THE PILGRIM MAGAZINE Bob L. Ross

Director, Pilgrim Publications Pilgrim Publications -

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE USE

OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN WORSHIP

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Bob Ross: A series by Bob L. Ross published in the Burkburnett, Texas INFORMER STAR newspaper beginning Dec. 30, 1993.

[NOTE: The following is part of my book entitled "Campbellites, Cowbells, Rosary Beads, and Snake-Handling." It was first published in a short series of ads in the Burkburnett newspaper prior to my debate on Instrumental Music with Michael Hatcher in July of 1994. A Lutheran Pastor, Keith Schweitzer, arranged for the debate after Mr. Hatcher of the local Church of Christ had published several newspaper attacks on the Lutheran Church and issued a challenge for a debate on the subject of instrumental music.

In consequence of the debate, the Church of Christ elders dismissed Mr. Hatcher, and the elders later came to the Lutheran Pastor with an apology for having abused the Lutheran Church via the newspaper. If you are interested in the entire book on the subject of instrumental music, the price is $5 plus $3 for shipping.]

1. "What kinds of music are in the Bible?"

The words "musick," "musical," and "musician(s)" are used in the Bible 75 times, and 55 of these are "captions" to the Psalms.

The word "musick" is used 15 times in the Old Testament and refers to instrumental music: 13 times literally, once allegorically (Ecc. 12:4), and once metaphorically (Lam. 3:63).

Here is a typical example:

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. 1 Sam 18:6

The men had been celibate prior to all battles. When they returned it was always the case that women of ill repute went out to celebrate victory and to supply services. Jepthah's daughter got entangled in a musical homecoming she had no right to attend.

Ishshah or Strong's h802 includes the adulteress.

Tabrets is:

Toph (h8596) tofe; from 8608 contr.; a tambourine: - tabret, timbrel.

Taphaph (h8608) taw-faf'; a prim. root; to drum, i. e. play (as) on the tambourine: - taber, play with timbrels.

And Huzzab shall be led away captive, she shall be brought up, and her maids shall lead her as with the voice of doves, tabering upon their breasts. Na.2:7

The family of Lamech were Cainites. Cain means "a musical note." This family shows up under the name Genii, Genius, Genun and other names. It is said that "Satan came into them in their youth." They were taught mixed-sex choirs, instruments, and women exercising the AUTHENTIA power Paul condemned. Using "music" they seduced people away from the Living Word of God. This is what Satan or Lucifer did in heaven and he was CAST OUT.

We are told that Eve was "wholly seduced" as a vigin was often TAKEN by the ruler just before the husband got her. This can result in maternal but not fraternal twins. Therefore, Cain (the musical mark) is said to be OF THAT WICKED ONE. The word ORGAN has the same meaning as in the phallic religions. Flutes were MALE and FEMALE sexual symbols and had real seductive power as any MUSICIAN knows because they have to be sexually ambivalent.

And his brothers name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ. Ge.4:21

The word HANDLE is a sexual word just as are percussion instruments. The Hebrew word is:

Taphas (h8610) taw-fas'; a prim. root; to manipulate, i. e. seize; chiefly to capture, wield; spec. to overlay; fig. to use unwarrantably: - catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, * surely, surprise, take.

This says clearly that Jubal taught the use of musical instruments WITHOUT AUTHORITY. Books such as The Book of Enoch and many others prove that Jubal got his "authority" from Satan. That is why his INSTRMENTS translate directlyinto Topheth a word meaning HELL FIRE.

Topheth (h8611) to'-feth; from the base of 8608; a smiting, i. e. (fig.) contempt: - tabret.

When the WARRIOR MUSICIANS mocked Jesus it was with "music" just as prophesied in Psalm 41. However, Judas would hang himself and not get the honor because the SOP Jesus hand prepared for him is the base of PSALLO or EXTERNAL MELODY. This caused Satan to fill Judas prematurely and Judas grasped that he WAS that wicked one in person. The word Topheth has both meanings:

He hath made me also a byword of the people; and aforetime I was as a tabret. Job 17:6KJV

But He has made me a byword of the people, And I have become one in whose face men spit. Job 17:6NKJ

The camp-following women had the JESTER'S way of spitting in the face of Saul to drive a wedge between him and David. The word HALAL includes "driving a wedge, play the flute, pollute and prostitutes.

Tophtheh (h8613) tof-teh'; prob. a form of 8611; Tophteh, a place of cremation: - Tophet.

And the Lord shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm (Messiah the Intercessor), with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones. Isa 30:30

For through the voice of the Lord shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod. Isa 30:31

And in every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the Lord shall lay upon him, it shall be with tabrets and harps: and in battles of shaking Isa 30:32

For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the Lord, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it. Isa 30:33

Paul warned:

And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. Heb 12:24

See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: Heb 12:25

Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. Heb 12:26

And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Heb.12:27

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: Heb 12:28

For our God is a consuming fire. Heb 12:29

The king of Babylon is also described as the INDWELT Lucifer or Satan. In a parallel statement Isaiah wrote:

Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms (maggots) cover thee. Is.14:11

That is, the noise of the instruments are brought down to the place of eternal burning and the maggots clean up what the fires miss.

