Do angels sing?

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TL;DR:

Angels most likely do sing, even if that is not the only way they praise the Lord. Angels and all of humanity are called to praise the Lord, and singing is one way to do that!

from the old testament

  • 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.
  • 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 true is it for those who live in God's presence in heaven?
  • 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!" Although this does not necessarily mean singing, it can include it.

from the new testament

  • At the birth of Christ, angels appeared to shepherds in a nearby field to announce His birth. Luke 2:13–14 records, "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!'" Just as humans worship God in both spoken words and song, it is likely that angels do the same, even if the word used is not specifically “singing.”

implications for today

Understanding that angels likely sing in their praise of God offers a beautiful perspective on our own worship. Job 38:7 shows us that angels sang at creation, while Revelation 5:11–13 describes a heavenly choir, implying that singing is part of their divine praise. Psalms 148:2 and 103:20 further support the idea that angels, as part of creation, engage in praising God, potentially through song. For us, this means that singing is not just a human expression, but a divine practice shared with the heavenly hosts. As we sing praises to God, we join the eternal worship of angels, participating in a cosmic celebration of God's glory and goodness. God created us to sing; may we do so with passion and praise for who He is and what He has done.

understand

  • Job 38:7 implies angels sang at creation.
  • Revelation 5:11–13 suggests angels join in a choir-like praise.
  • Psalms 148:2 and 103:20 indicate that angels are involved in praising God, likely including singing.

reflect

  • How does knowing that angels sing in their praise of God influence your personal worship and practice of singing?
  • How does singing help you express your emotions and deepen your connection with God?
  • When has singing in worship significantly impacted your spiritual experience?

engage

  • The Bible does not call us to sing only if we have a good voice. Instead, it says “make a joyful noise to the LORD” (Psalm 95:1; 98:4; 100:1). That means everyone is called to praise God with a joyful noise, including singing!
  • How does singing with a group or congregation enhance the collective worship experience, compared to individual worship?
  • How does the idea that angels participate in singing change your perspective on the importance of music in church services and personal devotion?