Introduction
The question, do angels sing? Isn’t one of those questions which keep you up at night, and the answer to the question certainly isn’t one which will affect your standing with God or your salvation.
However, it is an interesting question, especially in light of what the Scriptures actually say on this topic.
We often sing hymns about angels singing in our worship assemblies.
In the refrain of the hymn Hark the Herald Angels Sing, it reads, ‘Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!’
The hymn Songs of Praise the Angels Sang begins with the words, ‘Songs of praise the angels sang, Heav’n with hallelujahs rang.’
The chances are we probably haven’t even given this question a second thought. It would make sense to us to read about angels singing, it seems the most natural response for anyone who simply wants to praise God in song, especially the angels who are in God’s presence.
I remember studying the topic of angels with an old friend of mine a few years back, during the study, he mentioned that angels don’t sing. At first, I thought he was joking but then he challenged me to go and find a Scripture reference which says that angels do sing.
I was up for the challenge and as I was studying the topic, I was somewhat surprised to discover that he was right, I couldn’t find one single reference anywhere in the Scriptures which indicates that angels actually sing.
Although there are many references to angels praising God, Psalm 148:2 / Psalm 103:20, none of them actually say that they sing. Yes praising God can involve singing but praising God can also involve praying, proclaiming or even shouting, 2 Chronicles 20:21 / Ezra 3:11 / Psalm 134:2 / Romans 12:1.
‘Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” Luke 2:13-14
When the shepherds were out in the field and an angel announced the birth of Christ, Luke tells us that a great company of angels suddenly appeared, praising God and saying. Even if this is a song, it appears that the angels spoke the words rather than singing the words.
‘Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice, they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power, for ever and ever!” Revelation 5:11-13
John in his vision, describes the angels, along with the living creatures and elders as saying the words, not singing the words. He also says the same for every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth and on the sea, they were saying the words rather than singing them.
We must note that the English word ‘saying’ is the Greek word ‘legonton’, which comes from the root word, ‘lego’. This word is used often in Scripture and it simply means to speak or talk, with an apparent focus on the content of what is said.
Conclusion
It may have come as a surprise to some of you as it did for me to learn that there is no Scriptural proof that angels actually sing.
It’s possible that singing is a particular glory that God has given only to humans, it’s His special gift to us to help us in our worship of Him, 1 Corinthians 14:15 / Colossians 3:16 / Ephesians 5:19 / Hebrews 13:15, and to express our happiness, James 5:13.
It’s also possible that just because there is no Scriptural evidence of angels singing, doesn’t mean they don’t.
I guess in the grand scheme of things it doesn’t really matter.
