God, and burst forth upon us; you have been angry --now restore us!Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I
Ps. 61:0 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.
1Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. 2From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. 4I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Selah 5For you have heard my vows, O God; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. 6Increase the days of the king's life, his years for many generations. 7May he be enthroned in God's presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him. 8Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day.Ps. 63:4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
5My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. 6On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. 7Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. 8My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.Ps. 65:0 For the director of music. A psalm of David. A song.
1Praise awaits you, O God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled. 2O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come. 3When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions. 4Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple. 5You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, 6who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength, 7who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations. 8Those living far away fear your wonders; where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy. 9You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. 10You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops. 11You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. 12The grasslands of the desert overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. 13The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing.Ps. 66:0 For the director of music. A song. A psalm.
1Shout with joy to God, all the earth! 2Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! 3Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. 4All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name." Selah 5Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf!May the Lord bless us and make His face shine upon us
Ps. 67:0 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm. A song.
1May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, Selah 2that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. 3May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. 4May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah 5May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. 6Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us. 7God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.Sing to God, sing praise to His name
Ps. 68:0 For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. A song.
1May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him. 2As smoke is blown away by the wind, may you blow them away; as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God. 3But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.Ps. 69:0 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "Lilies." Of David.
1Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. . . . 10When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn; 11when I put on sackcloth, people make sport of me. 12Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of the drunkards. 13But I pray to you, O LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation. . . . 29I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me. 30I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. 31This will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs. . . . 34Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them, 35for God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. Then people will settle there and possess it; 36the children of his servants will inherit it, and those who love his name will dwell there.Ps. 71:21 You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.
22I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. 23My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you-- I, whom you have redeemed. 24My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long, for those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion.Ps. 75:0 For the director of music. [To the tune of] "Do Not Destroy." A psalm of Asaph. A song.
1We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds. . . . 8In the hand of the LORD is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices; he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs. 9As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob. 10I will cut off the horns of all the wicked, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.Ps. 76:0 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of Asaph. A song.
1In Judah God is known; his name is great in Israel. . . . 12He breaks the spirit of rulers; he is feared by the kings of the earth.Ps. 77:0 For the director of music. For Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A psalm.
1I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. . . . 5I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; 6I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired: 7"Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again?Ps. 78:62 He gave his people over to the sword; he was very angry with his inheritance.
63Fire consumed their young men, and their maidens had no wedding songs; 64their priests were put to the sword, and their widows could not weep.Ps. 80:0 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "The Lilies of the Covenant." Of Asaph. A psalm.
1Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth . . . 19Restore us, O LORD God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.Ps. 81:0 For the director of music. According to gittith. Of Asaph.
1Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob! 2Begin the music, strike the tambourine, play the melodious harp and lyre. 3Sound the ram's horn at the New Moon, and when the moon is full, on the day of our Feast; 4this is a decree for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob.Ps. 84:0 For the director of music. According to gittith. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.
1How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty! . . . 12O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.Ps. 87:0 Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. A song.
1He has set his foundation on the holy mountain; . . . 6The LORD will write in the register of the peoples: "This one was born in Zion." Selah 7As they make music they will sing, "All my fountains are in you."Ps. 88:0 A song. A psalm of the Sons of Korah. For the director of music. According to mahalath leannoth. A maskil of Heman the Ezrahite.
1O LORD, the God who saves me, day and night I cry out before you.Ps. 89:0 A maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.
1I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. 2I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself. . . . 11The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it. 12You created the north and the south; Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name. 13Your arm is endued with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted.Ps. 90:13 Relent, O LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants.
14Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. 15Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.Ps. 92:0 A psalm. A song. For the Sabbath day.
1It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, 2to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, 3to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. 4For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands. 5How great are your works, O LORD, how profound your thoughts!Let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation
Ps. 95:1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. 3For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.Ps. 96:1 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.
2Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. 3Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 4For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. 5For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. 6Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary. 7Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 8Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. 9Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. 10Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns." The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. 11Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; 12let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; 13they will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth.Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains shout for joy
Ps. 98:0 A psalm.
1Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. 2The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. 3He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. 4Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; 5make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, 6with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn-- shout for joy before the LORD, the King. 7Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. 8Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; 9let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.Ps. 100:1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.Ps. 101:0 Of David. A psalm.
1I will sing of y