Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 25:7

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 25:7
"So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight."

This reminded me of something I read the other day on the creation of the musical scale. It wasn't until the 11th century when Guido of Arezzo, an Italian monk, developed the solfège system (ut-re-mi-fa-sol-la). It was using the syllables from a Latin hymn, which made it easier to learn and teach music. (Now we use Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti) He also introduced the four-line staff, which made pitches clearer and more standardized. Before that it took a lifetime to learn to play and sing hymns. In David's time they truly needed to be cunning and instructed to play the songs of the Lord. What a difference it is to open up a hymnbook and learn a new hymn now.

Day 3865

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 14:7, 32

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 14:7, 32

"The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing.

What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it."

trust in it = OR seek refuge in it.

I remember when Covid-19 was first spreading around the globe. This first verse came to mind and warmed my heart when I heard people in lock down singing. By the time in reached my area people were fighting each other. There was no singing only protests. What comes after in this chapter is where we are all headed. I love this last verse. It gives me hope that there will be a place of refuge as I trust in the Lord.

Day 2852

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 12:45-46

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 12:45-46

"And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son.

For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God."

Footnote for Ward = Or guard, watch

I pondered on how important singers were to serving in the temple. We don't have singers there today. Then I thought of the hymns played in the chapel and how peaceful it is. I also thought of the music sung during the dedications.

Day 2584

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 25:3

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 25:3

"Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD."

I wondered, "How do you prophesy with a harp?" Then I thought of all the beautiful inspirational hymns. I then remembered this morning as I was listening to general conference talks I had the desire to listen to the song "Peace in Christ". I got so busy in my day that I didn't have a chance to look it up and listen to it. I found it and did so now. As I sat and absorbed the words I could see all that is promised and that is prophesy.

Day 2522

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 15:25

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 15:25
"So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the house of Obed-edom with joy."

David and Israel had learned their lesson, that the first attempt to bring the ark of the covenant was not done in a manner pleasing to the Lord. David then instructs them that none but the Levites are to carry the ark. They then make preparations to bringing the ark from Obed-edom to the City of David.

Part of those preparations are singers, music, psalteries, harps, cymbals, lifting up the voice with joy and shouting. The last verse in the chapter says Michal the daughter of Saul looked out the window to see king David dancing and playing. All of this reminded me of the cultural celebrations we have before the dedications of a new temple. The key word in this scripture was "joy".

I also pondered on how following the Lord's directions and doing things pleasing to him does bring joy.


Day 928