Read Nehemiah 11-12.
As Governor, Nehemiah took the next steps in reestablishing the city of Jerusalem and resettling of the people in the land. While the national leaders lived in the city, 90% of the people did not. There were fields to plant, herds to tend, and villages to populate. These moves required all the leadership and organization skills that God had given to Nehemiah and others close to him.
The hard work of securing the city and organizing the people were complete. Now, it was time to dedicate their work to the LORD and to celebrate in great praise and thanksgiving.
Musicians provided a key role in leading the celebration. They divided into two parading groups; one went south, the other north. With leaders visible to the people on the wall, the instruments played and the singers sang the songs of David and Asaph (The Psalms).
There were song writers, music leaders, instrumentalists and vocalists who were set apart for this ministry to serve alongside the priests and Levites.
Music is an indispensable part of worship. It is not an add on to the service. Rather, it is to be an expression of direct communication of the worshiper to God, give voice to personal testimony, and/or to encourage fellow worshipers. Indeed, music is the only art form mentioned in the Bible that we will practice in heaven.
"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." (Colossians 3:16)
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