Of the Babylon harlot church in the end times:

And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; Rev 18:22

The SINGERS and PLAYERS plagued the temple area or any place crowds might collect. Therefore, we hear David equate two important words:

The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels. Ps.68:25

Psalm 68:25 and Psalm 87:7 show that Nagan and Chalal or halal can mean the same thing: to play on musical instruments which was associated with treading out new wine and symbolic of God's treading out His wrath as He has the commics in sore derision.

And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad (halal) in their hands, and drummed on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard. 1 Sam 21:13

However susceptible the Hebrews were to magical, charismatic music, the king of Gath knew that the "spirit" came out of the vats:

Have I (Achish) need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play (rave like) the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house? 1Sam 21:15

No! Don't let him in.

The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred. Ho.9:7

The Lord hath made thee priest in the stead of Jehoiada the priest, that ye should be officers in the house of the Lord, for every man that is mad, and maketh himself a prophet, that thou shouldest put him in prison, and in the stocks. Je.29:26

The word LUCIFER speaks of several real people. Isaiah and Ezekiel see the kings of Babylon and Tyre as perhaps Lucifer personified. This describes one of the oldest FERTILITY RITUALS where music rather than the Word of God gave them good gifts.

Their bull gendereth, and faileth not; their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf. Job 21:10

They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance. Job 21:11

They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ. Jb.21:12

They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave. Job 21:13

Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. Job 21:14

Of Lucifer:

Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Eze.28:13

Lucifer caused the fall of the angels because he tried to usurp the role of God and bleed off worship for himself. This may be symbolic of anyone who stands in the place of God in song or sermon and seeks to be admired.

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. 1 Sam 18:6

This is not a MUSICAL word but defines an INSTRUMENTS. These welcome home things would involve tens of thousands of men returning to Saul's headquarters--not to CHURCH. When the Levitical Warrior Musicians play God always calls it a NOISE.

The function of young, unmarried women was to go out to the battlefield and encourage the warriors to fight, if not with praise, then with taunts and jeering (Jacobsen Towards 28).

"Israel's early popular singing resembled those practices closely in performance but differed radically in its intent... The quotation of the 'Wars of the Lord' might give us a faint inkling of the kind of singing then in vogue." (Interpreter's Dict of the Bible, Music, p. 461).

The Word SINGING is a dead give away:

Shiyr (h7891) sheer; or (the orig. form) 7788 (1 Sam. 18:6), shoor; a prim. root [rather ident. with 7788 through the idea of strolling minstrelsy]; to sing: - behold [by mistake for 7788], sing (-er, - ing man, -ing woman).

Women, like Jepthah's daughter might play and sing in innocent joy when things were going well. However, when applied to professional adults the word speaks of:

Shuwr (h7788) shoor; a prim. root; prop. to turn, i. e. travel about (as a harlot or a merchant): - go, sing. See also 7891.

The word MUSIC or Instruments is the Hebrew is not music:

Shaliysh (h7991) shaw-leesh'; or 7969 (1 Chron. 11:11; 12:18), shaw- loshe'; or shalosh (2 Sam. 23:13), shaw-loshe'; from 7969; a triple, i. e. (as a musical instrument) a triangle (or perh. rather three-stringed lute); also (as an indef. great quantity) a three-fold measure (perh. a treble ephah); also (as an officer) a general of the third rank (upward, i. e. the highest): - captain, instrument of musick, (great) lord, (great) measure, prince, three [from the marg.]

Shalat (h7980) shaw-lat'; a prim. root; to dominate, i. e. govern; by impl. to permit: - (bear, have) rule, have dominion, give (have) power.

"Before the establishment of the kingdom under Saul, it was the women who, as in every young civilization, played a major part in the performance of music. Such figures as Miriam, Deborah, Jephtha's daughter, and the women hailing the young hero David (1 Sam. 18:6-7) have become almost archetypes of female musicians. Charisteristic of all these cases is the familiar picture of a female chorus, dancing and singing, accompanied by frenzied drum-beating.

This is a scene known to the entire Near East, and not even the severe rule of Islam could wholly suppress this age-old practice. Remnants of these choruses of dancing women are still extant in isolated Jewish communities." (The Int. Std. Bible Dict., p. 457).

The word is not otherwise used of musicians but of princes or people exercising authority:

Girded with girdles upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look to, after the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, the land of their nativity: Eze.23:15

The Babylonians, and all the Chaldeans, Pekod, and Shoa, and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them: all of them desirable young men, captains and rulers, great lords and renowned, all of them riding upon horses. Eze.23:23

To say Chaldian or "brass" as in 1 Cor 13 speaks of Astrologers or soothsayers. In Revelation, the OPHIS or serpents are sOPHISts:

ophis , serpent, aiolos Il.12.208 ; glaukôpa poikilonôton ophin, equiv. to drakôn in Hes.Th.322, 825: metaph., ptênon argêstên ophin, of an arrow, [The twanging bowstring or clanging brass of Apollo]

II. like drakôn, a serpent-like bracelet

2. trikarênos o. ho chalkeos dedicated at Delphi

chalkion

1. a copper vessel, a copper, caldron, kettle

2. a cymbal, Theocr.

chalkos

II. ..especially of arms, of offensive arms, oxeï chalkôi, a spear, a sword, of a knife, 1.236, al.; of an axe, 13.180, Od.5.244, al.; of a fish-hook, Il.16.408; of defensive arms, as the plates laid on a shield, 20.275; chalkon zônnusthai, of a warrior girding on his armor.

