Hello again and Welcome to ‘From Dust to Ashes’ podcast. I’m your host, Donald Carpenter.
I hope that everyone had a joyous holiday season.
In this episode, titled ‘Temple Worship Restored’, we will look at a time when the length of the stay of the children of Israel had been 430 years in the land of Egypt, now that’s according to Exodus 12:40. It was a time when life was free and abundant. Later on however, of bondage and dwindling hope for a prophesied deliver. And then when it happened, there is joy, happiness, praying, and the giving of thanks in song. Israel worshiped the Lord with their whole hearts. In the times of King David however, by the direction of God’s Holy Spirit, he developed a style and way of worship that eventually leads into temple worship. The door was opened and then, after his death, the door was shut and temple worship was lost. Still, I believe even today, apparently this style of worship is even lost in most of today’s worship services, and deserves ‘Restoration’.
It is important to understand that worship is crucial in our preparation for the End Time Harvest that the Lord is preparing us for. Now if your faith is based on Christianity, we know that the Temple of God, is each and everyone of us that has accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior; that’s according to scriptures from: First Corinthians chapter 3 verse 16 & chapter 6 verse 19.Here, I’ll read them to you from the NKJ Bible first, and then from another translation; The Living Bible. 1 Corinthians chapter 3 verse 16: ‘Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?’ TLB: ‘Don’t you realize that all of you together are the house of God, and that the Spirit of God lives among you in his house?’Now let’s check out Chapter 6 verse 19: ‘Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?’ TLB: ‘Haven’t you yet learned that your body is the home of the Holy Spirit God gave you, and that he lives within you? Your own body does not belong to you. Wow! Say what!
OK so, I guess by now you’re like weird-en out and want to know why we don’t own our own bodies. I know that the first few times that I read these scriptures, I was a bit puzzled myself. But you really have to take the time to dig in and study these scriptures out; as well as all of them really. Here’s the short version: According to the Book of Genesis chapter 1, after God created the heavens and everything in them, the earth, animals, creatures and everything else, He created man. But, it just wasn’t any man, it was a man in the image and likeness of God himself. Here, listen to Genesis chapter 1 verses 26 and 27: Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Now, (Us & Our here, give reference to God the Father and Jesus the Son)
So you see, God created everything including mankind. He created mankind to fellowship with Him and to worship Him. All mankind had to do was to worship their God and Creator and take care of the earth and everything in or on it. God gave them everything necessary for their survival. They needed nothing! Not even clothing. They had it all including God’s love. Unfortunately, Adam and Eve blew it; and all mankind has been paying for it ever sense. Well, that is up until the time of Jesus!
So, here is a question? Do you want to know what God looks like? That’s easy! Just look at yourself in the mirror. No I’m not trying to be any kind of smart-tail, this is a serious question. Or look at your children, or your parents, your grandparents, or the folks next door, yes even the bum on the street corner. We are all made in God’s likeness and image and He Loves us all! We are all His children. And God loves us very much, even more than we can imagine. In John 3:16+others; (paraphrased sorta) that God loves us so much that He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die for us on the Cross and was resurrected that we, might be reconciled back to God our Father. Awesome!
Now, if you haven’t yet listened to my first podcast titled ‘Mary (Mother of Jesus), check it out! It may shed a little light on ‘God’s Son, Jesus’.
You know, He doesn’t make us worship him. It is totally up to us, but if we love Him, we will want to worship and praise Him. Jesus stated himself that His body was the temple of God. John chapter 2 verse 19 states; Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Jesus was not talking about any building. He is talking about his own body, which is the temple of God! Now that I’ve established that, let’s dig back into the building and then the restoration process of temple worship.
Now in the days, before temple worship was established, you know like in a building, there were other mobile structures called tabernacles. This type of structure traveled with the Israelites during their days in the wilderness and beyond. You see, God had instructed Moses on the construction of the tabernacle of meeting, and then Moses instructed all the craftsmen in the building of this tabernacle. After it’s construction, a tent was placed over it. So, the total structure was called ‘the tabernacle of the tent meeting.’ Exodus chapter 40 verse 1 thru 3 states. Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. You shall put in it the ark of the Testimony (or Covenant), and partitionoff the ark with the veil.”This tabernacle of the tent meeting, and everything that was prepared for it, is the prelude to everything that would be in the first temple; Solomon’s Temple. I highly recommend reading Exodus chapters 35 verse 4 through the end of chapter 40. It is totally fascinating.
