Music has always been an integral part of worship and human expression, but what about its darker side? Some people believe there is a link between certain music and evil influences, even suggesting that the devil can use music to mislead. Does the Bible speak on this? Let’s explore what scripture says about music, its power, and any connections to the devil.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Killing Animals For Food
What Does The Bible Say About Music And The Devil
1. Genesis 4:21
Jubal was the father of all who play stringed instruments and pipes.
This verse highlights the origins of music and the creative gifts that God has given to humanity. It showcases the beauty and diversity of musical expression.
Music can be a powerful tool for worship, celebration, and self-expression. However, it is important to remember that our intentions and the content of the music we engage with should align with God’s principles.
2. Exodus 15:20
Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing.
This verse captures the joy that music can bring and the role it plays in celebrating victories and praising God. It shows how music has been used throughout history to honor God and express emotions.
Dancing and music can be a form of worship, but it is essential to be mindful of the context and ensure that our actions are honoring to God and aligned with His Word.
3. 1 Samuel 16:23
Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.
This verse demonstrates the power of music to soothe and bring peace to the soul. David’s skillful playing on the lyre had a calming effect on Saul and drove away the tormenting spirit.
Music has the potential to heal, uplift, and bring comfort to those who are troubled or oppressed. It serves as a reminder of God’s ability to bring restoration and healing through various means.
4. 2 Chronicles 5:13
The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud,
This verse portrays a powerful image of worship through music in the temple. The unity and harmony of the trumpet players, musicians, and singers create an atmosphere of praise and thanksgiving.
Music has the ability to bring people together in worship, fostering a sense of community and creating an environment for God’s presence to manifest.
5. Nehemiah 12:27
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps, and lyres.
This verse illustrates the use of music in celebrating significant events and milestones. The Levites were brought together to join in the joyful dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, accompanied by songs of thanksgiving and various instruments.
Music has the power to enhance our celebrations and express gratitude to God for His faithfulness and provision in our lives.
6. Job 21:12
They sing to the music of timbrel and lyre; they make merry to the sound of the pipe.
This verse describes the enjoyment and merrymaking that is often associated with music. It acknowledges the role of music in bringing joy and celebration to people’s lives.
While music can be a source of pleasure, we must ensure that the lyrics and messages we embrace reflect godly values and do not promote sinful behavior.
7. Psalm 33:2
Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
This verse encourages us to worship and praise God through music. It specifically mentions instruments such as the harp and lyre as means to magnify and honor the Lord.
Music can be an expression of our love for God and a way to communicate our adoration and awe of His greatness. We should utilize our musical talents to bring glory to His name.
8. Psalm 81:2
Begin the music, strike the timbrel, play the melodious harp and lyre
This verse calls for the commencement of music and the use of various instruments. It emphasizes the importance of engaging with music as a form of worship and celebration.
As believers, we should actively participate in praising God through music, using it as a way to express our gratitude and reverence for His goodness and faithfulness.
9. Psalm 92:1-3
It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp.
This passage highlights the goodness of praising the Lord and making music as a way to honor His name. It encourages us to declare His steadfast love and faithfulness through the use of musical instruments.
Music can serve as a powerful medium for expressing our devotion to God and sharing His love and faithfulness with others.
10. Psalm 95:1
Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
This verse invites us to sing with joy and exultation to the Lord, acknowledging Him as the Rock of our salvation. It emphasizes the joy and excitement that should accompany our worship.
Music can help us connect with our emotions and stir within us a deep sense of gratitude and reverence towards God.
11. Psalm 98:4-6
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn— shout for joy before the LORD, the King.
In this passage, the psalmist urges us to shout for joy, sing jubilant songs, and use various musical instruments to worship and honor the Lord.
Music has the power to engage our entire being and invoke a sense of awe and reverence for God’s sovereignty and kingship.
12. Psalm 137:2-3
There on the poplars we hung our harps, for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
This verse speaks of a time when the Israelites, in captivity, were unable to find joy in their hearts and hung their harps instead of singing songs of praise.
Music has the power to uplift our spirits and provide comfort, but there may be seasons in life when sorrow or challenging circumstances make it difficult to engage in joyful worship.
13. Ecclesiastes 2:8
I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired male and female singers, and a harem as well — the delights of a man’s heart.
This verse portrays a worldly perspective on the acquisition of wealth and the enjoyment of worldly pleasures, including the possession of singers and a harem.
It serves as a reminder that earthly pursuits and pleasures, even when accompanied by music, cannot provide ultimate fulfillment or satisfaction compared to a life lived in surrender to God.