Paul warned against both LIFELESS INSTRUMENTS and CARNAL WEAPONS which are also musical.

We are told that music and drama works because we know that it isn't true. That is the case here:

And the women answered (h6030) one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. 1 Sam 18:7

And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? 1 Sam 18:8

They also ANSWERED also which was a taught song:

Anah (h6030) aw-naw'; to respond; by extens. to begin to speak; spec. to sing, shout, testify, announce: - give account, afflict [by mistake for 6031], (cause to, give) answer, bring low [by mistake for 6030], cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, * scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also 1042, 1043.

Anah (h6031) aw-naw'; a prim. root [possibly rather ident. with 6030 through the idea of looking down or browbeating]; to depress lit. or fig., trans. or intrans. (in various applications, as follow): - abase self, afflict (-ion, self), answer [by mistake for 6030], chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing [by mistake for 6030], speak [by mistake for 6030], submit self, weaken, * in any wise.

Psalm 22 prophesied that they would oppress Messiah:

O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. Ps.22:2

Save me from the lions mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns. Ps.22:21

Bob L Ross: "Musick" is used ONE time in the New Testament (Luke 15:25) where it translates the Greek word "sumphonia," which means the same as our word "symphony."

Sumphonia (h4858) soom-fo-nee'-ah; from 4859; unison of sound ("symphony"), i.e. a concert of instruments (harmonious note): - music.

(Fathered by Apollo or Abaddon or Apollyon)

Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. Luke 15:25

"The earliest meaning of the Greek word sumphonia (Aramaic: sumponeyâ) was "sounding together," that is, the simultaneous playing of instruments or voices producing a concord. Jerome, commenting on Luke 15:25 where the word occurs, noted: "The sumphonia is not a kind of instrument, as some Latin writers think, but it means concordant harmony. It is expressed in Latin by consonantia." Coxon concludes as follows [p. 36]: Resource

NO SURPRISE: that when an instrument is intended IT IS MENTIONED:

"sing and make melody with a harp."

The concept of symphony before c. 1750 Britannica Members

"The word symphonia was used by the Greeks in reference to notes sounding together in harmony and by extension meant an "ensemble" or "band" rather than a musical form.

The word implies a pleasant concord of different notes and has been used in fields other than music to denote a pleasing combination of various elements. In the New Testament Gospel According to Luke (King James Version), symphonia is translated as "musick," as distinct from choroi, "dancing."

This word is used of the homecoming party of the prodigal son. There would have been singing, drinking and feasting. This has nothing to do with WORSHIP.

Sumphoneo (g4856) soom-fo-neh'-o; from 4859; to be harmonious, i.e. (fig.) to accord (be suitable, concur) or stipulate (by compact): - agree (together, with).

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. Mt.18:19

And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.Lu.5:36

Bob L.Ross: Thus, in the Bible, "musick" is used of instrumental music only. There are, however, two classes of instruments: (1) wind instruments, (2) hand-played instruments. These have been here since the days of Adam (Gen. 4:21, harp and organ).

We are told that Lucifer personified or was indwelled the king of Babylon and of Tyre brought wind, string and percussion instruments with him when he was cast out into the world and seduced Even in the garden. The serpent or nachash is a Musical Enchanter. We noted in a fuller form above that:

And his brothers name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ. Ge.4:21

The word HANDLE is a sexual word just as are percussion instruments. The Hebrew word is:

Taphas (h8610) taw-fas'; a prim. root; to manipulate, i. e. seize; chiefly to capture, wield; spec. to overlay; fig. to use unwarrantably: - catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, * surely, surprise, take.

This says clearly that Jubal taught the use of musical instruments WITHOUT AUTHORITY. Books such as The Book of Enoch and many others prove that Jubal got his "authority" from Satan. That is why his INSTRMENTS translate directlyinto Topheth a word meaning HELL FIRE.

Topheth (h8611) to'-feth; from the base of 8608; a smiting, i. e. (fig.) contempt: - tabret.

The king of Tyre as Lucifer is called the "singing and harp playing prostitute." Ezekiel 33 proves that the Jews treated God and Ezekiel like homosexual lovers. Briefly,

And, lo, thou art unto them
........... as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice,
........... and can play well on an instrument:
........... ........... for they hear thy words,
........... ........... but they do them not. Eze.33:32

Bob L.Ross: These classes of instruments are also said to be in God's own heavenly presence (Ex. 20:18;

God restated the Abrahamic covenant as pure Grace to the Israelites who were worse than the Egyptians. When Moses presented the following commandment:

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbours wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbours. Exod 20:17

And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed (trembled), and stood afar off. Exod 20:18

And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. Exod 20:19

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. Exod 20:20

The israelite pledged to keep THE BOOK OF THE COVENANT. However, when Moses went back upon the Mountain to get the written form, God tested them for the symbolic 40 days. They failed the test, rose up to PLAY which was musical idolatry of the Egyptian triad, and forfeited GRACE. God turned them over to worship the starry host (Acts 7). This included Chiun or Saturn whose Chaldee number is 666.

