Lesson 23: Case Study I: Instrumental Music

Texts: 2 Samuel 6:5, 21; 1 Chronicles 15:16, 28; Psalm 33:1-3; Psalm 150; Matthew 26:30; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Revelation 5:8, 14:2

Questions for Discussion & Study

1. Describe the music used in Old Testament worship. 2. Answer the next five questions from Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16

   • 3. What is the goal of music in worship?
   • 4. What are the three types of songs? How are they different?
   • 5. Is vocal or instrumental music specified? Explain.
   • 6. Is there anything in these verse that would oppose the use of solo singers or special choirs? Explain.
   • 7. What does it mean to “make melody?” Where must one “make melody?” Case Study: Church Music A Look at Singing If we agree that singing is authorized, what is included in the command? Item Included? Explain Sing from memory Sing psalms from Yes No the Bible Song leader Leaderless singing Tuning fork or Yes No pitch pipe Four part Yes No harmony Patriotic songs What choices regarding church music are left to us? Case Study: Church Music Arguing for Instruments How would you answer the following arguments for the instrument based on your study in this lesson? Give scriptures with your answer.
   • 1. An instrument is an aid to help keep pitch, like a pitch pipe, and tempo, like a song leader.

2. We are to sing psalms and David played instruments with psalms.

3. There are instruments in the Old Testament and in heaven in the book of Revelation. Why not in the church which is in between these periods?

4. We deny those who have a gift of playing to praise the Lord in that way.