September 26:  Make a Joyful Noise.

The Song of Victory.
Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.  And Miriam answered them, "Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously!  The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea!"--Exodus 15:20, 21, NKJV

FROM THE MOST TERRIBLE PERIL, one night had brought complete deliverance.  That vast, helpless throng--bondmen unused to battle, women, children, and cattle, with the sea before them, and the mighty armies of Egypt pressing behind--had seen their path opened through the waters and their enemies overwhelmed in the moment of expected triumph.  Jehovah alone had brought them deliverance, and to Him their hearts were turned in gratitude and faith.  Their emotion found utterance in songs of praise.  The Spirit of God rested upon Moses, and he led the people in a triumphant anthem of thanksgiving, the earliest and one of the most sublime that are known to man....

Like the voice of the great deep, rose from the vast hosts of Israel that sublime ascription.  It was taken up by the women of Israel, Miriam, the sister of Moses, leading the way, as they went forth with timbrel and dance.  Far over desert and sea rang the joyous refrain, and the mountains re-echoed the words of their praise--"Sing ye to Jehovah, for He hath triumphed gloriously."

...That song does not belong to the Jewish people alone.  It points forward to the destruction of all the foes of righteousness and the final victory of the Israel of God.--Patriarchs and Prophets, 287-289.

September 25:  Make a Joyful Noise.

At the Sound of the Trumpets.
Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpet and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying, "For he is good, for His mercy endures forever," that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud.--2 Chronicles 5:13, NKJV

AT LAST THE TEMPLE planned by King David, and built by Solomon his son, was completed.  "All that came into Solomon's heart to make in the house of the Lord," he had "prosperously effected."  2 Chronicles 7:11.  And now, in order that the palace crowning the heights of Mount Moriah might indeed be, as David had so much desired, a dwelling place "not for man, but for the Lord God" (1 Chronicles 29:1), there remained the solemn ceremony of formally dedicating it to Jehovah and His worship....

At the appointed time the hosts of Israel, with richly clad representatives from many foreign nations, assembled in the temple courts.  The scene was one of unusual splendor.  Solomon, with the elders of Israel and the most influential men among the people, had returned from another part of the city, whence they had brought the ark of the testament....

...With singing and with music and with great ceremony, "the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the Lord unto his place, to the oracle of  the house, into the most holy place" [2 Chronicles 5:7].  As they came out of the inner sanctuary, they took the positions assigned them.  The singers--Levites arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps--stood at the east end of the altar, and with them a hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets.--Prophets and Kings, 37, 38.

September 24:  Make A Joyful Noise.

Rejoice in the Strength of the Lord.
Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat in front of them, to go back to Jerusalem with joy, for the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies.  So they came to Jerusalem, with stringed instruments and harps and trumpets, to the house of the Lord.--2 Chronicles 20:27, 28, NKJV

TOWARD THE CLOSE of Jehoshaphat's reign the kingdom of Judah was invaded by an army before whose approach the inhabitants of the land had reason to tremble.  "The children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle."...2 Chronicles 20:1.--Prophet and Kings, 198.

As they advanced to the battle, Jehoshaphat said, "Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established: believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper."  "And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness."  2 Chronicles 20:14-21.  These singers went before the army, lifting their voices in praise to God for the promise of victory....

God was the strength of Judah in this crisis, and He is the strength of His people today....

Laden with spoil, the armies of Judah returned "with joy; for the Lord had made them to rejoice over their enemies.  And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the Lord."  2 Chronicles 20:27, 28.  Great was their cause for rejoicing.  In obedience to the command, "Stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord:...fear not, nor be dismayed," they had put their trust wholly in God, and He had proved to be their fortress and their deliverer.  Verse 17.--Prophets and Kings, 203.

September 23:  Make a Joyful Noise.

In Tune With Heaven.
Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God.--Psalm 43:4, NKJV

THROUGH SONG, DAVID, amidst the vicissitudes of his changed life, held communion with heaven.--Education, 164.

The simple shepherd boy sang of his own composing, and the music of his harp made a sweet accompaniment to the melody of his fresh young voice.--Patriarchs and Prophets, 637.