God gave them THE BOOK OF THE LAW and a priesthood which quarantined them from the presence of a holy God. Paul in 2 Cor. 3 says that then and there they were BLINDED and never understood God's Spirit nature and spiritual worship. Only when they turned to Christ and asked for A holy spirit or A clear conscience could they grasp that through MUSIC they had forfeited God's Spiritual presence. Christ as the angel or pillar accompanied them because God's SPIRIT presence would have killed them all. This regenerated spirit was requested and granted ONLY when people removed themselves from the "treacherous infidel" category of unbelief.

The word MUSICA and CANTUS speak of the HORRIBLE sounds and FEAR and PANIC created by loud rejoicing or musical instruments. That is why instruments were HANDLED by Jubal to ENSLAVE others by appealing to their fear and lust.

Again, we quote:

For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, Heb 12:18

And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: Heb 12:19

(For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: Heb 12:20

And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) Heb 12:21

The literal Jerusalem speaks of Hagar, the Law of Moses, of Egypt (slavery) and of SODOM.

And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. Re.11:8

Only at baptism are we added to the heavenly kingdom and out citizenship is transferred to heaven.

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, Heb 12:22

To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, Heb 12:23

The church of the firsborn is the church of Christ. The blood is sprinkled on our hearts or spirits ONLY at baptism.

And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. Heb 12:24

See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: Heb 12:25

Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. Heb 12:26

And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Heb.12:27

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: Heb 12:28

For our God is a consuming fire. Heb 12:29

You cannot serve God with reverence and fear with a musical entertainment ritual.

Bob L. Ross: I Cor. 15:52;

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 1 Cor 15:52

In the twinkling of an eye is a SHORT musical worship ritual. The idea of the trump or triumph is a PANIC CREATING quavering sound which is used to send SIGNALS and never to MAKE MUSIC. The Levitical trumpeters tried to TRIUMPH OVER Jesus but he will get the last sound:

Salpizo (g4537) sal-pid'-zo; from 4536; to trumpet, i.e. sound a blast (lit. or figurative.): - (which are yet to) sound (a trumpet).

Salpigc (g4536) sal'-pinx; perh. from 4535 (through the idea of quavering or reverberation): a trumpet: - trump (- et).

Bob L. Ross: I Rev. 8:2; 5:8; 14:2; 15:2). It appears that the Lord has his own "musical staff" in the heavenlies, and the instruments are stamped "made in Heaven" (if stamped at all)!

I suspect that Bob Ross will be involved in a TRUMPET QUARTET when the angel sounds. My honest belief is that the TRUMPETS have sounded in most churches in a miraculous end-time prophecy of the Babylon harlot. (Rev 18:22)

And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. Re.8:2

And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake. Rev 8:5

And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound Re.8:13

The message of the other angel to the LIVING on earth was to: "Preach the gospel."

Bob L. Ross: I 2. "Is not singing a kind of music in the Bible?"

We have nothing against singing; in fact, we love it! We could take all our space and then some in extolling singing. But in the Bible, "musick" is not used of singing. Singing has been so closely associated with instrumental music, we usually use the word "music" to cover singing, as well as other related items such as lyrics, musical notes, performances, etc.

The musicians of Revelation are the MUSES identified by John in the symbolic language as the LOCUSTS or musical performers. They are under the rule of Apollo, Abaddon or Apollyon. Apollo is the "father" just like the Jubal family of "twanging bowstrings to send 'singing' arrows into your heart or as a sexual term, of thieves and of liars. The prostitute church will be under the domination of musicians whose persona has always been perverse.

And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone (concubines or prostitutes) shall be heard no more at all in thee; Rev 18:22

musica = mousikê, the art of music, music; acc. to the notions of the ancients, also every higher kind of artistic or scientific culture or pursuit: musicam Damone ,i. e. comic and dramatic poetry, tantum

Daimonion (g1140) dahee-mon'-ee-on; neut. of a der. of 1142; a doemonic being; by extens. a deity: - devil, god.

Daimon (g1142) dah'ee-mown; from daio, (to distribute fortunes); a doemon or supernatural spirit (of a bad nature): - devil

And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. Re.18:2

daimôn [Perh. from daiô B, to divide or distribute destinies.]

I. a god, goddess, like theos, thea, Hom., Trag., etc.:--in Hom. also deity or divine power (theos denotes a god in person), Lat. numen; pros daimona against the divine power; sun daimoni with it, by its favour, Il.:--so, kata daimona, nearly = tuchêi, by chance, Hdt.; en tôi d. theôn en gounasi, Soph.

