Just like the other temple responsibilities, the musicians were also organized in their duties by the choosing of lot what they would do. In this process there are several side notes that I find interesting.
1) They Prophesied with the Music
We have such an interesting side note about their worship. We know that the temple worship was one of celebration with cymbals and music and such, but it’s interesting that prophesying was involved in this too:
“…prophesying to the accompaniment of lyres, giving thanks and praise to the LORD” (1 Chr 25:3)
I think there was a much richer understanding of the prophetic in the Old Testament than we understand. It wasn’t just prediction the future or confronting people. But there was a prophetic in worship as well. I’ve seen this in prayer rooms before but it would be interesting to know what it looked like here in temple worship.
2) They were Led by their Fathers
Each household was in a sense led out by the fathers of that household/clan:
“All these men were under their own fathers’ authority for the music in the LORD’s temple, with cymbals, harps and lyres for the service of God’s temple” (1 Chr 25:6)
It was the fathers who took the leadership and authority with their sons in the ministry of music. The fathers played an important role.
3) They were well-trained and skillful
This wasn’t just a casual worship but a worship with skill and excellence. It was a family affair in which they were all taught and taught well:
“They numbered 288 together with their relatives who were al trained and skillful in music for the LORD” (1 Chr 25:7)
4) The Elderly and the Children had roles too
In so many situations the elderly and the children are set aside. But it appears that they too had roles and responsibilities according to their abilities:
“They cast lots for their duties, young and old alike, teacher as well as pupil” (Lev 25:8).
This is such an interesting little detail. There was not retirement nor was their just a setting aside of the children. Everyone of the Levites who were called to be musicians had a responsibility.
Summary
There was much more to the music than just singing. It was a vital role, came with organization and roles and duties, young and old were participants as well, and it was joyful and skilled.
This chapter gives us a little peak into that time. But clearly it was a role that had high value which we would do well to practice with the same value.
