The following is a worship profile from the Praise and Worship Study Bible published by Tyndale House. It is a very good study Bible, and I highly recommend it to all who want to learn more about biblical praise and worship. Let's take a look today at the worship of Asaph and the Descendants of Korah, and find out what we can learn from their example.
Music has an amazing power over us. It can haunt us, transport us, inspire or elate us. It's hard to imagine a world without music. In the same way, it's difficult to imagine worship without singing. Thankfully, we can praise our Maker with music, and the Bible shows us what an integral part music can play in our worship.
When the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem, King David charged the Levites to appoint a choir to sing joyful songs. These songs were to be accompanied by musical instruments. Among the musicians for the choir was Asaph son of Berekiah, who played the cymbals (1 Chronicles 15:19; 16:5) and penned a number of psalms (Psalms 50; 73-83). The descendants of Korah were another important group of worship leaders, and twelve psalms are ascribed to them (Psalms 42-49; 84-85; 87-88). These Temple singers and musicians helped to foster a spirit of worship and praise among their fellow Israelites.
Temple Musicians as Worshipers
The Temple musicians did not accept their duties casually. They made a lifetime commitment to serve God through music and then passed their musical skills from one generation to the next. Centuries after King David's reign, 128 descendants of Asaph returned from the Babylonian exile to participate in the restoration of the Temple and its worship. That family line of Temple musicians survived for almost five hundred years through very difficult circumstances.
Learning From the Temple Musicians
In their worship, Asaph and his fellow Levites were very concerned with both order and appearance. Each musician was assigned duties, and each played a unique and integral part. The Levites also worshiped by means of their physical appearance, dressing in robes of fine linen (1 Chronicles 15:27) to symbolize the purity required of them. Obviously they desired to please the Lord in all aspects of their worship.
At many of the great moments in Israel's history--the moving of the Ark to Jerusalem, the dedication of the Temple, Hezekiah's purification of the Temple, and the rebuilding of the Temple foundation--the people celebrated and worshiped the Lord with instruments and song.
Following the Example
Let music enhance your worship this week. Sing out as you worship at church. For your personal devotions, find a hymnbook and a place where you can be alone to sing. If you play a musical instrument or lead worship at church, consider the diligent preparation of the Temple musicians, and offer to God your very best. Then lift your voice in song, and celebrate the greatness of our God.