2. one's daemon or genius, one's lot or fortune, stugeros daimôn Od.; daimonos aisa kakê id=Od.: absol. good or ill fortune, Trag.; esp. of the evil genius of a family, Aesch.

II. daimones, in Hes., are the souls of men of the golden age, forming the link between gods and men:--later, of any departed souls, Lat. manes, lemures, Luc.

III. in NTest. an evil spirit, a demon, devil.

Peter outlawed private interpretation of further expounding because it brings the power of God in Christ into question and almost always opens the doors to false prophets.

Therefore, a similar definition is:

exe-ge-tice , es, f., = exêgêtikê, the art of interpretation, exegesis, Diom. 2, p. 421 P.

The craftsmen are the techne and all rhetoricians, sOPHISts (serpents), singers and musicians are identified as sorcerers and therefore parasites.

magice- , e-s, f., = magikê (sc. technê), the magic art, magic, sorcery, medicinam

magi-a , ae, f., = mageia, the science of the Magi, magic, sorcery

mageia , hê, theology of the Magians, m. hê Zôroastrou

Zoroaster was probably "an ecstatic priest-singer, or zaotar, who used special techniques (especially intoxication) to achieve a trance."

The church got its name from Circe or Kirke burried within view of Patmos. She was the holy whore who seduced people with sorcery (pharmakea) or musical encantations and instruments. She turned men into swine beast which brings them back to the beginning in Genesis where Lucifer was the holy whore.

Bob L. Ross: However, in scriptural nomenclature, there is only one "kind" of music, and that is with instruments. The words, "vocal music," are sometimes used by some, but there is no direct statement, account of action, or implication that this is a Bible expression.

The word MUSIC in the Greek almost always included DANCING.

Paul made it so clear that Satan has to blind people so they cannot see it as proof that they have not TURNED to Christ and asked Him to wash and give them A new or regenerated spirit. In Romans 15 it was to "glorify God" with one mouth and one mind by using "that which is written." In Ephesians it is DON'T get drunk with wine which points directly to the common worship where people were "methuo" of filled with WINE by being "Fluted down" or "piped down" just as modern taverns cannot exist without "musica" noise.

The word MUSIC is never used in the Bible in connection with worship and it is universally condemned as the MARK of those who will not listen to God's Word. Therefore, he deludes them and MUSIC was more important than drugs in inducing the charismatic or "out of yourself" state where the fall-down drunks, like drug-taking modern musicians, thought that when they got dizzy or puked it was proof that the GODS were sending them a message. David did one of those MUSICAL PRAISES and confessed that it made him VILE.

Bob L. Ross: I 3. "Why do some churches reject instrumental music?"

Church groups, such as Churches of Christ and Primitive Baptists, here in Texas, reject instrumental music.

F. LaGard Smith claims that the MAJORITY of the world's worshipers do not use and utterly condemn the use of MUSIC to induce a "drug high" to be peddled as "spiritual worship." it is actually the production of FIGHT, FLIGHT and/or SEXUALITY. Bob Ross likes to BLUFF you or panic you into believe that YOU are the STRANGE exception. That works psychological violence to make you want to conform to the MAJORITY who, in the remnant theory, will be lost

One reason for this is a particular theory about the relation of the Old Testament to the New Testament. It is thought by some that we are "not under the Old Testament." But while there are indeed a number of things which changed with the coming of Jesus Christ, these are carefully delineated in New Testament writings and we must not go "above that which is written" (I Cor. 4:6). The scriptures of both testaments are to be studied and "rightly divided" (2 Tim. 2:15). Jesus, the Apostles, and the early church had the Old Testament; the Gospels and the Epistles came along as the apostolic days transpired. The Old Testament is "for our learning" and is "scripture" (Romans 15:4; John 5:39; 2 Tim. 3:15). Paul admonishes us to use "psalms" in our singing, and these are admittedly the Psalms of the Old Testament (Ept. 5:19; Col. 3:16).

 

4. "If we take instrumental music from the Old Testament, would we not also have to take animal sacrifices and everything else?"

 

We are authorized to use "psalms" (Eph. 5:19), not to offer animal sacrifices. Many things taught in the Old Testament are still lawful; many things which are called "patterns, figures, and shadows" were fulfilled. The Law is still "good, if a man use it lawfully" (I Timothy 1:8). But there is perhaps nothing about which there is as much confusion as the Law and its relation to New Testament teachings. This was also the case in apostolic times, and the apostles often had to address the problem. And today, we are not authorized to subtract anything from God's Law without authority for so doing (Deut. 4:2; Matt. 5:19; Mark 7:5-13). Neither are we to add to His Law.

 

5. "Also, wouldn't we likewise be authorized to bring in many other questionable religious practices?"

 

To hear some critics of instrumental music present the case, instrumental music "opens the floodgates" to a regular "Vanity Fair" in church worship! This is the old ploy of the sophist who seeks accreditation for his point of view by the discreditation of another view, and to do this he uses what is called the "slippery slope" or "domino" fallacy.

