Who is God’s ultimate Mystery? And who is the treasure house for understanding all godly mysteries? Scripture answers: Christ! Paul writes about this often.
When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ. (Ephesians 3:4)
[My purpose is that Gentile] hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2-3 cf. Colossians 1:27; 4:3; Ephesians 3:4; 5:32; Romans 16:25-27)
Are we focused on Jesus as the fulfillment? Then get ready. A huge surprise awaits us when we turn to consider Jesus and music.
Think of the Bible as a grand musical score in the classical tradition. As you listen expectantly, the music—which stands for biblical references to music—begins so softly that you barely sense it before hearing it.
- The first discernible note is the mention of Jubal, the father of musicians (Genesis 4:21).
- Laban’s passing note seems nearly as muted (Genesis 31:27).
- A surprisingly long silence finally yields to the lively dance of Miriam (Exodus 15:20).
- Then follows the martial flourish of trumpets and rams’ horns (Exodus 19:13,16-19; Leviticus 23:24; Numbers 10:1-10; Joshua 6:4), and in startling counterpoint, the bells that tinkle in measured cadence to the movements of Aaron (Exodus 28:33-35).
- After Moses and Joshua, relative quiet descends—as regards references to music. Occasional notes and blasts remind us, of course, that the score continues (Judges 11:34; 1 Samuel 10:5; 16:18-23; 18:6).
- Suddenly David is king, and the music bursts forth. It quickly rises to a sustained crescendo. There are loud, boisterous parades (2 Samuel 6:5, 15; 1 Chronicles 15:16-28), followed by huge, powerful choirs and orchestras (1 Chronicles 23:3-5; 25:1-7; 2 Chronicles 5:12-13; 7:6).
- This kind of music continues—with long interruptions for apostasies—through the kings of Judah and the returning exiles (Isaiah 38:20; Ezra 2:65; Nehemiah 12:31-46).
- Then comes Christ, the true King… and the music heard before almost seems to stop. This is the Son of David. Yet, for most of Jesus’ life, the biblical record mentions nothing about Him making music. Finally, the inspired accounts sound a single note, so to speak. Practically at the end, near death’s door, the sacred text tells of Jesus singing a simple song with His disciples.
And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:30 cf. Mark 14:26)