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Ancient Hebrew Scroll Discovered, Criticizes Modern Worship Songs

How to Sing Like It's 19 BC




Archaeologists have recently discovered a 2,000-year-old scroll in a cave near the Dead Sea, written in ancient Hebrew. The scroll contains a letter from a Jewish scribe to his friend, complaining about the new worship songs that are being sung in the synagogue. The scribe, who identifies himself as Shimon, expresses his frustration and dismay at the lack of depth and originality in the contemporary songs, and compares them unfavorably to the Psalms of David and the songs of Moses.

Shimon writes: "My dear friend, I hope this letter finds you well and in good health. I am writing to you to share my grief and sorrow over the state of our worship music. You know how much I love to praise the Lord with singing, but lately I find myself unable to join in the songs that are being sung in our assembly. They are so shallow, so repetitive, so boring! They do not teach us anything about God's character, His works, His promises, or His commands. They do not stir our hearts with awe, gratitude, joy, or repentance. They do not inspire us to love Him more, to serve Him better, to obey Him faithfully, or to trust Him fully. They are just empty words, meaningless sounds, vain repetitions!"

He continues: "Where are the songs of our fathers, the songs of our heritage, the songs of our faith? Where are the songs of David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, who poured out his soul before the Lord in every situation and circumstance? Where are the songs of Moses, the servant of God, who sang of His mighty deeds and His covenant love? Where are the songs of the prophets, who proclaimed His word and His will to His people? Where are the songs of the Levites, who ministered before Him in the sanctuary? Where are the songs of the saints, who testified of His grace and His salvation? These are the songs that we need, these are the songs that we should sing, these are the songs that honor Him and edify us!"

Shimon concludes: "My friend, I urge you to join me in protesting against this new trend of worship music. Let us not be silent, let us not be passive, let us not be complacent, let us not repeat a shallow stanza a dozen times in a row. Let us speak the truth in love, let us rebuke with gentleness, let us correct with wisdom. Let us pray for our leaders, let us teach our children, let us influence our peers. Let us restore the beauty of worship music. Let us sing to the Lord a new song, but let it be a song that is worthy of His name, a song that is based on His word, a song that is filled with His Spirit. Let us sing to the Lord with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength. Let us sing to the Lord, for He is good, and His mercy endures forever!"

The scroll has been dated to the first century A.D., and is believed to be one of the oldest surviving documents of its kind. Scholars are debating its authenticity, its significance, and its relevance for today’s worship music. Some have praised it as a valuable historical artifact, a rare glimpse into the religious life and culture of the ancient Jews, and a valid critique of the modern worship songs. Others have dismissed it as a hoax, a forgery, or a satire, and have defended the contemporary songs as expressions of personal faith, cultural diversity, and artistic creativity.

The scroll is currently being studied by experts at the Israel Antiquities Authority, and will be soon displayed to the public at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. The full text of the scroll, along with a translation and commentary, will be published in the next issue of the Journal of Biblical Archaeology.

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