 

This approach fails to recall that psalms were used with instrumental music in the worship of God for thousands of years before anyone ever thought of the "floodgate" idea! Isn't it rather "strange" that instrumental music did not have that effect in Israel?

 

If we are instructed to use psalms, this does not carry with it the "blanket approval" of anything and everything that happens to pop-up.

 

6. "If we are authorized to use instruments, would not every member have to play an instrument?"

 

The church "body" is a unit with individual "members" with differing "gifts" as it "hath pleased Him" (I Cor. 12:18). Paul discusses the "parts" such as the foot, hand, ear, eye, and nose and explains that they have their respective roles in the one "body" (I Cor. 12:11-31). He is discussing the same matter in Ephesians and says "unto every one is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ" (4:7). Not every member in the one body is gifted to preach, or teach, or lead public prayer, or lead singing, or do mission work, or some other work in which the body as a church unit is engaged. See the "unit" principle in 1 Corinthians 12:26.

 

minister gift speak as the oracles of god

The "account of approved action" which we have in Scripture is that those who were "cunning" with instruments, "willing skillful men," "all that could skill of instruments,"-these served in the "ministry" playing instruments (I Chron. 25:7; 28:21; 2 Chron. 34:12; 29:25; 7:6; 8:14; 23:18; 1 Chron. 16:4-9). It was not every Israelite who played, neither does every member of the "body" play today. We learn this from these Scriptures as we are authorized to do (see Romans 15:4).

 

levites, hard bondage, over the temple as slave drivers

 

service hard bondage

 

7. "How does one 'make melody,' according to Scripture?"

 

The words "making melody" are used in Ephesians 5:19, but "how" this is done is found in Isaiah 23:16, and it is with a musical instrument: "Take an harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered." Also, Amos 5:23 speaks of "the melody of thy viols," which is also reference to a musical instrument. So if "the Bible interprets itself," these passages show "how" to make melody - with musical instruments.

 

 

8. "Does Ephesians 5:19 mean that the heart is the 'instrument'?"

clanging, twanging, apollo, bow,

 

Some who reject musical instruments in worship contend that Eph. 5:19 is "figurative," or "metaphorical;" however, this idea goes "begging" for any support in the Scriptures. James D. Bales, an anti-instrument writer, even acknowledges that there is "no passage" which says "the instrument typified the melody of the heart," yet this is the theory of those who oppose music.

silence in heart, david, on bed

"Strings of the heart" is not a Bible phrase. "Singing and making melody in your heart" simply means the same thing as in other passages where something is done "in" or "with" the heart.

All obedience and worship are to be "in the heart," for this is what God's Law requires (Deut. 6:4; Mark 12:30). We are to worship "in spirit" and "in truth" (John 4:23, 24), but this does not mean that acts of worship are eliminated. There is no example of "making melody" in the heart in the "hidden" sense, if we go by Scripture.

This is the new PLACE which replaces mountains and temples and "churches." In SPIRIT means that God only seeks us in OUR spirit as it gives heed to THE TRUTH. Giving heed is Paul's only collective worhip word.

9. "How do we know that Jesus participated in the use of instrumental music in worship?"

 

The practice of Jesus and his parents was to worship in accordance with the Law of God at the Temple in Jerusalem (Luke 2:40-43). Included in that worship was the use of instrumental music (II Chronicles 5:1-14; 30:21). Also, since Jesus was "made under the Law" (Gal. 4:4, 5) and came to fulfill the Law (Matt. 5:17, 18), it was of necessity that He obey in all respects (Heb. 5:7-10).

The Lord had incorporated musical instruments in the approved worship, so we must conclude that Jesus worshipped accordingly, otherwise He did not do all that the Law required.

bunk, excluded from the sacrifices.

10. "If musical instruments were under the Law, did not the Law end with the New Testament?"

 

Many things under the Law have been "fulfilled" such as the patterns, figures, and shadows, and we are told about this in Hebrews and in other epistles. However, the use of Psalms in worship has been re-promulgated (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16), and instruments were used with Psalms.

One is animal sacrifices

11. "What Bible prophet used musical instruments for inspiration?"

 

A: Elisha. Read II Kings 3:15. This demonstrates that music has a "spiritual" usefulness and is consistent with the spiritual character of those who love and worship God. The right use of music effects good results, as the case of Elisha demonstrates. It is often helpful to promote the right "frame of mind," and this may be one of the reasons it was popular with the Old Testament prophets (I Sam. 10:5; 16:14-23; II Chronicles 29:25; Isa. 38:20, 21; Habakkuk 3:19).

elisha

 

Music which promotes the spiritual, the honorable, the pure, the lovely, and things of "praise" (Phil. 3:8) is pleasing to the Lord. Music which promotes vanity, the carnal, the impure, and the sinful is not pleasing to the Lord. Like words, music can be used for both good and evil. Christians are to use both for the glory of God (Col. 3:17).

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, Phil 3:8

Skubalon (g4657) skoo'-bal-on; neut. of a presumed der. of 1519 and 2965 and 906; what is thrown to the dogs, i.e. refuse (ordure): - dung.

