Nehemiah 12:9-24 - Homiletics

Sacred singing.

Its place in public worship at the tabernacle and the temple, from David onward, if not earlier. The careful arrangements made for conducting it. Its place in the Christian Church, in which it was prominent from the first. Pliny's testimony.

I. Its DESIGN . Not the glorification of poets, organists, or choirs, or the musical entertainment of the people; but—

1. The united praise of God. Of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. This chiefly, not this only, or many of cur best hymns would have to be condemned.

2. The benefit of the congregation. Of the Christians worshipping, and of others present. Promoting devout feelings, and impressing great truths on the heart. In Ephesians 5:19 ; Colossians 3:16 , a distinctly didactic purpose seems, notwithstanding adverse criticism, to be reeognised.

II. The QUALIFICATIONS it requires. Besides the physical and the musical, and far above them in nature and importance.

1. Understanding of what is sung ( 1 Corinthians 14:15 ).

2. Faith. In the object of worship, the truths uttered, the Mediator ( Hebrews 11:6 ; Hebrews 13:15 ).

3. Devout feelings. Reverence, humility, gratitude, love, joy in God.

4. Unity with fellow-worshippers ( Romans 15:5 , Romans 15:6 ). Mutual harmony is essential to harmonious praise. Anger, envy, alienation, hinder united worship, spoil the best singing.

III. The DUTY OF THOSE WHO PROVIDE FOR OR CONDUCT IT . Such as ( Colossians 3:12 ) are "over the thanksgiving" are to regard themselves not as performers exhibiting their own skill, but as ministers of Christ and the congregation, to worship with their brethren, and aid them in worshipping God. The composition and choice of hymns and tunes, and the style of playing and singing, are all to be subordinate to this end. If this seem to require of composers, organists, and choirs some sacrifice of credit, it confers on them a far higher dignity than they could otherwise reach, and secures them a richer recompense now and hereafter.

IV. THE DUTY OF CONGREGATIONS IN RESPECT TO IT .

1. To take part in the worship. In heart, if not with voice.

2. To unite, if capable, in the singing itself. The singing at the temple appears to have been chiefly choral; that of the Christian Church should be congregational. All are as Levites, "to praise and to give thanks," unless physically incapacitated. The benefits of the service depend much on the union of the many in it.

3. To qualify themselves, therefore, as far as possible for the exercise. That "with one mouth" ( Romans 15:6 ), as well as "one mind," all may "glorify God." The subject requires more thought and care by ministers and congregations than it sometimes receives.