Topical Bible: Entertainments: Concluded With a Hymn

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In the context of biblical and early Christian practices, the concept of concluding entertainments or gatherings with a hymn holds both historical and spiritual significance. Hymns, as expressions of worship and devotion, have been integral to the Judeo-Christian tradition, serving as a means to glorify God, teach doctrine, and unify believers.

Biblical Precedents

The practice of singing hymns is well-documented in the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, the Book of Psalms serves as a hymnal for the Israelites, with many psalms intended for public worship and private devotion. King David, a central figure in the composition of the Psalms, often used music and song to express his faith and lead the people in worship (e.g., Psalm 95:1-2: "Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation! Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him in song.").

In the New Testament, hymns continue to play a vital role in the life of the early church. Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn after the Last Supper, before proceeding to the Mount of Olives (Matthew 26:30: "And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives."). This instance highlights the use of hymns as a means of concluding significant gatherings with a focus on God.

Early Christian Practice

The early Christians adopted and expanded upon the Jewish tradition of hymnody. The Apostle Paul encouraged the use of hymns in communal worship and personal edification. In Ephesians 5:19 , Paul writes, "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord." Similarly, in Colossians 3:16 , he exhorts believers, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."

These passages underscore the importance of hymns in fostering a spirit of unity and gratitude among believers. Hymns were not only a form of worship but also a tool for teaching and reinforcing theological truths.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

Concluding entertainments or gatherings with a hymn serves multiple purposes. Spiritually, it redirects the focus of the participants from the temporal to the eternal, reminding them of God's presence and sovereignty. Culturally, it reinforces the identity of the community as one centered on Christ and His teachings.

In many Christian traditions, hymns are used to conclude services, meetings, and even social gatherings, providing a moment of reflection and worship. This practice aligns with the biblical emphasis on integrating faith into all aspects of life, ensuring that even moments of leisure and entertainment are infused with a sense of divine purpose.

Conclusion

The tradition of concluding entertainments with a hymn is deeply rooted in biblical and early Christian practices. It serves as a reminder of the centrality of worship in the life of believers and the importance of maintaining a God-centered focus in all activities. Through hymns, Christians are able to express their faith, teach one another, and unite in a shared expression of devotion to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 14:26
And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Hymns of Hope and Consolation.
... be sung again except at antique entertainments, but it ... his last advice, he invariably
concluded with the ... great evangelists ended like the ending of the hymn". ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter xiv hymns of hope.htm

Some More Particular Directions for Maintaining Continual ...
... This address of praise may properly be concluded with an ... as above; then to read a
hymn, or psalm ... on earth; but, O my soul, diviner entertainments and nobler ...
/.../chapter xix some more particular.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... if there were nothing else but these from morning to night within me, and as though
indeed there could be room for nothing else; and also concluded, that God ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm