A biblical concept of worship involves praising God and giving Him glory with our lips and our lives, with our words and our deeds, with our physical bodies and our spiritual hearts. Worship that pleases God is authentic, offered with clean hands and a pure heart ( Psalm 24:3-4; Isaiah 66:2).
King David danced "before the Lord with all his might" ( 2 Samuel 6:14)
Revelation 5:8-11
twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they *sang a new song, saying, " Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals
Psalms 149:3 - Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. Psalms 150:1 - 127:6 - Praise ye the LORD
Luke 2:13-14
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased
Colossians 3:14-17
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
About that person who touched the ark and was struck dead by God ( 2 Samuel 6:5-7) named Uzzah, there was a commandment given to Moses by God, written in Numbers 4:15, "And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.". That means that only the sons of Kohalth were allowed to carry/touch the holly things (including the Arc), for the rest the penalty was death. GBU
2Samuel 6:14, the priests' ephod had stones Exodus 35:9,27, Exodus 25:7, Exodus 39:2,8,18, sounds very beautiful; gold, blue, purple, scarlet, fine twined linen, chains on the shoulders,
This Psalm goes through an early life experience of David; commentators state that the man mentioned verse 1 is one of Saul's "henchmen."
The Psalm asks for God's judgment in verse 6; hence is "impreccatory" in some ssense. It is more of a declaration of David's innocence and proclamation that if he has done anything amiss that he wished his enemies to overtake him (verses 3-5). Those sentiments made David a "man after God's own heart" ( 1 Samuel 13:14) at first; until the infamous Bathsheeba incident.
We should learn well from David's life as his own wishes for enemies to overtake him if he was at fault was part of the judgment after condemning Uriah an innocent man to death to get the woman he wanted.
Verses 11 through 16 show the general state of the wicked who are ensnared by their own sins (verse 15) as well as being judged by God (v. 13); the most extreme example of course being at Armageddon.
The last verse is praise according to God's attribute of righteousness. David was quick not only to repent with a "contrite and broken spirit" ( Psalm 51); but also praised God and even danced for him ( 2 Samuel 6:14-15). This sort of abandon seems unique among rulers in Israel and really cannot happen in a genuine manner without a heart that is of pure motive and open to the Lord's presence. That is a lesson we should take heed to as well.
Verse 14-Even though David was a king he danced with the common people. He shared in rejoicing with them. We want to try our best not to look down on people and to really treat everyone with respect.
2 Samuel 6:7 also records this event with Uzza. It is a natural reaction; to steady something about to fall and perhaps he should have known better. There were rules as to how to carry the Ark in Numbers 4; and other places on who was allowed to. In 1 Samuel 6:19 people also were slain for LOOKING into the Ark.
This is basically the same principle involved for those who would be in the inner Temple. Since this appears to be an unintentional sin; it is not at the same level of transgression as those who tried to enter that weren't supposed to be in there; let alone those that had "strange fire" ( Leviticus 10:1-11). The result may be the same; as to ending this earthly life; but the eternal results for those who are saved or unsaved surely wouldn't. Moses; in fact himself was warned by God that he wouldn't live if he viewed Him fully; as no man can see God (in the flesh) and live ( Exodus 33:20). It is this Holiness in God which we should strive for; now that in some sense He lives in us as a Temple or Tabernacle. ( 1 Cor. 6:19). This verse shows; in fact how for self careless living can lead to physical death ( 1 Cor. 11:27 and following verses); and could allude to those who martyr God's saints as well ( Psalm 116:15). See also Rev. 17:6; Rev. 6:9:11.
It truly is a profound thing for the eternal God to tabernacle with men. It is based on His grace; and His covenants in which ultimately in the New Covenant involved our redemption through His Son. ( Heb. 8:13; 9:15). This is; BTW the only way any old covenant is ended-God's covenants are eternal; and our vows for our lifetime and that of the other parties represented as to what was promised. God is ever faithful; even when we are not. ( Deut. 7:9) for context.
Hello Tonya. Psalm 68 is a wonderful Psalm of praise & victory. King David composed it probably based on the retrieval of the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obed-edom back to Jerusalem ( 2 Samuel 6:12), after David fought the Philistines to get to where the Ark was being stored. It was an extremely joyous time for all that the Ark was now back in Jerusalem, especially for David, who "danced before the LORD with all his might", probably ahead of a great procession of musicians & dancers.
