Music in Biblical Life: The Roles of Song in Ancient Israel - Softcover

Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

Jonathan L. Friedmann is a professor of Jewish music history at the Academy for Jewish Religion, California, and Extraordinary Professor of theology at North-West University (South Africa). He is the author, editor or compiler of eleven other books on music and religion. Visit his website at jonathanfriedmann.com.

Von der hinteren Coverseite

Music was integral to the daily life of ancient Israel. It accompanied activities as diverse as manual labor and royal processionals. At key junctures and in core institutions, musical tones were used to deliver messages, convey emotions, strengthen communal bonds and establish human-divine contact.

This book explores the intricate and multifaceted nature of biblical music through a detailed look into four major episodes and genres: the Song of the Sea (Exod. 15), King Saul and David's harp (1 Sam. 16), the use of music in prophecy, and the Book of Psalms. This investigation demonstrates how music helped shape and define the self-identity of ancient Israel.