14. Isaiah 23:15
At that time Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years, the span of a king’s life. But at the end of these seventy years, it will happen to Tyre as in the song of the prostitute:
This verse alludes to a prophetic song concerning the downfall of Tyre. It highlights the role of music in communicating messages and preserving historical events.
Music has the power to convey important narratives and can be a tool for storytelling, reflection, and passing down cultural and historical knowledge.
15. Isaiah 30:32
Every stroke the LORD lays on them with his punishing club will be to the music of timbrels and harps, as he fights them in battle with the blows of his arm.
This verse describes a battle scene in which the Lord uses instruments such as timbrels and harps as a backdrop to His actions. It emphasizes God’s sovereignty and authority.
Music can be a powerful accompaniment to significant moments in history and can act as a catalyst for emotional responses and a deepening sense of awe.
16. Jeremiah 7:34
I will bring an end to the sounds of joy and gladness and to the voices of bride and bridegroom in this place, the sounds of millstones and the light of the lamp.
This verse speaks of a judgment upon a city, where the sounds of joy and celebration, including the music of weddings and other festivities, will come to an end.
It serves as a reminder that God’s judgment may come upon societies that turn away from Him and embrace sinful practices, leading to the loss of joyful celebrations.
17. Jeremiah 31:4
I will build you up again, and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt. Again, you will take up your timbrels and go out to dance with the joyful.
Here, the prophet Jeremiah speaks of a future hope and restoration for the people of Israel. It envisions a time when music and dancing will once again be part of their joyful celebrations.
Music can play a significant role in times of healing and restoration, serving as a means of expressing joy, gratitude, and renewed hope.
18. Daniel 3:5
As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.
This verse references a command from King Nebuchadnezzar to worship a golden image as soon as certain instruments of music were played. It depicts the misuse of music in enforcing idolatry and false worship.
While music itself is not inherently evil, it can be manipulated and used for purposes that are contrary to God’s truth and principles.
19. Amos 5:23
Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.
In this verse, the prophet Amos rebukes the Israelites for their insincere worship and their songs that lacked true devotion and obedience.
Music alone is not enough to please God if our hearts are not aligned with His will. Authentic worship requires genuine repentance, obedience, and a sincere heart.
20. Matthew 26:30
When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
This verse highlights a moment during the Last Supper when Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn before proceeding to the Mount of Olives.
Music has the ability to foster unity and create a space for reflection and preparation before important events or significant moments in our spiritual journey.
21. Revelation 5:8-9
And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
This passage portrays a heavenly scene, where the worshipers, represented by the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders, sing a new song and play the harp in adoration of the Lamb.
Music will continue to play a significant role in eternity, as believers from every nation and tribe join together in worshiping and praising God for His redemption and salvation.
22. James 5:13
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.
This verse encourages believers to express their emotions, whether in trouble or joy, through prayer and the singing of songs of praise to God.
Music can be a powerful means of communicating and expressing our deepest emotions and bringing comfort and encouragement in times of distress.
23. Colossians 3:16
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
This verse emphasizes the importance of incorporating music into our spiritual lives. It encourages us to utilize psalms, hymns, and songs inspired by the Spirit to teach, admonish, and worship God.
Music serves as a vehicle for conveying spiritual truths and admonishing one another in wisdom, while also creating an atmosphere of gratitude and thanksgiving in our hearts.
24. 1 Corinthians 14:15
So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.
In this verse, the Apostle Paul highlights the importance of engaging both the heart and mind during worship. He encourages us to pray and sing praises to God with both our spirit and understanding.
Music can be a way to connect with the deeper dimensions of our spirit, as well as a means of comprehending and engaging with the truths of God’s Word.
25. Romans 15:9
so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: “Therefore, I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.”
Here, the Apostle Paul quotes from the Old Testament (2 Samuel 22:50) to emphasize how the Gentiles have been included in God’s plan of salvation. He highlights the universality of worship and the power of music to bring people from all backgrounds to praise and worship God.
Music has the ability to transcend cultural and ethnic boundaries, uniting people in glorifying God for His mercy and salvation.
Music is a gift from God that can be used to express our love and adoration for Him. Throughout the Bible, we find numerous references to music being used in worship, celebration, and communication. These verses demonstrate the power of music to bring joy, healing, unity, and an opportunity for believers to express their emotions to God. Music has the ability to create a sacred space where we can connect with God on a deeper level and experience His presence. While music itself is neutral, it is important for Christians to use discernment in the types of music they engage with and ensure that the lyrics and messages align with biblical principles. By embracing music as a tool for worship, believers can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and find solace, inspiration, and encouragement in the melodies and lyrics.