Music in the Bible #6 - Spring up, O well!

5/7/2013

Today's topic is a musical side note in the book of Numbers. The children of Israel were traveling and an occurrence was the inspiration for a song. Sometimes it's the little things in life that are the most important, and the most meaningful. Little things such as water...

Numbers 21:16-18a

"And from thence they went to Beer: that is the well whereof the Lord spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water. Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it: the princes digged the well, the nobles of the people digged it, by the direction of the lawgiver, with their staves."

What we can learn

Sometimes we have to have things taken away from us before we can truly appreciate them. I have learned this in my own life after separation from friends, familiar surroundings, family, and other things that I loved, but didn't realize how much until they weren't with me. In this episode in the wilderness, the Israelites realized the value of a little thing like water after they had been without an adequate supply for a while.

Israel was beginning to conquer and settle in the land on the other side of the Jordan River, before getting to the promised land of Canaan. At the beginning of this chapter they experienced a lack of food and water, causing them to complain and then be judged for their bad attitude against God. After getting their hearts right, they moved on and experienced more success. And when they got water, they really appreciated it!

Two things I see in this passage:

Israel had learned to be truly grateful. A simple thing like water was enough inspiration for them to write a song of joy. They had gone through the hard times, and now could enjoy even more the times of plenty. Sometimes, that's what it takes in our lives too. God knows just what we need, and when we need it.
Even though their needs were met, it was not without a little labor on their part. They found water, but they had to dig a well. Just because the resources are available does not mean they will be given to us for free. So many people today have a "give me" type mindset, where everything has to be quick, easy, and cost-free. We don't truly deserve anything that we haven't worked for. So let's do our part!

Today, let's be grateful for what we have, and be willing to put forth our best effort to make it useful to those around us. Use the resources around you and thank God for His provision!

What blessings has God put into your life that you can make into a song?

Rick McDonnell is a vocalist, voice teacher, and the head blogger at Harmony Passion. Rick and his wife Bethany use the knowledge gained by earning college degrees in music to teach voice and piano students in their home studio and in music studios in nearby Thomasville, GA. Rick enjoys singing in harmony, family time, personal finance, technology, P90X workouts, and studying and teaching the Bible as the youth director at his church.

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