The Chronicler put the Levites in the center of his genealogical lists to help us see that God must be in the center of all we do, both personally and corporately. In today’s section we see how the Chronicler’s focus on the Levites finds it’s climax in the three guilds of singers. These are the guilds of Heman, Asaph, (who wrote some of the Psalms) and Ethan. These singers were descended from Kohath, Gershon and Merari.
Throughout the Old Testament we see how God’s people found victory in battle after singing! Joshua sent the musicians to walk around Jericho seven times along with the singers. He then said, “Sing (shout!) Loud, for the Lord has given you the city.” The people shouted, accompanied by the wind instruments. The trumpets sounded and as soon as the people heard the trumpets they began to sing and the walls came tumbling down and they took the city.
The Lord spoke to Jehoshaphat and promised him victory in battle. They fell down and worshipped God and the singers stood up and praised God “in a very loud voice.” As they went into battle, the singers went ahead of the soldiers, singing praises to God. And the Lord gave them the victory.
The Psalmist tells us to “Clap your hands, all peoples! ?Shout to God with loud songs of joy!” (Psalm 47:1) When facing persecution Paul and Silas sang songs of praise and the jail house fell apart!
Maybe there’s a victory you’ve been praying for that has alluded you. Try praying for it as you sing praises to God.
Chuck
“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)