I have been studying Elijah and Elisha and pondering with the Lord many things He is showing me. I will admit what I happened across I had never noticed before in this story.

¹⁵ But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him.

For those who are unfamiliar with the word, “minstrel”..it simply means musician.

a singer or musician, especially one who sang or recited lyric or poetry to a musical accompaniment for the nobility.

synonyms:

musician, singer, balladeer, poet

I have taken a look at many times the story of Saul when he called for a harpist.

Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.

1 Samuel 16:23

There is power in music not to be underestimated. It was very significant in the Bible and how God moved in areas of healing, prophecy, causing demons to flee, etc. Here is a pulpit commentary I ran across that explains it well.

2 Kings 3 Verse 15. – But now bring me a minstrel. A player on the harp seems to be intended. Music was cultivated in the schools of the prophets (1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Chronicles 25:1-3), and was employed to soothe and quiet the soul, to help it to forget things earthly and external, and bring it into that ecstatic condition in which it was most open to the reception of Divine influences. As David’s harping refreshed Saul, and tranquillized his spirit (1 Samuel 16:23), so the playing of any skilled minstrel had a soothing effect on those possessing the prophetic gift generally, and enabled them to shut out the outer world, and concentrate their whole attention on the inward voice which communicated to them the Divine messages. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him. By “the hand of the Lord” is meant the power of the Spirit of God, the Divine effluence, whatever it was, which acquainted the prophets with the Divine will, and enabled them to utter it.

On the Job Training I have been pondering:

Some things you simply learn as you walk forward with the Lord. Many things take time as He takes you from glory to glory. I have been in places where the music was so loud that it was all but worshipful. Really more like a rock concert. Of course, I think it’s well intended but His voice wasn’t in the loudness of things in His Word but that gentle, still small voice..yes? So I have a hard time here as my Spirit gets a bit grieved. The Holy Spirit is always so gentle, alluring, and calming. (unless He is burdening with a conviction of some sort which can be pressing) There is a difference from praising loudly..and just being loud:) Much of this takes a training from the Lord and as we began to travel ministering, God began to show me..and Kerri Crocker..His timing for things. Music is not only used for the congregational worship..which is very important…but was used as a soothing effect in the word to anxious hearts, i.e. David with Saul who was taunted by evil spirits. Music is also used to deliver messages from the heart of God. Only God knows who is going to be present and what that person needs to hear. There are times where we need to simply sing over people…as God begins to soften the human heart. But this will require a leading of the Holy Spirit and discernment of the music He calls for an appointed work. I watched so many times as the Lord called Kerri to simply break out in acapella song. It was never a comfort place for me..yet He taught me to not be bound by what CD’s/tracks, etc I had prepared. To be ready to “veer” with Him. She does that well..and He set me free in many ways in this area. I have learned to trust Him and His “knowing.” Usually confirmation follow from those it ministered to. In this He grants peace and grace for us as ministers.

On the other side of the bar is music that feeds the soul darkness and death. What goes in..will take root. The dark music has power from the spiritual principalities of the dark world. The power of life and death are in the tongue… music is words set to melody..Those involved in witchcraft and other dark practices also sing. Yet it is a song of death and incantations..not life. What we sing over people, place in our own ears, etc will begin to alter our minds and hearts. Our demeanor will change, hearts will begin to harden, and hidden shackles will be placed on the listeners who will become “captives.” Lying spirits will begin to linger crowding out the voice of the Lord and His light. There is no such thing as “it’s only a song..or it’s only a tv show” The question is this..”does it bring Glory and Honor to the Lord Jesus, or does it bring glory and honor to things contrary to God.” There is no place for fence riding here. I noticed this as well in video games that are dark. If you know someone who has changed in demeanor, acts withdrawn and depressed or anxious..but seems different. I would take an inventory of their music, television, reading materials, or video game habits. Darkness may be lurking..and it can devour a soul.

Philippians 4:8

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.