CHOIR . . .
“The two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God.” Nehemiah 12:40
Singing is a special gift God gives to his people. Do you like to sing? Some people have a talent to sing, while others aren’t quite as fortunate. The Bible mentions singing many times. The entire book of Psalms contains songs the people sang. Unfortunately, we have no record of how they sounded.
King David was a gifted musician. We know he played instruments and wrote music. The Bible says when David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, there was a great celebration that included the singing of choirs.
Another reference we have in the Old Testament took place during the time of Nehemiah. He was in charge of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonians had destroyed the city. When Nehemiah’s project was complete, we read about the dedication. “I had the leaders of Judah go up on top of the wall. I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks. One was to proceed on top of the wall to the right. . . . The second choir proceeded in the opposite direction. . . . The choirs sang under the direction of Jezrahiah” (Nehemiah 12:31,38,42).
The Bible also tells us there are heavenly choirs. Can you imagine hearing the angels announcing Jesus’ birth over the fields of Bethlehem? And what an amazing sound we will enjoy in heaven: “Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. . . . In a loud voice they were saying: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5:11,12). What a joy it will be to sing with the heavenly choir!
From: Precious Words of the Bible by Reynold R. Kremer