Do angels sing?
Angels are often popularly portrayed with harps or as singing to God. What does the Bible say about angels singing?The earliest reference to angels singing can be found in Job 38:7. There we read, "the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God [angels] shouted for joy." This took place at the earth's creation.
A second occasion is found at the birth of Christ. Angels appeared to shepherds in a nearby field to announce His birth. Luke 2:13-14 record, "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!'" Though the word translated "saying" could be understood as speaking or singing, the context seems to indicate a choir of angels singing praise to God.
In heaven, everyone appears to sing, including angels. Revelation 5:11-13 shares, "Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!' And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!'"
Some have argued that in all three of the above passages, the Hebrew or Greek words do not require that angels sing. This is true. However, the context of these passages must also be taken into consideration. It appears more likely than not that singing is in view. Just as humans worship God in both spoken words and song, it is likely that angels do the same.
Psalm 150 offers a comprehensive call to worship for all creatures. Verse 6, the final verse, urges, "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!" If this is true on earth in our worship of God, how much more is it true for those who live in God's presence in heaven?
In fact, Psalm 148:2 states, "Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts!" Psalm 103:20 adds, "Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!"
Angels most likely do sing, including singing at the creation of the world, the birth of Christ, and at the end of time. Even now, angels likely sing the Lord's praises as the Psalms indicate.
What are angels according to the Bible?
What are archangels? Is there more than one archangel?
What are the seraphim in the Bible?
What are cherubim in the Bible? Are cherubs angels?
Does the Bible say what angels look like?
Truth about Angels