Then to Psalm 68:11: "The LORD gave the word"; could well be the time when David enquired from the LORD, "Shall I go up to the Philistines?" (i.e. to fight against them to gain passage to recover the Ark - 2 Samuel 5:19). And the LORD said, "Go up".
"...great was the company of those that published it". There was a large group/procession of singers, musicians & dancers that helped bring home this great news of the Ark's recovery, heard by all from the noise of their celebrations (cf Psalm 68:25). And the Hebrew word that is seen for this particular company, is in the feminine gender, indicating that as was common in eastern celebrations, the women took the lead in those occasions (especially in song & dance). And remember, this was not the intimate dancing we see today on a dance floor, but dancing on the streets with joy before the Lord, stirring the hearts of the people to praise Him for this great deliverance, recovery & blessing.
1Samuel 15:9-35, 1st, is Haman in Esther the Agagite the result of this disobedience? Because 1Samuel 15:32, shows time passed, that Haman tried to have every Jewish person put to death & property, possessions taken Esther 3:6,9,12,13,
2nd, 1Samuel 13:9-13, 1Samuel 13:14, it was already promised to Saul his kingdom would not continue. GOD's WORD stands. 1Samuel 16:1, 1Samuel 18:17-28, 1Samuel 25:44,
3rd, 2Samuel 6:16, why wasn't she with them celebrating? 2Samuel 6:15,19, There's a point made here "as well to the women"._. 2Samuel 6:20, instead despising as David came to bless them. 1Chronicles 15:29,
4th, 1Samuel 18:16, 1Samuel 18:6-7, yet 2Samuel 3:13, he honored Saul & Michal, when he had choices
So David said to Michal, "It was before the LORD, who chose me instead of your father and all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel. Therefore I will play music before the LORD. And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight. But as for the maidservants of whom you have spoken, by them I will be held in honor." Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.
It was before the LORD: David didn't let Michal's sarcastic criticism ruin his day. He simply explained the truth: "I did it for God, not for you."
I will be humble in my own sight: What David did was humbling to Him. He didn't dance to show others how spiritual he was.
David would more and more abase himself before the Lord. He felt that whatever Michal's opinion of him might be, it could not be more humbling than his own view of himself.
Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death: Michal's barrenness was not necessarily the result of Divine judgment. It may be that David never had marital relations with her again.
David evaded Saul and was living in the hills many years. Absence does not make the heart finder.
While fleeing Saul, David married 3 other women and had children with them.
Note: a movie titled, King David, is going to be shown on YouTube in the near future. It's a good movie.
Why exsactly was Michal the daughter of Saul remain childless unto her death as it relate to the return of the ark of God , and the dancing of David before the Lord ?
It is amazing that only Uzzah died during the incident with the Ark of God. David the King, all the priest, scribes, and elders did not say anything about correctly transporting the Ark of God. When David goes to battle, he consults God. There is no indication that he asked God or the elders, priest, scribes about this. Not pointing fingers, just stating an opinion.
I don't claim to know why, I just marvel at the mercy and grace our God and King has towards us all.
HIRED ENTERTAINMENT vs BIBLICAL PRAISE and WORSHIP - In Reply on 1 Chronicles 9 - 2 years ago
1 Samuel 18:6
...... that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of music.
2 Samuel 6:5
And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.
2 Chronicles 5:13, 16 and 7:6
It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, For God is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;
Psalms 87:7, 68:25, 150:4
As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.
Amos 6:5
That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of music, like David;
Habakkuk 3:19
The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief SINGERS on my stringed instruments.
Genesis 30: 27-28
28 And he said, Appoint me thy Wages, and I will give it.
Comment: We live in different times. I think the members of the Church should praise the Lord as a group. Special songs should be free-will offerings. Sacrifice of Praise blesses God, as we see from scripture. He gave Israel victory over their enemies in battle, time after time.
However today, Churches are under pressure to hire professional bands and singers, which travel from church to church, and incur expenses.
You need to search this out, seek the counsel of your elders in your church. Discuss the budget. Also, do not neglect to teach the flock the power of Corporate Praise and Worship vs pew sitters. STAND and sing unto the Lord.
[9] Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations. [10] All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us? [11] Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. [12] How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! [13] For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: [14] I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. [15] Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
wow, that is a tough question? there is Jealousy in God therefore I would say that there is Jealously in heaven. King James Bible Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; New King James Version you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.
The Ephod, as described in Exodus 39 & other places, was an outer linen, short garment that the priests wore in their service in the Tabernacle. It was first to be worn by the High Priest ( Exodus 28:4: Aaron & his sons) & then later, worn by other priests ( 1 Samuel 22:18). However, we also see the Ephod being worn by King David ( 2 Samuel 6:14) & by Samuel ( 1 Samuel 2:18). Because of the intricacies of the garment (especially for the High Priest), it seems that the wearer of it came before God in representation of the people & a requirement to be able to conduct such ministry. The Urim & Thummim (special lots that were cast before God to ascertain His Will & Direction for the people) were held in pouches in the Ephod.
As well, there was instances of idolatry associated with the Ephod ( Judges 8:27, 17:5,6), as it was considered so holy as to be worshipped. Even today, in some 'high Churches', priests can be seen wearing distinctive outer clothing, with sashes & mitre resembling the priests of old. These are not the garments depicted in the New Testament as should be worn by Christians & are a poor reflection & understanding of biblical norms, rather serving to ascribe some sort of special privilege & holiness to the wearer.
Today, for the Christian, we might say that we come before God "in robes of righteousness", not of ourselves, but that given to us by virtue of Christ's death & what it accomplished for us. And being so clothed, we can come confidently before God as His children & in prayer. We are now His chosen generation & royal priesthood ( 1 Peter 2:9).
Praising the Lord with MusicMishael on Mark 5 - 3 years ago
Psalms 100:4
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
1 Samuel 18:6
And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.
2 Samuel 6:5
And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.
1 Chronicles 15:16
And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.
2 Chronicles 5:13
It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;
2 Chronicles 7:6
And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood.
Nehemiah 12:36
And his brethren, with the MUSICAL instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.
Psalms 68:25
The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels.
Psalms 87:7
As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.
2 samuel 6:14 15 14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might and David was girded with a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet. This is not directly, but music makes people move. Think of a concert people are dancing outrageous so you have to use your imagination of their dancing.
I know no one was suppose to touch the ark but I don't understand why God killed Uzzah when he was just trying to keep the ark from falling off the wagon cart . Probably just a refex action by Uzzah.
Michal's reaction to David's celebrating was noteworthy. It looks like 'first wife' syndrome - in humbler times man and wife experience a more content relationship - and then if the husband gets great fame and success (and the attention of many women), then comes strain in the marriage. Mostly from jealousy probably. I found this passage in the bible hit home more than the touching of the ark did.
April; I'm sorry I was somewhat vague in my reply. I will try to answer more directly. God is holy love and Truth, and there is no place for uncleanness and causes to sin and slander with Him. What God showed in old time was an example for warning all of mankind in all ages not to do wickedly. God has the prerogative to save or destroy, and in mercy restrain His wrath or let it fly! Peace to you!
@Disciple,I do understand that GOD is HOLY and we are born of sin,so we are not really able 2 do certain things,unless we r told so by father,he did make it very clear about the tabernacle,I was thinkn a little outside the box n thought our bodies are our temples,and like the tabernacle,certain things shouldn't approach or touch our tabernacles.
April; The things that are written are for our warning and instruction. To everyone who has really and truly come to the most grave crisis in its life about having to either REPENT and get right with God, NOW! OR PERISH; the warning about daring not to approach unto the holy things of God is not a mystery. The way into the holiest by the blood of Jesus is not for selling to just "come as you are!"
Wowsers!,I hope I don't put my body where it doesn't belong,it's interesting to think back then there wasn't JESUS,so sin was handled differently,when I would read God kindled his anger,then some consequence would occur,death of some sort usually,I was wondering is it really saying he was upset then let go and instant consequences?or like he didn't just stew n being upset with whoever?just curious
Notice the break in protocol, yes the Ark was in Abinadab house but he and his sons were not sanctified to oversee.. 1 Samuel 7:1
And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.
A biblical concept of worship involves praising God and giving Him glory with our lips and our lives, with our words and our deeds, with our physical bodies and our spiritual hearts. Worship that pleases God is authentic, offered with clean hands and a pure heart ( Psalm 24:3-4; Isaiah 66:2).