Daily revelations of the character and majesty of his Creator filled the young poet's heart with adoration and rejoicing.  In contemplation of God and His works the faculties of David's mind and heart were developing and strengthening for the work of his afterlife.  He was daily coming into a more intimate communion with God.  His mind was constantly penetrating into new depths for fresh themes to inspire his song and to wake the music of his harp.  The rich melody of his voice poured out upon the air, echoed from the hills as if responsive to the rejoicing of the angel's songs in heaven....

...His talents, as precious gifts from God, were employed to extol the glory of the divine Giver.  His opportunities of contemplation and meditation served to enrich him with that wisdom and piety that made him beloved of God and angels....Each ray of new light called forth fresh bursts of rapture, and sweeter anthems of devotion, to the glory of God and the Redeemer.  The love that moved him, the sorrows that beset him, the triumphs that attended him, were all themes for his active thought; and as he beheld the love of God in all the providences of his life, his heart throbbed with more fervent adoration and gratitude, his voice rang out in a richer melody, his harp was swept with more exultant joy.--Patriarchs and Prophets, 641, 642.

September 22:  Make a Joyful Noise.

Sound of the Trumpet.
"Also in the day of your gladness, in your appointed feasts, and at the beginning of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; and they shall be a memorial for you before your God: I am the Lord your God."--Numbers 10:10, NKJV

THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES was the closing gathering of the year.  It was God's design that at this time the people should reflect on His goodness and mercy....

...From far and near the people came, bringing in their hands a token of rejoicing.  Old and young, rich and poor, all brought some gift as a tribute of thanksgiving to Him who had crowned the year with His goodness, and made His paths drop fatness.  Everything that could please the eye, and give expression to the universal joy, was brought from the woods; the city bore the appearance of a beautiful forest.

At the first dawn of day, the priests sounded a long, shrill blast upon their trumpets, and the answering trumpets, and the glad shouts of the people from their booths, echoing over the hill and valley, welcomed the festal day.--The Desire of Ages, 447, 448.

The temple was the center of the universal joy.  Here was the pomp of the sacrificial ceremonies.  Here, ranged of either side of the marble steps of the sacred building, the choir of Levites led the service of song.  The multitude of worshipers, waving their branches of palm and myrtle, took up the strain, and echoed the chorus; and again the melody was caught up by voices near and afar off, till the encircling hills were vocal with praise.--The Desire of Ages, 448.

                                All inhabitants of the world and dwellers on the earth:
                               When he lifts up a banner on the mountains, you see it;
                                          And when he blows a trumpet, you hear it.
                                                                                                --Isaiah 18:3, NKJV

September 21:  Make a Joyful Noise.

Praising Night and Day.
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgiving and with singing, with cymbals and string instruments and harps.--Nehemiah 12:27, NKJV

LESSONS OF GREAT PROFIT, even in this age of educational progress, may be found in the history of God's ancient people.--Fundamentals of Christian Education, 95.

The art of sacred melody was diligently cultivated.  No frivolous waltz was heard, nor flippant song that should extol man and divert the attention from God; but sacred, solemn psalms of praise to the Creator, exalting His name and recounting His wondrous works.  Thus music was made to serve a holy purpose, to lift the thoughts to that which was pure and noble and elevating, and to awaken in the soul devotion and gratitude to God.--Fundamentals of Christian Education, 97.

Music should have beauty, pathos, and power.  Let the voices be lifted in songs of praise and devotion.  Call to your aid, if practicable, instrumental music, and let the glorious harmony ascend to God, an acceptable offering.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, 71.

                            It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,
                                              your faithfulness in the evening,
                                  accompanied by a ten-stringed instrument, a harp,
                                                       and the melody of a lyre.
                              
                                                                 --Psalm 92:2, 3, NLT

September 20:  Make a Joyful Noise.

The Battle for Victory.
Thus says the Lord:  "Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, 'O Lord, save Your people, the remnant of Israel.' "--Jeremiah 31:7, NKJV

IN VISION I SAW TWO ARMIES in terrible conflict.  One army was led by banners bearing the world's insignia; the other was led by the bloodstained banner of Prince Immanuel.  Standard after standard was left to trail in the dust as company after company from the Lord's army joined the foe and tribe after tribe from the ranks of the enemy united with the commandment-keeping people of God....

