Exclusive Psalmody

[Tyrese]

I recently listened to a really good serious of sermons dealing with the issue of worship by JP Wallace, pastor of Magherafelt Reformed Baptist Church. Two sermons in particular that I want to highlight is his sermons dealing with exclusive psalm singing and worship w/o instrumentation. While I agree with almost all that was said I just have two questions. First, how do you interpret psalm 33:3 in reference to hymn singing? and if you hold the position that we shouldn't be using instruments of any kind in worship, should Psalm 150 of the psalter be sung or left out considering that the chapter only has relevance to temple worship? This is not a question to start a debate so if you disagree with A cappella Exclusive psalm singing please refrain from posting. Also if this is a topic already discussed feel free to send me the link to read it over. Thanks.

 

[DeniseM]

I'm sure that there are many others on the board that are a lot more qualified to answer your questions than I am, but in reference to Psalm 33:3, the passage that always comes to my mind is Psalm 40:3.

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

As regards Psalm 150 I try to remember that the Psalms are written in poetic language and I don't see anything wrong with singing it. We have the blessing, in our current dispensation, of being able to sing the Psalms with a clearer understanding than the old testament church possessed, having been blessed also with the fulfillment of the prophecies contained in the Psalms.

Hopefully, some of the more knowledgeable EP folks will chime in and give a better answer than I can right now.

 

[JoannaV]

I understand how "new song" doesn't have to mean singing other songs. But what about "play skilfully with a loud noise"? Is that a metaphor?

 

[Wayne]

If you will study the larger context of each occurrence of the phrase "new song" , I would argue that the phrase distinguishes the extension of the gospel and thus the kingdom of God to all the nations. in short, it is not concerned with the mere vocalization of new compositions for the human voice.

Context is the key in coming to that conclusion.

 

[DeniseM]

I understand how "new song" doesn't have to mean singing other songs. But what about "play skilfully with a loud noise"? Is that a metaphor?

3. Sing unto him a new song. As the Psalmist afterwards treats of the mighty works of God, and particularly concerning the preservation of the Church, it is not wonderful that he exhorts the righteous to sing a new, that is, a rare and choice song. The more closely and diligently that believers consider the works of God, the more will they exert themselves in his praises. It is no common song, therefore, which he exhorts them to sing, but a song corresponding to the magnificence of the subject. This is also the meaning of the second clause, in which he urges them to sing loudly. In this sense, I understand the Hebrew word היתיב, heytib, although others refer it rather to the proper setting of the notes. Calvin's commentary on Psalm 33:3

Hope this helps.

 

[Tyrese]

Thanks guys for your post.