1 Chronicles 25

As we enjoy the New Testament privileges of being priests to God and servants of the Lord, we are also permitted the joy of singing to God in worship. Paul tells the Ephesian church that one of the signs of fullness of the Holy Spirit in the church is that God's people will sing in the presence of one another and of God. How was it that singing became a part of divine worship? We have little evidence of any command to sing as a regular order of worship in the books of Moses. Only with David's institution of what would soon be temple worship do we hear about the establishment of a regular pattern of singing and playing instruments.

There were specific families set aside for this work. In 1 Chronicles 25 we are told that they “prophesied” in their singing under the direction of chosen leaders who served the king. This singing was a part of the ministry of the Word in the temple, and prophetic in that sense. It is the essence of prophets to bring the Word of God to the people. Men like Asaph did that with song.

Singing for the Lord was not a performance for men. These chosen servants “prophesied with the lyre in thanksgiving and praise to the Lord.” Their gifts were used for “the service of the house of God.” The group of singers from designated families were “trained” and “skillful.” Like the priests and Levites, the order of their service was determined through casting lots, giving God the opportunity to direct His servants as He saw fit.

The role of singing praise to God has been greatly expanded in New Testament life. Every family of worshipers is called to do their part in this privilege of praise.

As the prophets of old were filled with the Spirit and spoke the Word of the Lord among the Lord's people, now all the people of God can “prophesy” to God in the hearing of one another. This is a birthright of those who have been born of the Holy Spirit. It is one of the gifts that our Savior has won for His church.

There is ample evidence that singing is useful for our being built up in faith here on earth. But singing is not a temporary activity that will be eliminated at the coming of the Lord. Our brothers and sisters who already live in heaven serve God right now by using their voices in song. May the Lord empower us to join in their praise. May He fill us with delight as we take up our spots together in whole-church choirs of men, women, and children that sing to God all over the earth.