I was curious about who helped David designate the divisions of musicians in verse 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: Why would the commanders of the army have a say in this matter?
So I did some digging. Most translations use the phrase commanders of the army or an equivalent. Of the major translations from the original languages only the ESV chooses a different wording chiefs of the service. I did a bit more digging. It seems that the most straightforward translation is commander or captain of the army. However, the words used could have a broader meaning like ‘chief leader’. Thinking through David’s life, he leaned heavily on Joab, the leader of his army, for advice and counsel well beyond military strategy. So it seems likely to me that David turned to Joab and other trusted men of his military as his inner circle of counsel.
The important sense for me is that David had trusted advisors. True, they were also trusted military men, but given David spent much of his early life running from Saul and then establishing his kingship through battle with Philistines and others, it is not a surprise that military minded people became his inner circle.
Stepping out of history into devotion, God whispers, “Who are your trusted advisors, Bill? Who do you lean upon when you have weighty decisions to make? Who has your ear?...”
Advisors and counselors are so important. Who we listen to matters…
Who are you listening to???
Are they people who will move you closer to the Lord, or separate you from the Lord?
The Lord probes my inner being…
As I was researching above I happened across this comment in my Tyndale Commentary on the verse:
The arrangements for the musicians, the first of the specialist groups of Levites, are now given. Music was of the highest importance in Israelite worship, as is clear from many parts of the Old Testament, notably the Psalms. The Levitical musicians’ role in leading and directing worship was crucial, for it was they who encouraged the people to worship God with conviction, harmony, and vitality. David’s organization prepared for the Levites’ leading of worship in Solomon’s temple, as illustrated by the temple dedication service when the great Levitical orchestra and choir made their declaration: ‘He is good; his love endures for ever’ (2 Chr. 5:12-14; 7:1-6; cf. 1 Chr. 15-16).
This sparked thoughts about music in worship. Music is so important to worship. Music is not the whole of worship… there is attending to God’s Word, and prayer and quiet space for God to speak. But absolutely music and song is crucial.
Music for worship needs to transport us to the Lord. It is, after all, the Lord we worship. We do not worship ourselves or anything in creation. As the commentator above noted, the Levites drew the people together and they sang:
He [God] is good; his love endures forever…
The Lord God is the focus, our focus, in worship!
Having just participated in worship yesterday, I am so thankful for the church I attend and the worship leadership who constantly points us to the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
May God be forever praised by my lips. May the Lord’s songs be ever on my heart and mind! And Lord, I pray that You help me surround myself with godly voices who counsel me and push me and draw me closer
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