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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

ritual use of music, ancient Israelite worship, Hebrew Bible

College

Humanities

Department

Asian and Near Eastern Languages

Abstract

Music was an important part of the ancient Israelite worship experience. The Hebrew Bible includes multiple references to music, including verses which specifically associate music with prophecy and temple ritual. Within the Israelite religious hierarchy, certain Levites were set apart as musicians to aid worshippers in keeping divine commands to remember and offer thanksgiving to the LORD. A Levitical choir and orchestra, composed of lyres, harps, cymbals, and trumpets accompanied the daily sacrifices at the temple. The psalms accompanied these ritual acts as the Israelites gathered in holy places and invoked the name of the LORD. Israelite worshippers sang songs of ascent as they journeyed up to the house of the LORD as well as joined with the Levitical choir in shouts of praise at the conclusion of the sacrifices. Music was a medium through which the Israelites were able to worship, expressing thanks and praise. The musical experience served as a conduit of communication between the LORD and his children.

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