Zamar (Hebrew for music)

There is a video version of this with an original song at http://www.youtube.com\@commonmanguitar

Music Is God’s Idea

Where did music come from?

When you really stop and think about it, music has been with humanity for as long as we can tell. As far back as recorded history goes, people have been making music. Archaeologists have found bone flutes in Germany that date back nearly 10,000 years. Around 5000 BC, there are references to aulos—double‑reed pipes. By 2000 BC, we’re already seeing lutes show up in history.

Music has always been part of the human story.

And in modern times, Kiss famously sang, “God gave rock and roll to you.”
That song was originally written by Argent in 1973 and later covered by Petra in 1977.

And honestly—that’s where I want to start.

Music is God’s idea.

If you’re new here, my name is Bob. This is Common Man Faith, where I share my faith, my music, and sometimes a few other random thoughts along the way.

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When we open the Bible, the first clear reference to music shows up in Genesis 4. It tells us that Jubal was the father of all who play the lyre and the pipe.

But it may go back even earlier than that. In Genesis 2, when Adam speaks about Eve, many scholars believe his words are poetic—possibly even song‑like. In the book of Job, we’re told that the sons of God (spiritual beings, angels) sang at creation. In Exodus 15, Miriam leads the people in song after God delivers the Hebrews from Egyptian slavery.

Music shows up again and again.

Joshua’s army blew trumpets and the walls of Jericho fell. David appointed musicians to serve in the tabernacle. And then, of course, there’s the book of Psalms—the songbook of the Bible.

There are NT references telling us to encourage one another with Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual songs

So the question becomes: why did God give us music?

Music Expresses Emotion

The Psalms cover the full range of human experience: sorrow, joy, brokenness, fear, trust, anger, lament, and praise.

In fact, the book of Psalms alone contains at least 50 direct commands to sing. Music isn’t optional—it’s commanded.

We’re told to sing a new song.
To sing of God’s works and His mercies.
To “sing to the Lord” and “make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.”
Play skillfully on the strings.

Trumpets and cymbals which are not quiet instruments so God I guess likes loud music.

Throughout history, others have recognized this power as well. Beethoven once said, “Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.” He believed music communicates when words fail.

Franz Liszt said, “Music begins where the possibilities of language end.”

And that rings true, doesn’t it? We are made in the image of God, and God made us with emotions—with depth and feeling. Sometimes our joy is so overwhelming that words fall short. Sometimes our grief runs so deep that language just isn’t enough.

But melody, harmony, and rhythm step in where words fail. Minor chords think of sorrow and lament. Major chords are power and joy.

Music gathers all of that emotion and gives it expression.

That’s why music is a gift from God for worship.
It’s a gift from God for expressing emotion.

Music is Powerful as a Teaching Tool.

Think about it—how many things did you learn through music? You learned the alphabet with The ABCs. You can learn the Periodic Table with a songs about the elements. Even the “12 Days of Christmas.”

Some believe it was used to teach Scripture to children

One God.
Two Testaments.
Three pillars of Faith Hope Love
Four Gospels.
Five books of Moses.
Six days of creation
Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
Eight beatitudes
Nine fruits of the spirit
Ten Commandments.
Eleven Faithful apostles
Twelve tribes of Israel or 12 points of the apostles creed

Martin Luther believed music was one of the best ways to teach theology. Compare the language of those early hymns to todays modern music. That’s why so many hymns were written in four‑part harmony—not just to worship, but to teach doctrine and even help people learn to read music and sing.

Music Defines Culture

Songs are how cultures preserve their identity, values, and their history. Not just social culture but church culture.

From national anthems to protest songs, music tells us who people are. Plato once said, “If you want to know a people, listen to their music.” And in 1704, Scottish politician Andrew Fletcher famously said, “Let me write the songs of a nation; I care not who writes its laws.”

Music shapes hearts. Declares our values, our priorities, our loves. Even the things we rail against.

So far, I have said that music is used to worship.
It’s used to express emotion
It’s used to teach.
It helps define a culture and a community

But there’s one more thing—among many others.

God Uses Music to Express How He Feels About His People.

In Zephaniah 3, we read these words:
Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!
The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies.

The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil.
On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Fear not, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak.
 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save;

And then listen to what He says

He will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; He will exult over you with loud singing.^[1]

Not only does God receive our worship in song.

He sings over His people with joy. When God looks at His covenant people He sings, He rejoices

Think about that. Not only does God receive our worship in song—He sings over His people with joy.

So let’s go back to where we started.

Music is God’s idea.
Music is God’s gift.
And God Himself sings.

And remember—you were made in the image of God. You were made to sing.
You were made to create.

So don’t just copy.
Enjoy what others have created.
But also find ways to create yourself—as an expression of worship, faith, and gratitude.

Your joy, your grief, your longings. Find the songs, or write the songs, that help you express them

If this resonated with you, like and subscribe.
But more than that—leave a comment.

What has music meant to you?
What has music helped you get through?
Was there a song—something you wrote or something someone else wrote—that showed up at exactly the right moment?

I’d love to hear your story.

Create, and enjoy what others have created too.

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^[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Zep 3:14–17). (2025). Crossway Bibles.