The History of Psalm Singing

Here is a great resource on the Reformed Books Online web page: a collection of writings from theologians past and present on the use of the Psalms in the singing of the church. The History of Psalm Singing.

Songs Put Into The Mouths Of The People

The songs of the church are unique from the prayers and preaching of the church. Only the songs of the church are words "put into the mouths" of the people:

"Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel" (Deuteronomy 31:19).

This verse serves as the standard for what the songs of the church are to be and to accomplish.

1. They are to be prophetically inspired, the very words of God as given through and by his prophets.

2. They are to be songs! The songs of the church are prophecies dedicated for the purpose of singing.

3. They are to accomplish Deuteronomy 31:19-20 and Deuteronomy 32:44-47; Colossians 3:16; and 2 Timothy 3:16.

Therefore, the songs of the church can only be the inspired and inerrant words of God. 

Only the songs of the church are words put into the mouths of the people of God. Prayers (apart from the reciting of Scripture as prayer) and preaching may be listened to and weighed. Only the one praying aloud or preaching is responsible for what he has said. But when something is put into the mouths of the people it is binding upon all the people. This can only be the Scripture, the very words of God through his prophets.