Many people say that if there were instruments in the Old Testament why do some congregations say they can't have them? The fallacy is clear in that argument. There were kings in the Old Testament times, and even through New Testament times. Are there kings in Isreal now? In some nations that profess to be Christians, yes there are kings. But do those kings have a purpose in leading God's people. Not in the same way as Isreal's kings. The same could be said for worship. The Jews went to Temple and sacrificed animals to worship. Do we do that now? Notwithstanding Christ came and made the final sacrifice, the one that meant something. (Hebrews 1:1) Even things in the Old Testament changed. First Abraham was allowed to maintain his idols, even though his faith was in God. Then God told the people just to worship Him. (Deuteronomy 5:6) Priests used to wear phylacteries on their heads. Now that we are all priests and we are supposed to count the costs before we accept Christ, we don't wear those on our head but the Word is written on our hearts. And we are to keep it there. (Romans 10:1-10). All throughout the Old Testament are differences between those that play instruments and sing. For instance, in I Chronicles 15:22, Chemiah was appointed to make songs and give instructions, perhaps to musicians but certainly to those who would be singing. Further instruction was given in 1 Chronicles 25:7,8. And there was a great deal of joy here because it was felt that these things were what God wanted His people to do, and they wanted to do their best for God. In 2 Chronicles 23:13 Athaliah wanted to stop that joy, not only singing, but singing to the One and Only God, the joy of singing songs to the LORD, the joy of playing instuments with the joy that emanated from knowing God and and realizing that He was the author and is the author of all musical talent. (although in present times one wonders, but that is only man trying to improve on what God has given them and expressing desires away from what God wants). And there are those like Ataliah trying to dispel the joy of singing to God and realizing that one's talents come from God, the Father, for the edification of those watching. Davidwas certainly one not to dispel this joy. When he expressed the joy of the LORD it was usually a party like atmosphere. 2 Samuel 6:15 was not exception. This was a party, a celebration of the recovery of the ark, the history and meaning of what was to be God's people. The party was replete with trumpets and heralds and dancing. Was God pleased? I don't read where He came down with thunderbolts in disdain. But then neither do I read about Him coming down and saying, "This is my son with whom I am well pleased." He allowed joy to be spread and instruments to be used. Even during congregational worship in 2 Chronicles 29:27,28 there are trumpets and instruments but they are comissioned, ordained by David, as it were, to accompany burnt offerings. Again, though, do we now have burnt offerings and how would that enhance our relationship with God if it did? The whole church, the entire New Testament is based on our relationship with God. Certainly the Old Testament has a lot to say about our relationship with God but Jesus freed us fromt he Old Testament traditions and reasons for worshipping or doing daily tasksby being the final sacrifice and nailing the Old Covenant to the Cross. Is the use of an instrument going to enhance that relationship more than coming to God just as I am? If I play to God with an instrument other than the one He gave me, how close am I becoming to God? Or am I truly giving Him back what He has given me? Maybe. Am I acknowledging that fact? Perhaps. What pleases God more, bringing Him a song that I have practiced so that i can play it perfectly in His presence or to come to Him humbly and tell him that I am truly nothing without Him. In other words am I trying to please God or am I tyring to be what I think He wants of me? Am I performing for Him, or am I dropping to my knees before Him?