Music

O. T. #891  "Music"
Dec. 23, 2016
1 Chronicles 6-Part 3


LET IT GLOW

I love singing the old Christmas carols and new songs, too. It lifts my heart bringing  Joy to the World. We have hope for eternal life through the baby who lay Away in the Manger secluded from the busy world. Angels, We Have Heard on High that a Savior was born in a Little Town of Bethlehem. We Three Kings brought gifts to the newborn King, Jesus. Mary Did You Know that the baby you held was the Son of God sent to be your Savior and our Savior, and the One who holds our soul's everlasting life in His hands? Music adds to my life. I am so grateful or it. It cheers a heavy heart, boasts a burdened soul, gives light in dark times.

The tribe of Levi, one of the 12 sons of Jacob (Israel), was chosen as the tribe of priests. Only those descendants of Levi could serve in the Tabernacle and Temple. Levi had 3 sons: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. Each of these three lines had distinct duties I the worship of God.
The most crucial line was the one that led to Aaron (Moses' brother). His line stemmed from Kohath. Yet, not all of Kohath's descendants were priests-only those who could trace their lineage back to Aaron.
The list is incomplete, but a few names we recognize as having been influential, such as Eleazar, Phinehas, Zadok (served under King David), Hilkiah (found the Book of the Law after the destruction of the Temple),  Elkanah and his son Samuel. the priests became scattered throughout the nation of Israel because it was no feasible for everyone to go to Jerusalem for the religious feasts and worship.

In verses 16-21, the list of Levites were not of the priestly line.  King David instituted music in the Temple. Three main musicians were: Heman (Ps. 88), Asaph (Ps. 50, 73-83), and Ethan.  They came from the 3 branches of the sons of Levi. (verses 33-47) and were the musicians in the Lord's House.

Not only are the pastors in our churches important, but also musicians. Do we remember to show appreciation to them?

LET IT GROW

We read of Aaron and his sons offering sacrifices and making atonement for Israel according to Moses' words from God. (verses 49-53). The rest of the chapter tells of the places, cities, where the Levites settled in the 12 territories. Notice that Aaron, of the family of the Kohathites, were given Heron in the land of Judah. This is parallel with Joshua 21.

One think I learned here was that Uzzah was a priest. He was the man God struck dead when he touched the Ark of God being transported on a new cart from the Philistines to Jerusalem after it had been captured. This was due to David and the men being in disobedience to the directions God laid out for the transportation of the Ark on the shoulders of the Levites. From this we learn that we should not be selective in our obedience.

This was quite a task for Ezra to list all these descendants of Levi and cities where they lived, don't you think? There were 48 cities given to the Levites instead of a territory.

Do you think it is just as important for us to live in the place that God has purposed for us?
In John 14:3, Jesus tells us that He has gone to prepare a place for us (in heaven).

 

LET IT GO

Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands; sing forth the honor of His name: make His praise glorious.  Psalm 66:1-2

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!!!