Now all this took place after the last plague in Egypt and the Exodus of Israel from Egypt. Exodus chapter 12 verse 31: states: Then he (referring to Pharaoh) called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, “Rise, go out from my people, both you and the children of Israel. And go, serve the Lord as you have said.” So Moses and Aaron, lead the people of God out of Egypt. In Moses’s time , he was directed by the Lord to build an ark (Ex.25:10-22) and It was to be placed in the tabernacle which Moses was also directed to make (Ex.26:1), and placed behind a woven veil (Ex.26:31-33). That way, the glory of God that was on the ark was hidden from the people. The tabernacle in David’s time however, the ark was not hidden by any veil. David set the Ark of the Covenant in open view. Instead of a thick veil around the ark, he used musicians and singers as a human veil around it. A veil of praise and worship was created.
It was King David’s desire to build a house for the Lord; however, the word of the Lord came by the prophet Nathan, and he was told not to build it (1Chr.17:1-12) and that David’s seed would build the Lord a house. We know that the seed of David was Solomon. As David was not to build the Temple, he however made abundant preparations for it. He appointed masons to cut stones, prepared iron for nails, and so forth. He also had skilled workmen at Solomon’s disposal. You can read about all of this in 1 Chronicles chapter 22.
When David was full of days, he made his son king over Israel. He gathered the leaders, the Priest and the Levites together, and he numbered the Levites. Twenty-four thousand were to look after the work of the house of the Lord. David established that some four thousand Levites were to be set-aside for the Lord with musical instruments, “which I made”, said David, “for giving praise.” That’s out of (1 Chronicles chapter 23:1-5). So David actually made the musical instruments to be used for the worship services. Amazing!
OK, let us really get into the thick of things; about these Temple Musicians we have already read about. In (Chapter 6 of 2Samuel verse 5), the word of God states “Then David and all the house of Israel played music before the Lord on all kinds of instruments of fir wood, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on sistrums, and on cymbals”.Now that is one Big worship team! David also separated, for the service of the Lord, some of the sons of Heman, Je-du-thun and A’saph (1Chr.25:1); that they should prophesy with their musical instruments. You know, you do not always have to sing to worship. Instrumental Worshiping is very effective and powerful, especially under the presence of the Holy Spirit.
I know when I was worship leader, and our worship team at church was led by the Holy Spirit, and we entered into prophetic worship; there was no other place I would rather be then in His presence. This is where the Holy Spirit takes you, into His (Gods) presence. What a glorious God we serve! During this time of worship, not only are the worship team members prophesying, also congregational members may receive Word to give, and this all happens totally directed by the Holy Spirit.
Who knows better than He how to enter into the Lords presence and what to bring forth. It is also, at these times of worship, the musicians themselves may prophesy with their instruments. It is at this time of instrumental worship that the people take the time to reflect or (Selah), on the things of God and may enter into the very throne room of God’s Grace. This is a powerful time of worship! I could spend a lot more time telling you about this but, maybe there will be another time?
OK, let’s continue to explore David’s preparations for the Temple of the Lord that his son Solomon would construct. But first, I would like to speak to you Worship Leaders out there. You need to learn how to let the Holy Spirit teach you how to worship. Pray before every practice. Learn how to play and sing with and under His Anointing. If you do this, God will bless you beyond your comprehension. Listen,you are not here to entertain the congregation or worshipers! It is not about playing lovely melodies and singing pretty songs. It’s about Worshiping the Lord; by and under the Anointing and Power of the Holy Spirit. You see,you set the atmosphere for opening up the Heavens, and even inviting the Heavenly Host, and yes even Jesus himself to enter into that place you have created for True Worship. And I can guarantee you, that if your worship leads you into the very Throne Room of God’s presence, YOU WILL NEVER FORGET IT!
