We take another look at a Hebrew word for praise described in Chris Tomlin’s book “Holy Roar”.  This week the word is, ‘Zamar’.
praise  זָמַר  zamar – sing, to sing praise, to make music, to chant, sing, or play instruments to worship God and proclaim his excellence. Striking with the fingers; to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, i.e. play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in song and music:—give praise, sing forth praises, psalms.
Psa. 144:9  “I will sing a new song to you, my God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you,”
Here are all the references: Judg 5:3; 2 Sam 22:50; 1 Chr 16:9; Psa 7:17; 9:2, 11; 18:49; 21:13; 27:6; 30:4, 12; 33:2; 47:6–7; 57:7, 9; 59:17; 61:8; 66:2, 4; 68:4, 32; 71:22–23; 75:9; 92:1; 98:4–5; 101:1; 104:33; 105:2; 108:1, 3; 135:3; 138:1; 144:9; 146:2; 147:1, 7; 149:3; Is 12:5
See 2 King 3 for the story about Elijah and the harpist.
“Elisha knew the power of a good soundtrack, how it frames the moment. Music so often prepares the heart for the reality of an important message.”….“As we listen to music, can’t we recognise the way it prepares our souls to receive God’s word? Can’t we allow it to soften us? Can’t we appreciate how it serves as a vehicle, carrying our praise to the throne of God? When we do, we are participating in the zamar.”
Music is designed by God to assist our spiritual awakening, listening and growth.
My thoughts:
  • Allow the music to do its work – not just the form of the song
    • Set the mood with playing/singing before the song begins
  • Share your music story & get to know others’
    • What role has music played in your spiritual journey?
    • Does your worship team know this?Does your church congregation know this?
    • Do you know the music stories of your team and your church?
Tell them. Ask them.
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God bless, Malcolm