In this chapter David organizes the musicians for the house of God, assigning their duties by lot as he did for the other Levites.
“David and the chiefs of the service also set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who prophesied with lyres, with harps, and with cymbals. [the sons of Heman] were all under the direction of their father in the music in the house of the Lord with cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the order of the king. The number of them along with their brothers, who were trained in singing to the Lord, all who were skillful, was 288. And they cast lots for their duties, small and great, teacher and pupil alike.” (v1a,6-8)
If you think the name Asaph is familiar, that’s possibly because you’ve read through Psalms. This family name appears on twelve of the psalms: 50, 73-83. These people and their brothers, who are Levites, were allocated the duty of sung worship and prophecy in the house of God. These families of talented musicians were part of the entire tabernacle/temple experience, similar to how we have worship bands to this day.
I was once told I couldn’t carry a tune in a hand basket, but the same would not be said of these people whose (spiritual) gifting was clearly music. David himself was a talented musician, so I’m sure he enjoyed organizing these families for service in God’s house – this task was music to his ears.
When I used to hear the word “worship”, I used to think of music/singing. However, an important reminder for me is that music is one of many ways in which we can worship God. All forms of service to humanity, and use of our spiritual gifts for God’s glory, can be considered worship – anything we do in obedience to God, to honor and glorify Him, is praising His name.
I encourage us to worship God every single day, in one way or another – it doesn’t have to be the same every day. In fact, I strongly suggest mixing it up so the worship doesn’t become stale or ritualistic. Maybe today we can worship Him with a song, tomorrow we can support a homeless shelter, and maybe we’ll help a friend in need the day after – the options are virtually limitless. The point is that we seek to obey Jesus’ teachings, fulfilling the two greatest commandments, and honoring and glorifying God in the process. However we choose to worship, let’s do so with our entire being (our heart, soul, strength and mind).
Father God, our Holy and Sovereign Lord, You alone are worthy of praise. Father thank you for countless examples of how we can worship You. Thank you for creating hearts of praise within us, so we may worship You. May all of our words and actions praise Your holy name, and be lights unto this world of darkness. All honor, glory, thanksgiving and praise be unto You, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training