LET'S SING

Job 38:7

Where singing started is probably obscure, but if not the first mention --- it is among the first, and that is in Job 38:7 "When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" It seems to follow the "foundation of the earth", Job 38:4, 7. The earth's creation is mentioned in Genesis 1:1-2.

Such a spectacle would stir emontions to such an extent that joyous words and emotional sounds would jet forth.

Singing is connected "with joy", Isaiah 35:2. Singing is noted as "the voice of melody", Isaiah 51:3. Ephesians 5:19 and Isaiah 23:16 make mention of "melody"or"sweet melody" in connection with singing. The words of a song are meaningful, of course; but the melody accompanies and enhances the song.

The Psalmist David was a great singer and harpist,I Samuel 16:22-23. The Psalms were, and are, sung as songs in entirety or as parts.

The Temple service was copiously treated with singing and instrumental accompanyment. The church came by singing rather naturally;following the Lord's Supper they went out and "sung an hymn," Matthew 26:30. There seems to be dual purpose in singing Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs : (1) we thus speak to ourselves,but (2) we make melody in our hearts "to the Lord;", Ephesians 5:19-20.

James concludes those who are"merry"or cheerful should sing psalms, James 5:13; Ephesians 5:19-20.

Wise is the church that sings the grand old songs of the saints. Wise is he who heeds the message of the songs and hymns. Singing is an 'artful' talent. DDH.