After the overwhelming force of David’s instruments, this relative silence staggers the senses. It is astounding, unnerving, especially for music lovers like me. The Maestro arrives, and the earthly music all but quits. What is that all about? That is the question, the mystery we seek to fathom in God’s revelation.
At this point, we may make the mistake of an impatient audience. We do not realize that more is to come. Instead of listening expectantly, we rudely break into discussion, evaluating the performance, complaining about the abrupt end, perhaps even trying to explain it away:
- “Under Roman rule, the Jews are a sour bunch; they no longer appreciate good music.”
- “Jesus is too poor to own a flute.”
- “Jesus is in danger and avoids noisy attention.”
Such speculations are premature, and most often baseless. Scriptural records verify that instruments are present and available in daily life at that time. Social events use them, including parties, funerals and other occasions (Matthew 9:33; Luke 15:25; Revelation 18:22 cf. Matthew 6:2). Even little children play with simple instruments.
To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.” (Matthew 11:16-17)