Now when you read the list in (1Chr.25:2-31); of the division of the Levites, you’ll find that the number of those who were to prophesy with instruments were 288; now that’s a lot. The 288 that David separated for service drew lots. So the twenty-four sons each had their brethren with them making them twelve each. Therefore, there were twenty-four worship teams, (if you would), having a number of 12 members each to prophesy and worship 24 hours a day in the Temple. I’ve never been to a 24 hour worship service but, I’ve heard of a few around. Oh yeah! By the way, let’s don’t forget about the rest of the 4,000
musicians; that’s in (1Chr.23:5). All of this, and more, were just the stages of preparations for David’s son Solomon, for the building of the Temple. You can read about the rest of the preparations in (1Chr. Chapters 26-29).
I find these readings to be very exciting, seeing how the Lord prepared everything ahead of time, for us to be able to worship Him. Totally amazing!I mean, King David did all of this because of his love for the Lord. He had a connection with the great I Am. And he had a heart of true worship, of giving praise and he was a psalmist. God gave David a key; the scriptures call it ‘the key of David.’ This key opens the door. ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts and shuts and no one opens;’ from the book of Revelation chapter 3 verse 7. The key of David is still available for those who are willing, through worship and intercession, to receive this treasure into their hearts.
OK so the ‘First Temple’ was built in the 10th century B.C.E. (before common era) by King Solomon , that’s according to the Bible (1 Kings chapters 5-9). Now in 1 Kings chapter 6 verse 1; the word states ‘And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, that he (Solomon) began to build the house of the Lord.’ It seems clear, that the Temple was not only built to be a permanent residence for the Ark of the Covenant, which held the stone tablets of the law Moses received on Mt. Sinai, but also as a House of Worship unto the Lord.
Now In the days of Solomon, after the completion of the temple, Solomon basically called for a dedication service for the house of the Lord. When the priest came out and the Levites were ready with all that they did, you know with singers and musical instruments along with the priests with one hundred and twenty trumpets, can you imagine 120 trumpets blowing at one time, the scripture says they all played and sang praising and thanking the Lord saying “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever”, BAAM! And God showed up! (2 Chronicles chapter 5).The scripture says that the house of the Lord was filled with His glory in the form of a cloud, and that the priest could not continue to minister. This word continue here means stand. The priest could not stand to minister. After this, Solomon turns and blesses the whole assembly (2Chr.6: 1-42) gives God the glory, says a prayer, and once again BAAM! Fire comes down from heaven (2Chr.7: 1-3) consumes the burnt offering and the sacrifices and the glory of the Lord fills the temple some more and the people hit the floor. Oh, Sorry! Lay [bowed] prostrate on the floor [Strong’s Concordance #3766-Hebrew & Chaldee Dictionary]. This event last for 8 days, (verses 8 and 9, Chapter 7).
Well sir, that sure was some worship service. Haven’t quite seen the magnitude of glory like Solomon’s temple, but have experienced God’s presence in our own church and in my own quite time. It is powerful and will cause you sometimes not to stand. Guess I just busted someone’s theology but only the truth will set you free! You just heard or read it.
Now, when we come together corporately to worship the Lord, we are united in one accord, or one body, and usher in His very presence. There is a power anointing and presence of the Lord during these moments of praising and worshiping Him. So if you have never had an encounter with a truly spirit filled and anointed praise and worship team, I highly recommend it. You will come away changed! I did, and for the better.
I know that a short time after experiencing my first anointed worship team, the Lord lead me to become Worship Leader. Over the next several years, the anointing for worship increased considerably not only in myself but, in the worship team, and in the congregation. Praise the Lord! So in 2 Chronicles 9: 30-31, God’s word states; King Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years. Then Solomon died and joined his ancestors. And Re-ho-bo-am his son reigned in his place. Please forgive me if I don’t pronounce some of these names correct?
The closing of the Temple.
