Mark Tabata’s Weekday Devotionals:
Monday March 2 2026
(More Bible Studies Available @ www.marktabata.com)
To Receive These (And Other) Free Bible Studies And Updates Via Email, Contact Mark Tabata @ 606-216-1757 (Text Message) Or hazardhomecoc@gmail.com (Email). Follow me on Substack: substack.com/@marktabata
Nehemiah 12:46 (CEV)-In fact, ever since the days of David and Asaph, there had been song leaders and songs of praise and worship.
Over the years, I have been thankful for the blessing of those who lead singing in the public worship assemblies of the church. These gifted individuals are often called “song leaders.” In the places where I have been blessed to preach and minister through the years, there are many song leaders I have known who are an incredible benefit to the Lord’s people. This is true especially in the Keavy church of Christ, where our primary song leader (brother Glen) is always ready and willing to stand before the congregation and help us as we raise our praises to God.
There are many passages of Scripture which teach us about the importance of song leaders. They are mentioned especially in the Old Testament, although their presence and function may be logically inferred from the New Testament as well (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:26, 40).
What does the Bible teach us about song leaders?
Here are some of the passages which teach us about what we would call song leaders in the Bible.
Exodus 15:20-21-Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. 21 And Miriam answered them: “Sing to the LORD, For He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea!”
Judges 5:1-Then Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam sang on that day, saying:
1 Chronicles 25:1-7-Moreover David and the captains of the army separated for the service some of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals. And the number of the skilled men performing their service was: 2 Of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah; the sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied according to the order of the king. 3 Of Jeduthun, the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp to give thanks and to praise the LORD. 4 Of Heman, the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-Ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth. 5 All these were the sons of Heman the king’s seer in the words of God, to exalt his horn. For God gave Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. 6 All these were under the direction of their father for the music in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the authority of the king. 7 So the number of them, with their brethren who were instructed in the songs of the LORD, all who were skillful, was two hundred and eighty-eight.
2 Chronicles 20:21-And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the LORD, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the LORD, For His mercy endures forever.”
There are many lessons that we can learn from these texts.
First, the leading of singing was very important in Israel. Worship unto God was both a solemn and joyous occasion. The song leaders helped in the songs which they led, which were focused especially on prophesying and teaching God’s Word. The same important function is emphasized in the New Testament:
Colossians 3:16-Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Those therefore who led in the singing and worship of God had a very important role in the congregation.
Second, the song leaders helped also in preparing and training others in these important areas of ministry. This is made clear in the way that the song leaders would help teach and train others.
1 Chronicles 25:6-8-All these were under the direction of their father for the music in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the authority of the king. 7 So the number of them, with their brethren who were instructed in the songs of the LORD, all who were skillful, was two hundred and eighty-eight. 8 And they cast lots for their duty, the small as well as the great, the teacher with the student.
In the Old Testament, this instruction included the use of instrumental music in public worship. We do not live under the Old Testament (Romans 7:4; Galatians 5:4), and so we do not use instrumental music in the public worship assemblies of the church of Christ under the New Testament (Colossians 3:17). But we can see here the importance of the principle of teaching others how to minister and serve (cf. Romans 15:4). Paul emphasized this when he told Timothy:
1 Timothy 3:14-15-These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
One of the solemn responsibilities of being disciples of Christ is in helping each other to obey Christ’s commands (Matthew 28:19-20). This includes training them-especially the next generation-for future service in all aspects of the Lord’s work.
What can we do to honor and help song leaders among us?
Can you think of ways to help encourage and train the next generation in these important ministries?
Lord, thanks for those who help us in praise and service to You. Bless them, and help us to train others to help in those good works as well. Amen.
Leave a Reply