David’s Use of
Instruments
Edward Smith

Those who want to introduce the use of musical instruments into the New Testament pattern of worship often appeal to David's use of various instruments in the Old Testament. Such people reason that if it was o.k. for David to introduce such an addition to the Hebrews worship, then there is nothing to prevent us from doing the same thing with our worship. An examination of what David did is essential, however, to our understanding of what is pleasing to God.

First of all, many people who appeal to David’s example of using instruments are under the false impression that this was something David decided to do and initiated of his own accord, therefore we are at liberty to do the same thing. The Bible teaches, however, that when David erred by going beyond what God authorized, the Lord did not hesitate to correct him (2 Sam. 7:1-8; 1 Chron. 13).

Secondly, note that David was an inspired prophet of God (Matthew 22:43; Acts 2:29-30). He, along with Gad and Nathan (2 Chron. 29:25), were commanded to use instruments; they could not have done otherwise and been pleasing to God. We cannot claim to have a direct command to use instruments in New Testament style of worship.

Thirdly, note that the people selected to use the instruments was limited Only the priests were authorized to blow the trumpets (1 Chron. 15:24), and only specific families of the Levites could play the other instruments (1 Chron. 15:16-24). Although they were selected because of their ability, this was not an open invitation for every musically talented Hebrew who wanted to join the Temple band to be able to do so. God was very specific about who was qualified to serve Him in this manner. Promoters of instrumental music today often feel they have a gift or a talent to share in their praise to God and are entitled to do so.

Under the Old Testament worship, however, this was part of the Levitical service to God, coordinated by the priests among selected families to the exclusion of others who may have desired to participate.

Fourth, note that the Scriptures do not teach that instruments were a regular part of the worship of the nation of Israel. God ordained the musicians well after Moses had received the Law, beginning when David moved the ark from Kirjath Jearim (1 Chron. 13:8) and continuing until the completion of the Temple (1 Chron. 6:31-32; 2 Chron. 5:13; 7:6). Thereafter, we find instruments specifically mentioned only at times of dedication or rededication of proper Temple worship (2 Chron. 29; 35:15; Ezra 3:10; Neh. 12:36). To assume that any instruments were used as a regular part of every worship from David’s day forward is to go beyond what is revealed in the text.

The use of musical instruments in the Old Testament was instructed and regulated by God. It was part of a system that foreshadowed the priesthood of Christ (Heb. 8:4-6), a priesthood more glorious than anything which we can attain through our physical talents. With Christ as our eternal High Priest, and our spirits being built into an everlasting dwelling of the Lord (Eph. 2:19-22), His music of choice is our singing played on the instrument of the heart (Eph. 5:19-20).