King David danced "before the Lord with all his might" ( 2 Samuel 6:14)
Revelation 5:8-11
twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they *sang a new song, saying, " Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals
Psalms 149:3 - Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. Psalms 150:1 - 127:6 - Praise ye the LORD
Luke 2:13-14
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased
Colossians 3:14-17
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
About that person who touched the ark and was struck dead by God ( 2 Samuel 6:5-7) named Uzzah, there was a commandment given to Moses by God, written in Numbers 4:15, "And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.". That means that only the sons of Kohalth were allowed to carry/touch the holly things (including the Arc), for the rest the penalty was death. GBU
1Samuel 16:13,
Note: 1Samuel 2:27-36, 1Samuel 13, notice 1Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22,23, 1Samuel 2:10, 1Samuel 2:18, 1Samuel 23, 1Samuel 30:7,
1Chronicles 15:27,
1Samuel 2:35,
Hopefully these are helpful
The Psalm asks for God's judgment in verse 6; hence is "impreccatory" in some ssense. It is more of a declaration of David's innocence and proclamation that if he has done anything amiss that he wished his enemies to overtake him (verses 3-5). Those sentiments made David a "man after God's own heart" ( 1 Samuel 13:14) at first; until the infamous Bathsheeba incident.
We should learn well from David's life as his own wishes for enemies to overtake him if he was at fault was part of the judgment after condemning Uriah an innocent man to death to get the woman he wanted.
Verses 11 through 16 show the general state of the wicked who are ensnared by their own sins (verse 15) as well as being judged by God (v. 13); the most extreme example of course being at Armageddon.
The last verse is praise according to God's attribute of righteousness. David was quick not only to repent with a "contrite and broken spirit" ( Psalm 51); but also praised God and even danced for him ( 2 Samuel 6:14-15). This sort of abandon seems unique among rulers in Israel and really cannot happen in a genuine manner without a heart that is of pure motive and open to the Lord's presence. That is a lesson we should take heed to as well.
This is basically the same principle involved for those who would be in the inner Temple. Since this appears to be an unintentional sin; it is not at the same level of transgression as those who tried to enter that weren't supposed to be in there; let alone those that had "strange fire" ( Leviticus 10:1-11). The result may be the same; as to ending this earthly life; but the eternal results for those who are saved or unsaved surely wouldn't. Moses; in fact himself was warned by God that he wouldn't live if he viewed Him fully; as no man can see God (in the flesh) and live ( Exodus 33:20). It is this Holiness in God which we should strive for; now that in some sense He lives in us as a Temple or Tabernacle. ( 1 Cor. 6:19). This verse shows; in fact how for self careless living can lead to physical death ( 1 Cor. 11:27 and following verses); and could allude to those who martyr God's saints as well ( Psalm 116:15). See also Rev. 17:6; Rev. 6:9:11.
It truly is a profound thing for the eternal God to tabernacle with men. It is based on His grace; and His covenants in which ultimately in the New Covenant involved our redemption through His Son. ( Heb. 8:13; 9:15). This is; BTW the only way any old covenant is ended-God's covenants are eternal; and our vows for our lifetime and that of the other parties represented as to what was promised. God is ever faithful; even when we are not. ( Deut. 7:9) for context.
Then to Psalm 68:11: "The LORD gave the word"; could well be the time when David enquired from the LORD, "Shall I go up to the Philistines?" (i.e. to fight against them to gain passage to recover the Ark - 2 Samuel 5:19). And the LORD said, "Go up".
"...great was the company of those that published it". There was a large group/procession of singers, musicians & dancers that helped bring home this great news of the Ark's recovery, heard by all from the noise of their celebrations (cf Psalm 68:25). And the Hebrew word that is seen for this particular company, is in the feminine gender, indicating that as was common in eastern celebrations, the women took the lead in those occasions (especially in song & dance). And remember, this was not the intimate dancing we see today on a dance floor, but dancing on the streets with joy before the Lord, stirring the hearts of the people to praise Him for this great deliverance, recovery & blessing.