The battle raged.  Victory alternated from side to side.  Now the soldiers of the cross gave way, "as when a standardbearer fainteth."  Isaiah 10:18.  But their apparent retreat was but to gain a more advantageous position.  Shouts of joy were heard.  A song of praise to God went up, and angel voices united in the song, as Christ's soldiers planted His banner on the walls of fortresses till then held by the enemy.  The Captain of our salvation was ordering the battle and sending support to His soldiers.  His power was mightily displayed, encouraging them to press the battle to the gates.  He taught them terrible things in righteousness as He led them on step by step, conquering and to conquer.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, 41.

                   "You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you."
                                                                                               --Deuteronomy 3:22, NKJV

September 19:  Make a Joyful Noise.

Rejoicing for the King's Arrival.
Rejoice, O people of Zion!  Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem!  Look, your King is coming to you.  He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey--riding on a donkey's colt,--Zechariah 9:9, NLT

WHEN JESUS RODE triumphantly into Jerusalem, His followers believed that He was about to ascend the throne of David and deliver Israel from her oppressors.  With high hopes and joyful anticipations they vied with one another in showing honor to their King.  Many spread their outer garments as a carpet in His path, or strewed before Him the leafy branches of the palm.  In their enthusiastic joy they united in the glad acclaim: "Hosanna to the Son of David!"--The Great Controversy, 404.

As they proceeded, the multitude was continually increased by those who had heard of the coming of Jesus and hastened to join the procession.  Spectators were constantly mingling with the throng, and asking, Who is this?  What does all this commotion signify?...

Their questionings are silenced by a shout of triumph.  Again and again it is repeated by the eager throng; it is taken up by the people afar off, and echoed from the surrounding hills and valleys.  And now the procession is joined by crowds from Jerusalem.  From the multitude gathered to attend the Passover, thousands go forth to welcome Jesus.  They greet Him with the waving of palm branches and a burst of sacred song.--The Desire of Ages, 570, 571.

                                       "Hosanna to the Son of David!
                           'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
                                              Hosanna in the highest!' "
                                                                                   --Matthew 21:9, NKJV

September 18:  Make a Joyful Noise.

Christ, Our Leader.
And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord: "For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel."  Then all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid....The people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard afar off.--Ezra 3:11, 13, NKJV

MINGLED WITH THE MUSIC and the shouts of praise that were heard on that glad day, was a discordant note.  "Many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice"  [Ezra 3:12]....

...But some failed of discerning God's opening providences.  Instead of rejoicing, they cherished thoughts of discontent and discouragement.  They had seen the glory of Solomon's temple, and they lamented because of the inferiority of the building now to be erected....

Could those who failed to rejoice at the laying of the foundation stone of the temple have foreseen the results of their lack of faith on that day, they would have been appalled.  Little did they realize the weight of their words of disapproval and disappointment; little did they know how much their expressed dissatisfaction would delay the completion of the Lord's house.

There were many in the congregation, however, whose larger faith and broader vision did not lead them to view this lesser glory with such dissatisfaction.  "Many shouted aloud for joy: so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off"  [Ezra 3:12, 13].--Prophets and Kings, 563, 565, 564.

September 17:  Make a Joyful Noise.

His Mercy Endures Forever.
Many of the priests and Levites and heads of the father's houses, old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this temple was laid before their eyes.  Yet many shouted aloud for joy.--Ezra 3:12, NKJV

THE SETTING UP OF THE ALTAR of daily burnt offerings greatly cheered the faithful remnant.  Heartily they entered into the preparations necessary for the rebuilding of the temple, gathering courage as these preparations advanced from month to month....

...Soon the work was advanced to the point where the foundation stone must be laid.  This was done in the presence of many thousands who had assembled to witness the progress of the work and to give expression to their joy in having a part in it.  While the cornerstone was being set in position, the people, accompanied by the trumpet of the priests and the cymbals of the sons of Asaph, "sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because He is good, for His mercy endureth forever toward Israel"  {Ezra 3:11}.--Prophet and Kings, 560, 563.

            All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations
                  of our sinful nature.  By our very nature we were subject to God's anger,
                                                     just like everyone else.
                             But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,
                                that even though we were dead because of our sins,
                                he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.
                                (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!)
                                                                                    --Ephesians 2:3-5, NLT