Of Psalms and Instruments and the Sound That Maketh Glad the Heart

The Voice of Music in the Assembly

And it came to pass in the days of David the king, that he appointed singers unto the house of the Lord, and musicians skilled in stringed instruments, in psalteries and harps and cymbals, to give praise unto the God of Israel (1 Chronicles 15:16).

And the Spirit of the Lord did move among them, and the sound of praise was heard in Zion.

Of Instruments Ancient and Sacred

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands;
Serve the Lord with gladness:
Come before His presence with singing (Psalm 100:1–2).

The sons of Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were set apart for the ministry of song. They played with timbrels, tabrets, horns, and lyres. The breath and the hand together lifted melodies of worship and of lament, of rejoicing and of war.

And the sound of the trumpet was blown on the holy days, and the harp resounded in the temple courts. Yea, even the cymbals rang aloud when the ark of the covenant was brought forth (2 Samuel 6:5; Psalm 150).

Of Modern Instruments and the Echo of the Ancient

In these latter days, there hath arisen an instrument of strange and soothing sound, shaped like unto a shield, wrought by hands of skill. It is called among men the handpan, for it is smitten with the palm, and it speaketh in tones both bright and deep.

Though it was not among the instruments of old, yet its voice is of peace, and its sound draweth the soul to stillness. And many do sit in quietness, and meditate on the Lord while the handpan uttereth its soft speech.

Its music is as the wind upon the waters, or as the hush before the voice of God.

A Sound for the Sanctuary

Can a new song be offered unto the Lord? Yea, saith the Psalmist:
“Sing unto Him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise” (Psalm 33:3).

So let every instrument, whether ancient or new, be consecrated unto praise. Let the strings and the steel, the breath and the hand, offer worship unto the One who made the heavens.

Let the handpan, though it be a vessel of recent craft, sound forth in holiness. Let it join the company of the lyre, the harp, the timbrel, and the trumpet.

Praise ye the Lord with the sound of the trumpet:
Praise Him with the psaltery and harp.
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance:
Praise Him with stringed instruments and organs.
Praise Him upon the loud cymbals:
Praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals.
Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord.
Praise ye the Lord (Psalm 150:3–6).