Psalm 150
MUSIC IN THE PATRIARCHAL, MOSAIC AND CHRISTIAN DISPENSATIONS
The Bible is divided into two divisions, commonly referred to as the Old and New Testaments. Although both Testaments are similar in nature, they do possess stark differences. These two Testaments actually cover three different religious periods–the Patriarchal, Mosaic and Christian Dispensations. IMPORTANT NOTE: Many Bible students are unfamiliar with the fact that mechanical instruments of music are almost as old as the human race. The evidence is provided in Genesis 4:21. The purpose of this lesson is to reveal how mechanical instruments of music fit into the worship of these three religious periods. 1Peter 4:11 is the basic text of this lesson.
The Patriarchal Dispensation was the first of the three periods of God-ordained religion. There was no written law at this time. God’s will was revealed through dreams, visions, and angels (Gen.12:7; 15:1; 19:1; Heb.1:1-2). Under this dispensation the father served as both priest and primary teacher (Gen.8:20;12:7-8;18:16-20; Job1:5). Genesis 4:21 falls under the Patriarchal Dispensation. Worship primarily consisted of animals sacrificed upon altars and prayer (Gen.22:5). Adam, Cain, Abel, Noah, Job, and Abraham qualified as patriarchs. Although mechanical instruments of music were in existence during this period, there is not one verse that indicates that they were used in the patriarch’s worship. Job witnessed the wicked using them for pleasure and parties (Job 21:7-12), yet, he never admitted to using them.
Since the nature of man will never change, contrary to the evil of evolution, it is highly probable that some who lived during Job’s day had better singing voices than others. The majority of good singing voices among us is the result of genetics, being passed on from generation to generation. Still, there is no example presented in Scripture of choirs or solos highlighting anyone’s singing ability during the days of Adam, Job, Noah and Abraham.
Please re-visit Genesis 22:5-7. Abraham reveals the “how,” “when,” and “what” of worship during his day. His expressed purpose was to go worship. Even his son was familiar with the materials used and the manner of his worship. No reference is made to singing or mechanical instruments. NOTE: Unlike the two dispensations that succeeded it, there is no indication that the Patriarchal Dispensation restricted any particular day as a day of worship.
The next dispensation is known as the Mosaic, so called because God revealed this Covenant through His faithful servant Moses. This dispensation’s beginning is recorded in Exodus 12 with the institution of the Passover. Jehovah then revealed the Ten Commandments, the first written instructions from God to mankind (Exd.20:1-17;31:17). Animal sacrifices were brought over into this Covenant (Exd.21:24-26). However, the priesthood changed under this dispensation (Exd.28:1); the Lord restricted the priesthood to one family (Exd.40:12-16); He also restricted the animal sacrifices to one place (Lev.17:1-9). The law of Sabbath-keeping was instituted as well (Exd.20:8-9); this law the patriarchs were not required to keep (Deu.5:1-14). Circumcision was also brought over into this Covenant (Gen.17:9-10;Lev.12:3; John7:22-23). For centuries thereafter the Jews were able to keep every aspect of the Covenant precisely the way the first recipients received it (Deu.6:1-2).
As one can see, there were some similarities between the first two Covenants; however, there are some noted differences between the two. Jehovah, not man, made the changes, then and when He brought forth the New Testament.
Christians are not required to offer animal sacrifices. Jesus, by offering Himself, took away the statute of animal sacrifices (Heb.10:1-12). Christians are required to be living sacrifices (Rom.12:1-2), which are spiritual in nature (Heb.13:15-16; 1Pet.2:5). Again, the nature of the priesthood changed (Heb.7:12); Jesus is the High Priest of this dispensation. All Christians constitute the priesthood (1Pet.2:5,9; Rev.1:6). Additionally, circumcision, also spiritual in nature, is not a New Testament requirement (Acts 15:1; Gal.5:1-11; Col. 2:11).
All Jewish males above the age of twelve were required to attend the three appointed feasts of the Lord (Exd.23:14-19). According to Luke 2:41-43, they were commanded to journey to Jerusalem. Observance of feasts or holy days is not required of God’s people today (Col.2:16).
Sabbath-keeping was a command applying exclusively to those who lived under the Law of Moses (Deu.5:1-15). Christians are not obligated to keep the Sabbath (Acts 20:7; Col.2:16). According to 1Corinthians 16:1-2, God changed the day of worship.
