Praise to GOD with Musical Instruments

Praise to GOD with Musical Instruments
 
The Bible has many passages about praising him with a variety of instruments. For example, the tambourine which is also know the timbrel – the Hebrew word is “HaTof” or “Tof” which means a framed drum; in ancient times it was hand-held. Psalm 150:4 encourages us to “praise him [GOD] with timbrel and dancing…” The passage continues with, “praise him with strings and pipe…” It is clear that the Psalmist includes a stringed instrument. In modern times, these two instruments include the drum and the guitar. However we praise GOD, may it be from the heart – with sincerity of soul. Some may “praise him with the clash of cymbals” (v.5a) and “let everything that has breath praise the LORD.” (v. 6).
Additional scripture about the use of musical instruments include (but this list if non-exhaustive):
 
“Make music to the LORD, all the earth, burst jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing …” Psalm 98:4-5
 
            “Praise the LORD with harp; sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.” Psalm 33:2 (KJV)
 
            “Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. Miriam sang to them: ‘Sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted.’” Exodus 15:20-21a
 
            As we (his church) praise the Almighty LORD GOD, it is important to remember, “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD.” Psalm 100:1 (KJV)

Praising GOD for His Laws

The Psalmist praised GOD for his laws (particularly in chapter 119).

I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. (v. 7)

Praise be to you, LORD; teach me your decrees. (v. 12)

At midnight I rise to give thanks for your righteous laws. (v. 62)

Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. (v. 108)

Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. (v. 164)

May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. (v. 171)

Let me live that I may praise you, and may your law sustain me. (v. 175)

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... this is love for GOD: to keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for everyone born of GOD overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our own faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of GOD.

- 1 John 5:3-5 

The Greatest Commandment

 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"

Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. The is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

- Matthew 22:36-40

The Light of the World

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

- John 8:12

Tenth Commandment

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

- Exodus 20:17

(Italics added for emphasis.)

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Click here to read the Greatest Commandment.

Ninth Commandment

"You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor." 

- Exodus 20:16

10th Commandment

Eighth Commandment

 "You shall not steal."

 - Exodus 20:15

9th Commandment

Seventh Commandment

"You shall not commit adultery."

- Exodus 20:14

Jesus said: "You have heard that it was said, "You shall not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already commit adultery with her in his heart."

- Matthew 5:27-28

8th Commandment

Sixth Commandment

 "You shall not murder."

- Exodus 20:13

Jesus said: "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment."

- Matthew 5:21-22a

7th Commandment

Fifth Commandment

 "Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you."

- Exodus 20:12

6th Commandment

Fourth Commandment

"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor you son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six day the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the LORD blessed the Sabbath and made it holy [set apart]."

- Exodus 20:8-11

5th Commandment

Third Commandment

"You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name."

- Exodus 20:7

4th Commandment