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Phil 3:9

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Phil 4:5

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Phil 4:6

music and rituals anxiety

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil 4:7

Rom 15 glorify

Phroureo (g5432) froo-reh'-o; from a comp. of 4253 and 3708; to be a watcher in advance, i.e. to mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at gates); fig. to hem in, protect: - keep (with a garison). Comp. 5083.

2Co.11:32

In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison. desirous to apprehend me:

 

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Phil 4:8

Logizomai (g3049) log-id'-zom-ahee; mid. from 3056; to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (lit. or fig.): - conclude, (ac-) count (of), / despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on).

Logikos (g3050) log-ik-os'; from 3056; rational ("logical"): - reasonable, of the word.

 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonableRo.12:1

service.

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 1Pe.2:2

Logion (g3051) log'-ee-on; neut. of 3052; an utterance (of God): - oracle.

This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: Ac.7:38

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 1Pe.4:11

 

 

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Phil 4:9

12. "Musical instruments were not part of the Ten Commandments, nor the Law for the Tabernacle services. Where is it commanded?"

 

Actually, both singing and instrumental music became a part of the more "spiritual" elements of Israel's worship after the Ten Commandments and the laws pertaining to sacrifices, etc. The Ten Commandments define the type of moral behavior that is pleasing to God, and the Levitical laws on sacrifices were designed as "typology" of the work and attributes of Jesus Christ who would eventually come into the world. Singing and musical instruments were not a part of these, but were spiritual "by-products" of an obedient and worshipful people who praised the Lord. Singing and music were not done because they were "commanded," but because they are legitimate means of praising the Lord.

 

However, there was certainly authority for the use of both singing and playing instruments (II Chron. 7:6; 29:25; I Chron. 25:5-7; 28:19-21).

 

Also, using a Concordance, the reader may see how trumpets were used in worship (for example, Psalms 98:5, 6).

13. "Where did the idea come from that David did wrong in using musical instruments in worship?"

 

So far as I can find, the chief source of this idea is the Methodist commentator, Adam Clarke (1762-1832). He was very antagonistic to the use of instruments, contrary to the founder of Methodism, John Wesley. I recently went thru Wesley's 8-volume JOURNAL to check on his views and I found numerous entries where Wesley used and commended musical instruments. He himself played a flute. Clarke misappropriates a remark of Wesley's which was actually against poor organ music, but otherwise Wesley had high praise for good organ music and said he would like to have an organ in all the Methodist chapels.

 

David Lipscomb (1831-1917), the "god-father" of the Church of Christ, followed Clarke's idea about David and he wrote a series of articles against music in THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE magazine in 1895. His ideas were accepted by many, but his associate, James Harding (1848-1922), did not agree with Lipscomb, and many other Church of Christ writers also differ with him.

If you read or hear someone who condemns David on musical instruments, the person probably picked it up from Clarke, Lipscomb, or another person who followed their ideas.

Clement, breckenridge, girardeau etc

14. "What is meant by the 'law of exclusion' in relation to the use of musical instruments in worship?"

 

Those who oppose music in worship used to say that "the expression of one thing in God's Word excludes all else," then they would proceed to the erroneous claim that the New Testament specifies "singing only." They then would claim that this therefore "excludes" instruments. However, they have generally seen the error of this assertion, for as Roy Deaver has put it, "A command does not exclude," and "The 'sing' did not exclude the 'play.'" He also says, "Sing does not exclude play. It authorizes singing" (ASCERTAINING BIBLE AUTHORITY, pp. 84, 85).

 

THE SPIRITUAL SWORD magazine (July '90) also says that "sing" does not "preclude or interdict" musical instruments. Thus, for the so-called "law of exclusion" to be of any validity one would have to find some basis for excluding musical instruments besides the fact that "singing" is specified.

 

15. "What relationship does the 'strange fire' in Lev. 10:1, 2 have to the use of instrumental music?"

 

None whatsoever. Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons, violated specific instructions in Exodus 30:9. The use of "strange fire" would create the strange offering of a "strange incense," which was forbidden. Furthermore, since the use of Psalms (Eph. 5:19) carries with it the authority for instruments, we are not using any "strange" item in worship.

not commandec

16. "What does the 'gopher wood' of Noah's Ark have to do with the use of instruments?"

 

Nothing! This is one of many similar "arguments" used in vain by those who oppose music. The idea is that God told Noah what kind of wood to use to build the Ark, thus excluding all other kinds of wood. They then try to parallel this to the idea that "singing only" is for church worship, excluding instruments. But the use of Psalms, with the instruments thereby authorized, clearly refutes this objection. Furthermore, instruments do not "change" the command to sing, but simply accompany singing.

 

17. "Is there going to be a 'religious debate' in Burkburnett, Texas on the subject of instrumental music in worship?"

 

Yes, the writer of this column has agreed to a debate with Michael Hatcher of the Church of Christ located at 204 Avenue C in Burkburnett. The date of the debate is July 25 & 26, 1994 and it will be held in the Church of Christ building. The public is invited.

 

18. "If 'Psalms' in Ephesians 5:19 incorporates the use of instruments, would it not also require that instruments would always have to be used?"

