Musicians of the Bible

Jubal was the first musician mentioned in the Bible. Many others followed in his footsteps. They were the wandering minstrels who sang war ballads, court musicians who entertained at feasts and members of the Levite guilds created by David to play in temple rituals. These guilds both sang and played ritually pure instruments. David himself was a well known musician. He was first summoned to King Saul who was in search of someone who was "skillful in playing the lyre." David also wrote many of the Psalms, which are songs of praise. Among the women musicians mentioned in the scriptures are Miriam, sister of Moses and Deborah of the Old Testament. Then there were groups of women noted as praising David´s battlefield triumphs. "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!"