Title Magdalena Kessy

What is a Lyre in the Bible? (1 Samuel 16:16, 23)

In the Bible, musical instruments are often categorized into three main groups, each serving a purpose in worship and praise:

1. Wind instruments: These include the trumpet, flute, horn, and ram’s horn. These instruments were often used to announce important events or to call people to worship (e.g., Numbers 10:1-10).
2. Percussion instruments: Instruments like tambourines, cymbals, drums, and bells. These were often used to create rhythm and joy in worship, as seen in Psalm 150.
3. String instruments: Instruments like the harp, lyre, zither, and santuri. These instruments produced their sound through plucking or striking the strings, and were closely associated with personal and communal worship.

The lyre is a string instrument commonly referenced in biblical texts. It was played by plucking its strings with fingers or a small tool, and was a key instrument in the worship of God. The Jewish lyre typically had ten strings, often made from the intestines of a lamb (a symbol of purity and sacrifice).

To see how it’s played, you can watch this video on YouTube: Watch the video

David and the Lyre:
David is most famously associated with the lyre in the Bible, using it to soothe King Saul when an evil spirit, sent by God, tormented him. This highlights the therapeutic and spiritual power of music, particularly in the context of God’s sovereignty and grace.

1 Samuel 16:16 (NIV):

“So let our lord command his servants to search for someone who can play the lyre. When the evil spirit from God comes on you, he will play it, and you will feel better…”

1 Samuel 16:23 (NIV): “

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

Theologically, this passage emphasizes God’s sovereignty in allowing both good and evil spirits to have influence over His creation (as seen in 1 Samuel 16:14), and the power of music as a means of spiritual healing and deliverance.

The Levites and Temple Worship:
The Levites, the priestly tribe of Israel, used the lyre and other instruments to praise God during the construction and dedication of the temple. This underscores the importance of music in corporate worship and the honor given to God through the arts.

2 Chronicles 5:12 (NIV):

“The Levites who were musicians—Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets.”

Theologically, this passage reflects the holistic nature of worship—body, mind, and spirit—being expressed in song and music, bringing glory to God in the fullness of creation.

Music in the New Creation:
The Bible also points to music in the future, in the new creation, when those who have overcome will praise Christ with their harps (lyres). This final victory of God’s people underscores the eternal nature of worship and the role of music in it.

Revelation 15:2-3 (NIV):

“I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and its image and over the number of its name. They held harps (lyres) given them by God.
And they sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb: ‘Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty; just and true are your ways, King of the nations.’”

Theologically, this passage points to the victory of God’s people over evil and the eternal worship that will take place in His presence. Music will continue to be a central aspect of worship in the new heavens and new earth, as it has always been in the worship of the people of God.

Should We Use Lyres in Our Worship Today?

The Bible teaches that all musical instruments are appropriate for use in worship, as long as they are played in a manner that glorifies God. The type of instrument—whether a drum, guitar, xylophone, zither, or lyre—is not the key focus. Instead, the way we use our music in praise, in beauty, and in holiness is what matters most.

Psalm 150:1-6 (NIV):

“Hallelujah!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre;
praise him with the tambourine and dancing,
praise him with the strings and flute;
praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Hallelujah!”

Psalm 150 invites all of creation to join in the universal praise of God. Music, as an expression of the beauty and creativity given to us by God, is an essential part of worship. It is not the specific instruments that matter, but that we use them to honor God in spirit and truth (see John 4:24). Our music should be an offering to God, reflecting His glory and majesty, whether in public or private worship.

Conclusion:

In light of biblical teaching, we can conclude that using instruments such as the lyre, or any other musical instrument, is not only permissible but encouraged in worship, as long as it is done with a heart of reverence and holiness. Theologically, music plays a vital role in bringing us closer to God, expressing our love, gratitude, and praise to Him.

Blessings to you.

Feel free to share this good news with others!

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In John 2:1–4, during a wedding in Cana of Galilee, Jesus’ mother tells Him that the hosts have run out of wine. Jesus responds:

“Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”
(John 2:4, NIV)

This may seem like a surprising or even harsh response. But to understand what Jesus meant, we need to look at the deeper theological significance of the phrase “My hour.”

1. Mary’s Expectation and Jesus’ Response

Mary wasn’t just pointing out a practical problem—she was hoping Jesus would perform a miracle. Her request, though subtle, was rooted in her knowledge of who He truly was. She was asking for a supernatural solution.

Jesus’ reply wasn’t disrespectful. The term “Woman” was actually a respectful form of address in Jewish culture at the time. What He was doing was redirecting her expectation from a personal or social solution to God’s divine timeline.