 

Not at all. Psalms may be used in several ways, such as (1) read silently, (2) read aloud, (3) sung privately, (4) sung in a group, and sung with instrumental accompaniment, privately or publicly by an individual or a group. The Scripture presents no modification of the use of Psalms from what we find in the Old Testament.

 

Gus Nichols, late minister of the Church of Christ, is quoted in the February 1994 FIRM FOUNDATION magazine as follows:

 

One may read prayers of praise from the psalms without singing or praying the psalm read (p. 21).

 

So the command to "sing" Psalms does not exclude reading Psalms. The verse is comprehensive of all uses of Psalms, including the use of Psalms with music, as there is no modification of such use in the New Testament such as the modification of many other Old Testament items mentioned in Hebrews.

 

19. "What about solos, choirs, choral groups, and quartets in church services?"

 

Procedures for a "church service" are not specified in the Scripture; in fact, it does not teach anything about places and times of a "service" or "services." Everything that is "in Spirit and in truth" is acceptable in worship (John 4:23, 24). Since singing is authorized, without any specified procedures, it may be done in all possible forms which contribute to worship. Preaching, teaching, praying, singing - all are to done in ways that contribute to "order" (I Corinthians 14:40).

 

The "rule" or "measure" of singing is summed-up in Psalms 150:6: "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord."

 

Some who ask for a "verse" for every particular thing generally will "pick-and-choose" what they approve and disapprove as being "lawful." They are consistently inconsistent, for they have scores of things in their own sect for which they cannot give a specific verse.

 

Bill Jackson wrote in CHRISTIAN WORKER magazine:

 

"We think brethren are seeking in vain if they expect to find, in the New Testament, a step-by-step worship service laid out for us, giving detailed information on Sunday morning, Sunday evening meetings, and exactly how all worship matters were held. We are indeed told what constitutes the avenues of worship, and we know that these are to be done, but we have no 'complete' service laid out for us" (Oct. '90, p. 2).

 

In another article on similar matters, Mr. Jackson says that some men "have been busy manufacturing patterns for us!" and that "what some believe or practice is not the standard of right!" He goes on to mention such things as "rules on food and buildings, rules on weddings and funerals, and a dozen side issues" that tend to cause division (CHRISTIAN WORKER, Feb. '89, p. 4).

 

We agree with Mr. Jackson on this, and he could have named the items mentioned in this question.

 

20. "David Lipscomb once wrote in THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE magazine that 'the organ was introduced into the worship of the Romish church in the year 1290.

We have no account of it having been used in worship by professed Christians previous to that time'" (1878, p. 567).

The organ is first mentioned in Genesis 4:21 and was also as far back as the time of Job who evidently played the harp and organ (Job 30:31).

Jubal was of the LAMECH family. Lamech's name is identified in the Babylonian god list as EA the patron god of music and other things.

The LAMECH family speak of musical enchanters, soothsayers and those who were TAUGHT by Satan or Lucifer how to organize musical and instrumental teams to seduce the holy people AWAY from the presence and discipline of the living Word.

In the Babylonian stories these SECTARIANS are identified as GENUN which speaksof the GENII or GENIUS. They were the Caberi who were minstrels, blacksmiths, prostitutes and MUSICAL ENCHANTERS. In fact, the SERPENT in the garden was the MUSICAL ENCHANTER, Lucifer, who cam with wind, string and percussion instruments and WHOLLY SEDUCED Adam and eve in the sexual sense.

Almost every deep truth of God is commentary and warning against pagan worship which had fallen into the hands of the professional prophets and prophetesses who sold the elite "ease in Zion" to the beat of musical worship teams. For instance, a powerful theme which the ancient Jews understood, tells the story of the Babylonian Genun who is a composite of Jubal, Jabal, Tubal-Cain and Naaman all of whom speak of the whispering bronze of the serpent's message of the Babylonians. Paul called it 'booming gongs and clanging cymbals" as they tried to "speak the unknown tongues of angels and men."

"Genun (Jubal) the Canaanite, son of Lamech the Blind, living in the Land of the Slime Pits, was ruled by Azael from his earliest youth, and invented all sorts of musical instruments. When he played these, Azael entered into them too, so that they gave forth seductive tunes entrancing the hearts of all listeners. Genun would assemble companies of musicians, who inflamed one another with music until their lust burned bright like fire, and they lay together promiscuously. He also brewed beer (for new wineskins), gathered great crowds in taverns, gave them to drink, and taught them to forge iron swords and spear-points, with which to do murder at random when they were drunk.

"It was the Cainite's punishment to have a hundred daughters borne them for each son; and this led to such husband-hunger that their women began to raid houses (2 Tim 3:6) and carry off men. One day it pleased them to seduce them Sethites, after daubing their faces with rouge and powder, their eyes with antimony, and the soles of their feet with scarlet, dyeing their hair, putting on golden earrings, golden anklets, bracelets, and many-colored garments.

In their ascent of the holy mountain, they twanged harps, blew trumpets, beat drums, sang, danced, clapped hands;

then, having addressed the five hundred and twenty anchorites in che