The Lord's Song: The Basis, Function and Significance of Choral Music in Chronicles

by John W. Kleinig

Why do the books of Chronicles regard the performance of choral music as an integral part of the sacrificial ritual at the temple, despite the lack of sanction for it in the Pentateuch? And why do they stress that it must be synchronized with the presentation of the regular public burnt offering at the temple? These and other questions are answered in this challenging new volume. After an introductory chapter defining the scope of the study as an analysis of the ritual function and theological significance of sacred song, the author examines the divine institution and royal establishment of the Levitical choir in Jerusalem. This is followed by an examination of the components of the Lord's song in terms of its contents, location, times, instruments and performers. A chapter on the function of sacred song as determined by its place within the sacrificial ritual follows, and the fifth chapter deals with its theological significance as the proclamation of the Lord's presence with his people.

Genres: Theology

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Thomas]

With this excellent monograph discussing choral music in Chronicles, the author makes the compelling case for choral music as an essential accompaniment to burnt offerings, mediated God's presence, and that it solemnized as an aspect of official worship of God. David, then, was a prophet-king who proclaimed and facilitating God's presence in the temple through choral music, which hints at David as having a priestly function as well. This latter insight of Kleinig is important as it shows the Christological character of the OT, specifically Chronicles. For someone fascinated with 1-2 Chronicles, as I am, this is well worth the read. These books of the canon are not just a synoptic replay of 1-2 Kings but in fact bring unique contributes to our biblical-theological of the Bible.

[Matt Candler]

The BEST treatment out there on the historical basis and reality of the Davidic order of worship and tabernacle. Highly recommend.