1Samuel 15:9-35, 1st, is Haman in Esther the Agagite the result of this disobedience? Because 1Samuel 15:32, shows time passed, that Haman tried to have every Jewish person put to death & property, possessions taken Esther 3:6,9,12,13,
2nd, 1Samuel 13:9-13, 1Samuel 13:14, it was already promised to Saul his kingdom would not continue. GOD's WORD stands. 1Samuel 16:1, 1Samuel 18:17-28, 1Samuel 25:44,
3rd, 2Samuel 6:16, why wasn't she with them celebrating? 2Samuel 6:15,19, There's a point made here "as well to the women"._. 2Samuel 6:20, instead despising as David came to bless them. 1Chronicles 15:29,
4th, 1Samuel 18:16, 1Samuel 18:6-7, yet 2Samuel 3:13, he honored Saul & Michal, when he had choices
Hopefully this is helpful,
It was before the LORD: David didn't let Michal's sarcastic criticism ruin his day. He simply explained the truth: "I did it for God, not for you."
I will be humble in my own sight: What David did was humbling to Him. He didn't dance to show others how spiritual he was.
David would more and more abase himself before the Lord. He felt that whatever Michal's opinion of him might be, it could not be more humbling than his own view of himself.
Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death: Michal's barrenness was not necessarily the result of Divine judgment. It may be that David never had marital relations with her again.
David evaded Saul and was living in the hills many years. Absence does not make the heart finder.
While fleeing Saul, David married 3 other women and had children with them.
Note: a movie titled, King David, is going to be shown on YouTube in the near future. It's a good movie.
2 Samuel 3:12-16, 2 Samuel 6:15-23,
* 1 Samuel 6:23,
Note : 2 Samuel 21, vrs 8 "she brought up" didn't say bore, begot, or birthed. 1 Samuel 18:19, looks like she "brought up" her sister Merab's sons.
Hopefully these are helpful.
I don't claim to know why, I just marvel at the mercy and grace our God and King has towards us all.
God bless everyone. July 2021
...... that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of music.
2 Samuel 6:5
And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.
2 Chronicles 5:13, 16 and 7:6
It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, For God is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;
Psalms 87:7, 68:25, 150:4
As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.
Amos 6:5
That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of music, like David;
Habakkuk 3:19
The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief SINGERS on my stringed instruments.
Genesis 30: 27-28
28 And he said, Appoint me thy Wages, and I will give it.
Comment: We live in different times. I think the members of the Church should praise the Lord as a group. Special songs should be free-will offerings. Sacrifice of Praise blesses God, as we see from scripture. He gave Israel victory over their enemies in battle, time after time.
However today, Churches are under pressure to hire professional bands and singers, which travel from church to church, and incur expenses.
You need to search this out, seek the counsel of your elders in your church. Discuss the budget. Also, do not neglect to teach the flock the power of Corporate Praise and Worship vs pew sitters. STAND and sing unto the Lord.
Mishael
Jealousy is a progress and initially not necessary evil.
When jealousy increases and pride increases evilness may become the fruits thereof
The Bible says there was a War In Heaven and that the Dragon and one third of the Stars
were cast out.
Therefore we can assume in the great heaven that evilness started to grow due to Lucifers
first non good intentions.
[9] Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations. [10] All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us? [11] Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. [12] How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! [13] For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: [14] I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. [15] Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
As well, there was instances of idolatry associated with the Ephod ( Judges 8:27, 17:5,6), as it was considered so holy as to be worshipped. Even today, in some 'high Churches', priests can be seen wearing distinctive outer clothing, with sashes & mitre resembling the priests of old. These are not the garments depicted in the New Testament as should be worn by Christians & are a poor reflection & understanding of biblical norms, rather serving to ascribe some sort of special privilege & holiness to the wearer.
Today, for the Christian, we might say that we come before God "in robes of righteousness", not of ourselves, but that given to us by virtue of Christ's death & what it accomplished for us. And being so clothed, we can come confidently before God as His children & in prayer. We are now His chosen generation & royal priesthood ( 1 Peter 2:9).
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
1 Samuel 18:6
And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.
2 Samuel 6:5
And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.
1 Chronicles 15:16
And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.
2 Chronicles 5:13
It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;
2 Chronicles 7:6
And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood.
Nehemiah 12:36
And his brethren, with the MUSICAL instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.
Psalms 68:25
The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels.
Psalms 87:7
As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.
Psalms 150:4
Praise him with the timbrel and dance:
1 Samuel 7:1
And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.