MASCHIL
(This musical sign occurs in the titles of Psalms 32, 42, 44, 45, 52, 53, 54, 55, 74, 78, 88, 89, 142. Its signification where it occurs elsewhere than in the titles of the Psalms is equivalent to the English word "instruction," or "to become wise by instruction;" hence Psalms 47:7 "For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding."
The Biblical Role of Music of the Church
Introduction
The role that music was to play in the Church was set apart and ordained by God. The earliest of Hebrew scripture outlines clearly the service of these ministers, who they were, what their duties were to be and who "should prophesy with harps, with psaltries and with cymbals." (1 Chronicles 25:1)
"And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the Lord, after that the ark had rested." (1 Chronicles 6:31)
"And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the Lord in Jerusalem; and then they waited on their office according to their order."(1 Chronicles 6:32)
The entire tribe of Levi was set aside as a priestly caste - an order - as witnesses and guardians of the national worship.
"David spake to the Chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding by lifting up the voice with joy." (1 Chronicles 15:16)
"So the singers, Herman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass;" (1 Chronicles 15:19)
"And Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psaltries on Alamoth;" (1 Chronicles 15:20)
"And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel." (1 Chronicles 15:21)
"And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skilful." (1 Chronicles 15:22)
The Choral Service
The CHORAL SERVICE is first mentioned in David's time.
"David spake to the Chief of the Levites to appoint their brethern to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding by lifting up the voice with joy." (1 Chronicles 15:16)
"So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the Lord, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight." (1 Chronicles 25:7)
The Instruments and Singing
"Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise." (Psalms 33:3)