David loved music and was personally interested in the ministry of singers and instrumentalists. Out of the thirty-eight thousand Levites existing in his days, four thousand were set apart to praise the Lord with musical instruments (1 Chronicles 23:5) and 288 were chosen as singers in the Temple (1 Chronicles 25:7).

In order to perform their sacred duties during public worship, the singers needed to be under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Hence, it was said that they were chosen "for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals" (1 Chronicles 25:1). They should compose and sing hymns that lead people closer to God.

The singers were chosen from the descendants of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun. These three men were seers of the king, ie, acted as his advisers.  According to 1 Chronicles 23:5, 2 Chronicles 29:30 and 35:15,  Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun were the coordinators of the twenty-four groups of singers, headed by their children.

Professional musicians who served in the Temple belonged to the Levites. This meant that they were supported with the resources of tithes and offerings brought by worshipers. This ongoing financial provision allowed them to devote themselves fully to their noble function and resulted in a quality service. Their musical compositions were not aimed at pleasing popular taste, but at honoring God.

Blessed are the musicians who, through their talents and their faithfulness to the Lord, make our spiritual journey more joyful and meaningful.

While not all of us are professional musicians, we are all invited to praise God and give glory to Him through our way of life!

Lord, revive the praises in the midst of Your people, by the inspiration of Your Spirit.

Jobson Santos
Adventist Media Center
Brazil