Polygamy was tolerated, not endorsed, under the first two dispensations (Gen.29-30;1Sam.1:1-8). Jesus re-instituted God’s original law as it pertains to marriage, divorce, and re-marriage (Matt.19:1-9; Rom.7:1-4; 1Cor.6:9-11). A man is allowed to have only one wife. Death or divorce for sexual unfaithfulness of any kind is the only biblical reason for re-marriage. This law is universal in its scope; it applies to all men, both saints and sinners.
THE CRUX OF THE LESSON: According to John 10:34, a reference to Psalm 82:6, the psalms are a part of the Law of Moses. Jesus stated this fact very plainly. He changed the Law (Heb.7:12;8:6-13), and today, we are commanded to heed His commands (Matt.17:5; Heb.1:1-2). There is not one part of the Old Testament to which Christians are subject. In fact, the Law of Moses is for our learning, not our law (Rom.15:4). Psalm 150, being a part of the Old Law, is not binding on God’s people today; it possesses the same authority as does circumcision (Gal.5:2). One cannot serve God under both Laws simultaneously (Gal.5:3).
It is a violation of Scripture to attempt to use a passage of Scripture to which one is not subject in an attempt to justify his religious practices (2Tim.2:15). This is exactly what occurred in Acts 15:1. Those who tried to force outdated, unenforceable commands on God’s people were met with stiff, heavenly-approved resistance, and rightly so. The same must occur in regard to Psalm 150. To be truthful, there is not a single verse in the New Testament that commands or sanctions mechanical instruments in worship. Please read Psalm 81:1-4; using mechanical instruments in worship was required of the Israelites. To make this command applicable to Christians is nothing short of spiritual treason.
1Chronicles 25:1-7 reveals a specific command given to specific individuals. Only certain priests were required to sing and play on instruments. 2Chronicles 5:12-14 gives us more insight concerning how the priests carried out their required functions. Note: Women were not used in these services. They all assembled in one place, dressed in identical attire, which resembles the choirs used by many today; their duties were limited to the temple. 2Chronicles 29:25-30 also reveals that their singing accompanied the animal sacrifices that were being offered. This is the commandment God gave King David and other prophets for those living under the Law of Moses.
The Law/Covenant’s being changed gives the Christian a new commandment in regard to what type of music is to be used in his worship (Eph.5:19; Col.3:16; Jms.5:13). Two apostles instruct us to do the same thing–sing and make melody in our hearts. This is the very message they received from the Holy Spirit (John 14:26,16:13). God is specific; He told Noah exactly what He wanted in regards to the construction of the ark (Gen.6:8-22); He gave Naaman specific commands regarding his leprosy (2Kng.5:1-14); He gave the priests specific commands regarding the type of music He wanted; today He gives the church specific commands concerning the type of music and songs He wants. He clearly commands the melody to be made in the heart of the saint, not on an instrument.
During the worship assembly every Christian is required to sing. The subjects and verbs in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 are plural in nature. This means that all Christians are to engage in the act of singing at the same time. The commands are also reciprocal in nature, this is the exact meaning of “one another.” This means that the parties involved must be engaged in the act at the same time in order to carry out the prescribed function. Christians reciprocate teaching and admonishing by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. How could this be accomplished if some Christians are quiet while others are singing? There is no such thing as proxy worship; in other words, one Christian cannot worship God in place of another Christian. This is exactly what takes place when some are singing while others are “enjoying” the performance. God does not care about talent, but compliance, when it comes to worship. Worship is not a time to showcase one’s singing ability, or any other talent, but to offer up sincere thanks through the acts God has ordained as worship. Affirmatively, worship is not intended for entertainment purposes, nor is it an emotional pep-rally.
If Psalm 150 allows for mechanical instruments and choirs in Christian worship, animal sacrifices and everything related to the Old Law (polygamy, all male priesthood, Sabbath keeping, etc.) are in force as well. There is no escaping the conclusion of such an argument. Galatians 5:3-4 is the ultimate antithesis to the Psalm 150 argument. (1) If one attempts to use one part of the Law of Moses to justify a religious practice, he is subject to the entire Law. (2) If one has given his allegiance to the Law of Moses, he cannot have a relationship with Christ. The command is to sing and make melody in one’s heart to the Lord.
Anything less than what God commands is vain/worthless worship (Matt.15:8-9). Dear reader, to whom will you give heed concerning this critically important matter, God and His Word, or man? The choice you make has eternal consequences. In light of the overwhelming, indisputable evidence provided, one should not conclude that this lesson is a matter of personal preference; in fact, the most reliable and trustworthy Witness one can find–the Almighty Himself,–provides the evidence, (1Peter 4:11).