From ancient times to the present, singing has been used as a form of relaxation or amusement (2 Sam 19:35; Amos 6:4-5), an expression of joy (Prov 29:6; Isa 16:10; James 5:13), a form of celebration (Judg 5:1-2; 1 Sam 21:11), and a means of praising God (Exod 15:1; Ps 30:4; 66:4; 95:1-3; Acts 16:25; Rev 5:9; 15:3). Singing has often been associated with music and dancing (Gen 31:27; Exod 15:20-21; Isa 5:12; see DANCING; MUSIC). In the temple worship that David organized, there were groups of singers who sang under a conductor to the accompaniment of music (1 Chron 15:16,22). This arrangement was followed by some of Israel’s later leaders (2 Chron 29:30; Ezra 3:10-11). The psalms that these singers sang were sometimes divided into parts that individuals or sections of the choir sang in turn (Ezra 3:11; Ps 118; see PSALMS, BOOK OF). Singing is an important part of the life of the church (1 Cor 14:26; cf. Mark 14:26).
It should be an expression of praise to God that arises from a heart filled with joy and thanks. However, the songs must be based firmly on the Word of God, and people must sing them with understanding, not just with a feeling of enjoyment. Only in this way will God be truly praised and the singers be truly built up in their Christian faith (1 Cor 14:15; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16). In the early church, songs were an important means of summarizing Christian truth in a form that could be easily remembered and repeated. The New Testament contains what appear to be selections from early Christian songs (Phil 2:6-11; Col 1:15-20; 1 Tim 3:16; cf. also Luke 1:46-55,68-79; 2:14,29-32; Rev 4:11; 5:9-10; 11:17-18; 15:3-4.)