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And the Levites who were musicians … were dressed in fine linen robes and stood at the east side of the altar playing cymbals, lyres, and harps. They were joined by 120 priests who were playing trumpets. The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the Lord with these words: "He is good! His faithful love endures forever!" At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord.
—2 Chronicles 5:12-14, New Living Translation

Even lifeless instruments like the flute or the harp must play the notes clearly, or no one will recognize the melody.
—1 Corinthians 14:7

Throughout Scripture, and other recorded history, music plays a major role in the human experience. The Bible documents music as a means of readying an army for battle (Ps. 68), inspiring people to worship (Ps. 100), evangelism (Rom. 15:9), prophecy (Is. 23), lament, testimony (Is. 27:1-3), and celebration (James 5:13).

The 18th century political philosopher Andrew Fletcher famously articulated a sentiment ascribed to many ancients when he said, "If a man were permitted to make all the ballads, he need not care who should make the laws of a nation." Great attention to the power of music as propaganda has been paid by leaders from Genghis Kahn and Adolph Hitler to modern American presidents.

There is an abundance of music created and used for entirely irreligious purposes—everything from seducing members of the opposite sex to selling room deodorizers, but I don't believe those secular uses can strip music of its essentially spiritual nature. It might not be "religious," in the most literal interpretation of the word, but is it spiritual? Oh yeah. There may not be chapter and verse references to back this feeling up, but a thorough reading of every Scripture mentioning "music," "musicians," "sing," or "songs," paints a pretty clear picture of its power and purpose.

Music falls into one of those mysterious in-between places—the kind the ancients believed was prone to magic. Like the mythological space between night and day, darkness and light, or the present and the future, music inhabits a place somewhere between our mind, emotions, and soul—and it colors all of them.

Across cultures and through all ages, music has moved mountains. Its power is beyond language and laws. It can motivate a nation to war, move a soul to repentance, or sell a Slinky. It was created by God with special power and usefulness. It is a strong tool that, like a sharp blade or large hammer, can be used for good or ill.

I've always taken music seriously. Possibly too seriously. My mother tells me I was singing before I was even a year old. Before I could articulate my thoughts through speech, I could express my heart through song. A few years later my obsession, no doubt fueled by Sesame Street, turned to the warm glow of records and radio stations. I wanted music to be playing constantly. Whether it was the Jesus Music my mother played constantly, or whatever I could find on the transistor, music moved me, and frequently troubled me. It provided escape in dark times. It was a source of instruction, inspiration, and hope. It fueled my imagination and fed my spirit. Music did not save my life; God did. But he seemed to use music an awful lot to do it.

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