“My hour has not yet come” indicates that Jesus operated on God’s schedule, not human prompting—even from His own mother.

2. What Is “The Hour”? A Theological Insight

In the Gospel of John, the phrase “My hour” consistently refers to the time of Jesus’ glorification, which includes:

• His suffering (passion),
• His death on the cross,
• His resurrection, and
• His ascension into glory.

This “hour” represents the culmination of His earthly mission—the moment when God’s redemptive plan through Christ would be fulfilled.

John 7:30 – “At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.”
(NIV)

John 12:23 – “Jesus replied, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.’”
(NIV)

John 13:1 – “Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father.”
(NIV)

Thus, in John 2, Jesus is signaling that the time to fully reveal His divine mission had not yet arrived. Performing a public miracle would begin to expose His identity and accelerate the events that would lead to the cross.

3. When “The Hour” Arrived

After Jesus performed several miracles and His popularity grew, the long-awaited “hour” finally came. This included both the glory of public recognition and the agony of the crucifixion.

When Greeks came to seek Jesus—a sign of His influence spreading beyond Israel—He said:

“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.”
(John 12:23, NIV)

But He immediately followed with this:

“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.”
(John 12:27, NIV)

Jesus understood that true glorification would come through suffering.

4. A Lesson for Us: God’s Timing and Our Seasons

Just as Jesus had an appointed time, we too have divine timings in our lives. There are moments for growth, for pain, for joy, and for waiting. God’s plans unfold not on our schedule, but according to His sovereign will.

Jesus Himself likened life’s seasons to childbirth:

“A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy.”
(John 16:21, NIV)

This parallels our experiences: sometimes we endure sorrow, but joy follows. Our trials are not without purpose—they often lead to greater revelation and transformation.

The author of Ecclesiastes beautifully reflects this truth:

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens… a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4, NIV)

Conclusion: Trusting God’s Timing

When Jesus said “My hour has not yet come,” He was demonstrating unwavering commitment to the Father’s will. It was a reminder that His purpose would unfold at the right time—not by pressure, but by Providence.

We, too, are called to recognize and trust the seasons of our lives. Whether in joy or hardship, God is at work, shaping us for His glory.

Let us be patient in the waiting, faithful in the doing, and hopeful in the enduring—knowing that in God’s time, all things are made beautiful (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Shalom. May the Lord help us recognize and walk in our appointed seasons.

Please feel free to share this teaching with others who may be encouraged by it

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ANSWER:

God communicates with people in various ways. He can speak directly to individuals, send angels to deliver His messages, or use human beings as messengers. In rare instances, He may even use animals (Numbers 22:30) or elements of nature (Job 12:7-9) as a means of communication.

Theological Insight:
From a theological perspective, God speaks in diverse ways, but His messages are always consistent and true. When God speaks directly, He does so to communicate His will, to guide, and to reveal Himself to His creation. The use of angels and humans as intermediaries reflects God’s sovereign will to use created beings to carry His message. This understanding is important because it shows that God’s mode of communication may vary, but His intent and message remain unchanged.

Humans and animals are physical beings, and God does not use their spirits to communicate with us. For example, God does not use my spirit or someone else’s spirit to speak to another person’s spirit. Instead, when God wants to speak to someone, He communicates to a servant in the spirit, and that servant then delivers the message. It is only the Holy Spirit and holy angels who have the spiritual nature to speak to us in this way because they are spiritual beings. The Bible affirms this spiritual distinction in Hebrews 1:14 (NKJV): “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Angels, as spiritual beings, are sent to serve God’s purposes, including speaking to His people.

Angels and the Holy Spirit:
Angels, while powerful and important servants of God, always act in obedience to His will and speak His messages, never their own. They can appear in human form, give a message directly, or communicate through a person’s spirit. However, when angels speak, it is essentially the voice of God speaking through them, as the angels are merely His messengers.

Genesis 22:10-16 (NKJV):
In this passage, when Abraham is about to sacrifice Isaac, the Angel of the Lord speaks to him directly. The message the angel delivers is clearly divine, and the tone suggests that it’s not just any angel but a representative of God Himself. The angel’s voice in this passage reflects God’s will, and this is why the angel’s words carry such authority, even though it’s technically an angel speaking.

“But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’… and He said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.’” (Genesis 22:11-12 NKJV)

This passage makes it clear that the message delivered by the angel is as authoritative as God’s direct command. The angel is simply conveying God’s message, highlighting that the distinction between the angel’s voice and God’s voice is not always easy to discern.

