Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, singers hold a significant role in the worship and cultural life of the Israelites. Their contributions are evident throughout the Old and New Testaments, where music and song are integral to religious ceremonies, celebrations, and expressions of faith.Old Testament The role of singers is prominently featured in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of temple worship. King David, known for his musical talent, organized the Levitical singers as part of the temple service. In 1 Chronicles 15:16, David instructs the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brethren as singers, "accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals—to raise sounds of joy." This organization of singers was a crucial aspect of the worship practices in the tabernacle and later in the temple built by Solomon. The book of Psalms, often referred to as the hymnbook of ancient Israel, contains numerous references to singing and music. Psalm 95:1 invites the faithful, "Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation!" This highlights the importance of singing as an expression of worship and reverence for God. Singers also played a vital role during significant events in Israel's history. For instance, after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, Miriam, the prophetess and sister of Aaron, led the women in song and dance to celebrate God's deliverance (Exodus 15:20-21). Similarly, during the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, Nehemiah organized two large choirs to give thanks, emphasizing the communal and celebratory nature of singing (Nehemiah 12:31-43). New Testament In the New Testament, singing continues to be an essential element of Christian worship. The early church incorporated hymns and spiritual songs into their gatherings. Ephesians 5:19 encourages believers to speak to one another "with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord." This reflects the continuity of singing as a means of edification and worship within the Christian community. The apostle Paul and Silas exemplify the power of singing in Acts 16:25 , where, despite being imprisoned, they "were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them." This account demonstrates the role of singing in maintaining faith and witnessing to others, even in challenging circumstances. Cultural and Spiritual Significance Singers in the Bible are not merely performers but are often seen as spiritual leaders who guide the congregation in worship. Their role is both functional and symbolic, representing the harmony and unity of God's people as they lift their voices in praise. Singing is portrayed as a divine gift that transcends mere human expression, serving as a conduit for spiritual connection and communal identity. Throughout the biblical narrative, singing is associated with joy, thanksgiving, and the proclamation of God's mighty acts. It is a means of teaching and reinforcing theological truths, as seen in the structured and poetic nature of many biblical songs and hymns. The legacy of biblical singers continues to influence Christian worship practices today, underscoring the timeless and universal nature of music as a form of worship. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SINGERS; SINGINGsing'-erz, sing'-ing: Singing seems to have become a regular profession at quite early date among the Hebrews. David had his troupe of "singing men and singing women" at Jerusalem (2 Samuel 19:35), and no doubt Solomon added to their numbers. Isaiah 23:16 suggests that it was not uncommon for foreign female minstrels of questionable character to be heard making "sweet melody," singing songs along the streets and highways of Judea. Nor was the worship of the temple left to the usually incompetent and inconstant leadership of amateur choristers. The elaborate regulations drawn up for the constitution of the temple orchestra and chorus are referred to under MUSIC (which see). It has been inferred from Ezra 2:65 that women were included among the temple singers, but this is erroneous, as the musicians there mentioned were of the class employed at banquets, festivals, etc. The temple choir consisted exclusively of Levites, one essential qualification of an active member of that order being a good voice. Strong's Hebrew 7891. shir -- to sing... 7890, 7891. shir. 7892 . to sing. Transliteration: shir Phonetic Spelling: (sheer) Short Definition: singers. Word Origin denominative ... /hebrew/7891.htm - 6k 2171. zammar -- singer 1960. huyyedoth -- songs of praise 7892a. shir -- song Library Christian Singers of Germany The Readers and Singers have no Right to Wear an Orarium... The Master-Singers The Minne-Singers Since in Certain Provinces it is Permitted to the Readers and ... But in the List we Also Find the Greatest of the Knightly Minne ... Christian Singers of Germany No Others Shall Sing in the Church, Save Only the Canonical ... Gregorian Church Music Walter Von Der Vogelweide Thesaurus Singers (41 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SINGERS; SINGING. ... See MUSIC; PRAISE; SONG; TEMPLE. James Millar. Multi-Version Concordance Singers (41 Occurrences). ... /s/singers.htm - 23k Men-singers (1 Occurrence) Porters (34 Occurrences) Doorkeepers (37 Occurrences) Gatekeepers (38 Occurrences) Singing (65 Occurrences) Asaph (47 Occurrences) Nethinims (15 Occurrences) Lyres (21 Occurrences) Lutes (16 Occurrences) Resources Why are the numbers in Ezra so different from those in Nehemiah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about women music ministers / worship leaders? | GotQuestions.org Who was the Asaph mentioned in the Book of Psalms? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Singers (41 Occurrences)Numbers 21:27 Judges 5:11 2 Samuel 19:35 1 Kings 10:12 1 Chronicles 9:33 1 Chronicles 15:16 1 Chronicles 15:19 1 Chronicles 15:27 2 Chronicles 5:12 2 Chronicles 5:13 2 Chronicles 9:11 2 Chronicles 20:21 2 Chronicles 29:28 2 Chronicles 35:15 2 Chronicles 35:25 Ezra 2:41 Ezra 2:65 Ezra 2:70 Ezra 7:7 Ezra 7:24 Ezra 10:24 Nehemiah 7:1 Nehemiah 7:44 Nehemiah 7:67 Nehemiah 7:73 Nehemiah 10:28 Nehemiah 10:39 Nehemiah 11:22 Nehemiah 11:23 Nehemiah 12:28 Nehemiah 12:29 Nehemiah 12:42 Nehemiah 12:45 Nehemiah 12:46 Nehemiah 12:47 Nehemiah 13:5 Nehemiah 13:10 Psalms 68:25 Psalms 87:7 Ecclesiastes 2:8 Ezekiel 40:44 Subtopics Related Terms |
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