Jubal's Lyre: Organization and Skills Matter

While the biblical figure David is often recognized as a gifted poet and musician, he was also skilled as an organizer and administrator, especially in musical practice. As we continue our series on music in the Bible, there is much we can apply to our own Salvation Army ways. While David’s era is so very different from ours, there are yet principles and examples we can apply even in our broadly volunteer tradition versus what David structured — a highly trained group of sacred, professional musicians within the tribe of Levi. The Lord granted David the vision to organize worship in the Tabernacle, laying the foundations for music in the Temple, and thereby projecting for the future. The application to our situation today may or may not be obvious, but as the title of this brief sharing says: organization and skills matter.

In 1 Chronicles 6 we read that David appointed men to oversee music in the Tent of the Presence after the Ark of the Covenant had been brought to Jerusalem. Quite a lengthy list is provided of “the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the Lord after the ark came to rest there,” (v 31). These leaders “ministered with music before the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, until Solomon built the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem,” (v 32a).

Among the key musicians listed were the families of Kohath, Asaph, and Merari. Further detail is shared in 1 Chronicles 15:16-22. This includes the establishment of a musical “corps” for the Tent of the Presence and eventually the Temple. David ordered the Levites to install musicians, “kinsman who were players skilled.” In particular, the model “kapellmeister” (chapel music master) was Kenaniah, the precentor, or choir master, in charge of the music “because of his proficiency.” Yes, he was given that task due to his God-given talents and skills.

1 Chronicles 16:1-6 speaks of David ordaining the offering of thanks and establishing regular worship before the Ark of the Covenant. He ensures that instruments — notably trumpets and cymbals — are set for sacred song. He eventually will also order the making of a large inventory of musical instruments.

By King Solomon’s reign (see 1 Chronicles 23:1-5) there were 4000 musicians set aside “for the service of praise.” They were liable for duty both day and night and lodged in rooms set apart for them. Within the Temple rite (1 Chronicles 25:1-8), prophecy was proclaimed to the accompaniment of harps, lutes, and cymbals — all instruments David deeply cared for and provided to be made for use in sacred worship. The administration became so structured that master musicians and apprentices worked side by side — training at its best. We also read about “conservatories” surrounding Jerusalem for the further, continuous training of new talent, both women and men.

So, as we examine our own Salvation Army musical practices, may we be guided by David’s example to secure the very best musicians, skilled as leaders and administrators, to install in places of worship leadership. We will hopefully avoid granting leadership to those who might have an “artistic temperament” but no real organizational gifts. We might not rival the Temple in musical splendor, but we can do our best in praising our Lord through well-organized, skillfully offered music.