Now in the days of king Ahaz: (2Chr.28: 1). “Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem; and he did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord, as his father David had done.” 2 Chronicles 28:24: So Ahaz gathered the articles of the house of God, cut in pieces the articles of the house of God, shut up the doors of the house of the Lord, and made for himself alters in every corner of Jerusalem.
There was a lot of ups and downs with reigning Kings back in those days. Really doesn’t seemed to have changed much in our days; does it. When Ahaz died, his son Hezekiah became king and he did do right in the sight of the Lord. He also reopened the doors of the house of the Lord. This house of the Lord, or temple, is the same one king Solomon built. So king Hezekiah ordered the priest and the Levites to sanctify or (consecrate) themselves and to cleanse the house of the Lord. After this was finished they prepared offerings to offer on The Alter of the Lord. Now king Hezekiah stationed the Levites (or the Temple Musicians if you would) and the priest with trumpets in the house of the Lord. When the burnt offering began, the song of the Lord also began. The Temple Musicians played, the singers sang and the trumpeters sounded. The whole assembly sang praises to the Lord with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshiped. All of this and more can be read in 2 Chronicles chapter 29. That is totally one powerful scene! What really has caught my attention however, were these Temple Musicians, singers and trumpeters. I know how worship used to be in the church we used to attend, and to read this about the restoring of praise and worship warms my heart.
The days we are now in, I hope to once again see God restoring worship and the giving of praise back into His temple; the body of Christ. But where are these Levitical musicians and singers today? Where are the psalmists, have they forgotten how? Where are the anointed ones that have been separated by the Lord to carry on David’s ministry of worship unto the Lord, and for the people being instructed in the songs of the Lord? It seems today that these Temple Musicians and Singers have all but vanished in our traditional style services of choirs and soloists. Now don’t get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with a good choir, but there was no separation of the musician and singer in David’s time. I have yet been so moved by a good choir bringing me into the presence of the Lord.
As in the Biblical days gone by, when the priest served as a conduit to the bringing down of God’s blessing and influence into this world, it should still be today. The function of the Priest and the Levites was to serve as a vehicle, a means through which the Divine influence may descend. God does not change! Only men do.
The Lord is in the process of restoring True Worship, in Truth and in Spirit (John 4:23,24). “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Farther in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
David, by the direction of God’s Holy Spirit, orchestrated true worship in God’s tabernacle with musical instruments and singers. He also made preparations for Temple Worship for his son Solomon. As was once lost before, so it is again today. Yeah we need more Hezekiah’s to recognize that the church is in need of repentance, cleansing and restoration, and we need more David’s to come forth and bring with them the heart of true worship back into the body of Christ, His Church, His Temple; Amen.
Let me leave you with this:
May the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and grant you peace. In the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
I hope that you enjoyed this podcast episode titled ‘Temple Worship Restored’. I pray that if you are a musician, singer, songwriter or worship leader, that this podcast episode has encouraged you enough to step out of that boat of faith you been riding, and walk across the true waters of worship.
All scripture quotes will be found at the bottom of the typed script.
Until next time, this is your host Donald Carpenter, Chow for now!
Scriptures
Exodus 12:40, First Corinthians chapter 3 verse 16 & chapter 6 verses 19 and 20 Genesis chapter 1 verses 26 and 27: John chapter 2 verse 19. Exodus chapter 40 verse 1 thru 3. Exodus chapters 35 verse 4 through the end of chapter 40. Exodus chapter 12 verse 31
(Ex.25:10-22). (Ex.26:1), (1Chr.17:1-12), 1 Chronicles chapter 22. 1 Chronicles chapter 23:1-5, 1Chr.25:1) , (1Chr.25:2-31), (1Chr.23:5). (1Chr. Chapters 26-29). (1 Kings chapters 5-9) (2 Chronicles chapter 5). (2Chr.6: 1-42), (2Chr.7: 1-3), (verses 8 and 9, Chapter 7). 2 Chronicles 9: 30-31,
(2Chr.28: 1). 2 Chronicles 28:24; 2 Chronicles chapter 29; (John 4:23,24).
©2021 Rev. Donald F. Carpenter
