As seen in chapter 1, the priest or Levite’s family was honored by God and chosen to serve in His vineyard in the areas of ministration. The ministry of singing and playing of the instruments were not left out of this. They were indeed blessed with the gifts of composing songs, playing Instruments and having the good voice to sing.
Just as we all know that the place of the choir is the Altar, the Altar is where God also dwells in the tabernacle of worship. The Ark of the Covenant which is the symbol of God’s presence is also kept on the Altar. It is a sanctified place and those that must climbed there for anything whatsoever, must first sanctify themselves hence, the reservation of music department for the Levites for they were seen to be better of in holiness and uprightness.
In 1Chronicles.15:12-13, David commanded the people that carried the Ark of the Covenant to first sanctify themselves. It is only when we are sanctified that we are supposed to have access to where His presence abides – the Altar.
3.Who shall ascend into the hill of the lord? Or who shall stand in His Holy place? 4. He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart, who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of salvation. Psalm 24:3-5.
The hill of the lord is His abode, His environment, His tabernacle - the church. If they that should step their feet into His church be purified before they can enter, what about the choristers who don’t just enters but have access to the altar?. The Old Testament instruction restricted every other category of persons except the Levites and they always sanctified themselves for the task. Sanctity is still required as one of the things to be considered before joining the choir.