Exodus 3:1-6 (NKJV):
Moses’ encounter with the Angel of the Lord in the burning bush is another key passage that helps us understand the role of angels in delivering God’s messages. In this passage, although God Himself is speaking through the angel, the narrative presents the angel’s words as if they are directly from God.

“The Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush… when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, ‘Moses! Moses!’” (Exodus 3:2-4 NKJV)

Here, the angel is delivering God’s message to Moses, and the angel’s words are clearly God’s. The distinction between the angel and God becomes blurred because the message is the same. This shows that angels, though separate beings, carry God’s voice and speak His words without modification.

Judges 2:1 (NKJV):
In this passage, the Angel of the Lord speaks to the Israelites, declaring that God is the one who led them out of Egypt and fulfilled His promises. Although the angel uses the first-person pronoun “I,” it’s important to understand that it is God who made the covenant, not the angel.

“Then the Angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: ‘I led you up from Egypt and brought you to the land of which I swore to your fathers; and I said, I will never break My covenant with you.’” (Judges 2:1 NKJV)

The angel here is acting as a spokesperson, delivering a message that God Himself had given. This passage reinforces the idea that angels do not speak their own words but relay God’s instructions and promises to His people.

Theological Implications:
Angels are, in essence, servants who relay God’s will. They do not speak independently of God. When they speak, they are essentially God’s voice in the world. This understanding helps us comprehend why it is difficult to differentiate between the voice of the Holy Spirit and the voice of an angel. Both deliver God’s message, though one is a direct spiritual presence (the Holy Spirit) and the other is a messenger (the angel).

Differentiating the Voice of God and His Messengers:
It is difficult to distinguish the voice of the Holy Spirit from the voice of an angel, especially when both speak with the authority of God. For instance, an angel may say, “I the Lord have said…” and you might assume it’s God speaking directly, when in fact, it’s His angel delivering the message.

The Key Lesson:
Rather than trying to differentiate between the voices of the Holy Spirit and angels, the focus should be on obedience. The important thing is not which voice we hear, but that we listen and obey, knowing that God is speaking to us through His messengers, whether directly or through an angel. In John 14:26 (NKJV), Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will guide us in all truth:

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

The message, whether delivered by the Holy Spirit directly or by an angel, remains the same: we must listen and obey. The key takeaway is that obedience to God’s will is what matters most, regardless of whether the message comes directly from God or through His angels.

Conclusion:
Theologically speaking, the distinction between the voice of the Holy Spirit and the voice of angels is blurred because both are speaking the same divine message. What is most important is not to differentiate between these voices but to obey what we hear, knowing it comes from God. Let us be attentive and obedient to His messages, whether they come through His Holy Spirit or His angels.

May God bless us as we heed His Word and share it with others.

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Biblical and Theological Reflection
Scripture Reference: Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV)

Introduction
A genuine sign that a person is filled with the Holy Spirit is not only the display of spiritual gifts, but more importantly, the transformation of their character. According to Scripture, holiness is the visible evidence of the Spirit’s indwelling presence. While gifts such as prophecy, healing, or speaking in tongues are valuable (1 Corinthians 12), they are secondary to the inward fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in a believer’s life.

Paul, writing to the Galatians, identifies this character transformation as the fruit of the Spirit—a singular “fruit” made up of nine distinct yet interconnected qualities. These are not optional traits, nor can they be selectively displayed. Together, they form a unified expression of the Holy Spirit’s work in sanctifying a believer.

Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Theological Insight
The term “fruit” (Greek: karpos) in this passage is singular, indicating that these virtues are not separate “fruits” to be picked individually but rather a single cluster that grows together as a result of the Spirit’s presence. This is vital: true Christian maturity involves growing in all of these areas—not excelling in one while ignoring others.

The fruit of the Spirit is essentially the character of Christ being formed in the life of a believer (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18). It reflects a life submitted to God’s will and shaped by His grace.

The Nine-Fold Fruit of the Spirit

1. Love (Agape) – Selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love, the highest virtue (1 Corinthians 13:1–3).
2. Joy – A deep, abiding inner gladness not dependent on circumstances (Romans 15:13).
3. Peace – Inner tranquility and trust in God’s sovereignty (Philippians 4:6–7).
4. Patience (Forbearance) – The ability to endure hardship or difficult people with grace (Colossians 3:12).
5. Kindness – A heart that seeks to bless and not harm others (Ephesians 4:32).
6. Goodness – Moral integrity and a desire to do what is right (Romans 12:9).
7. Faithfulness – Steadfast loyalty and trustworthiness (1 Corinthians 4:2).
8. Gentleness – Humility and a meek spirit, not weakness but strength under control (Matthew 5:5).
9. Self-Control – Mastery over one’s desires and impulses, guided by the Spirit (Titus 2:11–12).

Conclusion
The fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of a life truly transformed by God. It is not something we can produce on our own, but the natural result of abiding in Christ (John 15:5). The more we walk in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25), the more these traits will be evident in our lives.

May every believer strive not just for spiritual gifts, but for a Spirit-shaped character that reflects Christ to the world.

Be blessed as you grow in the fullness of the Spirit’s fruit.

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For something or someone to rise, it must first overcome the forces that pull it down. This concept is consistent with spiritual truth, where the ability to ascend reflects overcoming spiritual obstacles. In the physical world, things that fly, like birds, tend to move faster and see farther than those that walk. Similarly, in dreams, when you see yourself flying, you often feel light and empowered, in contrast to other types of dreams. The act of flying symbolizes a higher state or accomplishment.

Dreams about flying can come from two sources. The first is the enemy. In

John 10:10,

Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (NIV).

This passage highlights that the enemy’s goal is to cause distress and deception, which can be reflected in dreams. If you dream of flying with strangers, heading to unfamiliar or terrifying places, and upon waking up you feel anxious, fearful, or uneasy, this could be a sign that the dream originates from the enemy. Such dreams often lead to a sense of confusion or unease. If you are a Christian, the Bible encourages you to rebuke such dreams immediately. In the name of Jesus, you can break free from these negative experiences. Jesus assures us of His authority over darkness in

Luke 10:19,

where He says, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you” (NIV). As a believer, you are empowered to overcome.

However, if you dream about flying in normal, peaceful settings—such as your home, or even unfamiliar but natural places—and you feel capable of flying far, such as soaring to the moon, and the dream repeats itself with no negative feelings upon waking, it is likely a message from God. In such dreams, God may be showing you His intention to elevate you spiritually, indicating a call to grow or rise to a new level of faith. The Bible often speaks of God’s desire to lift His people up spiritually and physically.

Psalm 103:5 says, ”

Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (NIV).

This verse illustrates God’s ability to restore and elevate His people, just as the eagle rises to great heights. Dreams about flying in this context symbolize God’s lifting of your spirit and purpose.

Now, if you are outside of Jesus Christ, God is warning you that your happiness and success are only temporary. While you may experience success in life—perhaps through material gains, education, or personal progress—without Christ, this success will not last eternally. Jesus cautions about the fleeting nature of worldly success in

Matthew 6:19-20:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (NIV).

When you dream of flying, it can represent a sense of success, but it also carries a warning about the temporary nature of worldly achievements. In

Job 20:4-8,

we are reminded of the brevity of the wicked’s joy and success:
“Do you not know this from ancient times,
ever since mankind was placed on the earth,
5 that the joy of the wicked is brief,
and the happiness of the godless is fleeting,
6 though they rise to the heavens and their heads reach the clouds,
7 they will perish forever, like their own refuse;
those who see them will ask,
‘Where are they?’
8 They will vanish like a dream, never to be found,
like a vision of the night” (NIV).

The fleeting nature of success in a life disconnected from God is a warning that should lead us to repentance. Jesus asks in

Matthew 16:26,

“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (NIV).

If you find yourself involved in illegal or sinful activities—such as selling alcohol, drugs, corruption, or witchcraft—it’s time to repent and turn back to God. Only in Christ can true, lasting fulfillment be found.

On the other hand, if you are in Christ, God is encouraging you to focus more on Him. He has a greater plan for your life, and He is preparing to bless you with heavenly gifts. In

James 1:17,we read,

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (NIV).

All true blessings come from God, and He desires to give you even more. Your success is not just for this life but for eternity.

Psalm 68:18 says,

“You ascended on high,
you took many captives;
you received gifts from people,
even from the rebellious,
that the Lord God might dwell there” (NIV).

God has a plan for you to rise spiritually. Don’t focus on the temporary struggles or setbacks around you, but instead, seek God diligently. The apostle Paul encourages us in

Philippians 3:13-14:

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (NIV).

As you press forward in faith, know that your ascent does not end here on earth but will one day reach heaven. Just as Christ ascended to the Father in

Acts 1:9-11,

where He was taken up before His disciples, we too have an appointed time when we will rise to meet Him. That day will be the day of the Rapture, as described in

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17:

“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever” (NIV).

So, keep moving forward in faith, pressing toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Strengthen yourself in the Lord. The day is coming when we will meet Jesus in the sky. Maranatha—”Come, Lord Jesus!”

Be blessed!

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