Handel's Messiah
The Gospel of Jesus in symphony.
I’m about to give you "a tip” on how to turn your life away from the negativity you feel.
Buy you a nice set of speakers for the house or headphones for your person.
Get a high quality recording of Handel’s Messiah.
Turn on the speakers or put on the headphones and listen to Handel’s Messiah.
Handel’s Oratorio Messiah will drive your demons away.
The Greek word συμφωνία (symphonia) has its roots in ancient Greek and broadly means “agreement,” “harmony,” or “sounding together.”
It is a compound word composed of two parts:
σύν (syn): meaning "together" or "with"
φωνή (phōnē): meaning "sound" or "voice"
Thus, symphonia originally referred to a harmonious sound or voices in agreement.
Use of Symphonia in the Story of the Prodigal Son
In the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:25, KJV), symphonia appears when the older brother approaches the house and hears music and dancing:
"Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music (symphonias) and dancing."
The translation of symphonia here as “music” highlights the sound of joyful celebration, likely produced by instruments playing together in harmony. This fits its broader meaning of harmonious sounds or agreement.
In this context, symphonia signifies not just literal music but a symbolic expression of joy, unity, and restoration — an appropriate contrast to the elder brother's resentment.
Symphony Music vs. Rock Music: A Contrast of Sound
1. Symphony Music: Harmony and Resolution
Definition: Symphonic music is often characterized by harmony, where various instruments work together to create a balanced and pleasing sound.
Structure: Classical symphonic music adheres to structured forms, with consonance being the primary focus. Musical tension is created but is eventually resolved into harmony.
Emotional Effect: This resolution of tension provides a sense of balance, order, and calmness to the listener. It often lifts the spirit, creates aesthetic pleasure, and reflects emotional depth.
Philosophical Implication: Symphony music mirrors order in nature, human creativity, and the harmony of the universe.
2. Rock Music: Dissonance and Raw Energy
Definition: Rock music, especially its more modern sub-genres, frequently incorporates dissonance, meaning sounds that clash and create tension. This is often intentional, using distorted guitars, unconventional harmonies, and aggressive rhythms.
Structure: Rock music tends to break traditional rules of composition, favoring rhythm, volume, and raw expression over formal harmony.
Emotional Effect: The use of dissonance in rock produces a feeling of excitement, agitation, or rebellion. While this can energize and empower listeners, it may also evoke tension, stress, or emotional restlessness.
Philosophical Implication: Rock music often mirrors cultural unrest, human struggle, and a break from traditional order.
Dissonance in Rock Music vs. Symphonic Consonance
Dissonance in rock:
Causes tension, unpredictability, and emotional intensity.
Can reflect chaos, rebellion, or dissatisfaction.
Sustained dissonance without resolution can lead to feelings of unease, overstimulation, or agitation.
Consonance in symphonic music:
Provides balance, resolution, and a sense of peace.
Reflects harmony and order in nature and the human spirit.
Evokes calmness, transcendence, and often catharsis through emotional storytelling.
Summary: Symbolism of Symphonia
The Greek word symphonia captures the essence of harmony and unity, as illustrated in the parable of the Prodigal Son, where joyous music symbolizes reconciliation and restoration. Symphonic music carries this same essence, offering consonance and resolution to the listener.
In contrast, rock music, with its use of dissonance, expresses tension and rebellion, reflecting the struggles and chaos of modern existence. While both musical forms hold artistic value, their effects on the listener’s mind and spirit are vastly different: symphonic music aligns with peace and harmony, while dissonant rock sound can provoke emotional unrest.
Ultimately, the two genres embody two aspects of the human experience: the longing for order (symphonia) and the confrontation with disorder (dissonance).
Handel's Messiah is traditionally divided into three parts, each of which tells a distinct segment of the Christian story. Below is a breakdown into "chapters" with simple summaries and corresponding biblical texts.
Part I: The Prophecy and Birth of Christ
Focus: Foretelling the coming of the Messiah and the Nativity.
Chapter 1: Prophecies of Comfort and Redemption
Summary: God promises comfort to His people and declares the coming of a Savior who will redeem them.
Texts:
Isaiah 40:1–3 ("Comfort ye, comfort ye my people...")
Isaiah 40:4–5 ("Every valley shall be exalted...")
Haggai 2:6–7, Malachi 3:1 ("And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed...")
Chapter 2: The Coming of the Savior
Summary: Prophecies of the Messiah's birth, emphasizing His divine nature and His role as the Light of the World.
Texts:
Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23 ("Behold, a virgin shall conceive...")
Isaiah 9:2, 6 ("The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light...")
Chapter 3: The Joyful Announcement
Summary: The angels announce Christ's birth to shepherds, and the world rejoices.
Texts:
Luke 2:8–11 ("And the angel said unto them, Fear not...")
Luke 2:13–14 ("Glory to God in the highest...")
Part II: The Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ
Focus: Christ's suffering, death, and victory over sin and death.
Chapter 4: Christ's Suffering and Sacrifice
Summary: Christ's rejection and suffering are foretold, emphasizing His role as the sacrificial Lamb of God.
Texts:
Isaiah 53:3–6 ("He was despised and rejected of men...")
John 1:29 ("Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world...")
Chapter 5: Christ's Death and Resurrection
Summary: The Messiah’s triumph over sin and death, fulfilled through His resurrection.
Texts:
Psalm 22:7–8 ("All they that see Him laugh Him to scorn...")
Psalm 16:10 ("But Thou didst not leave His soul in hell...")
Chapter 6: The Proclamation of the Gospel
Summary: The spread of the Gospel and the call for all nations to praise the Messiah.
Texts:
Romans 10:18 ("Their sound is gone out into all lands...")
Psalm 68:11 ("The Lord gave the word...")
Part III: The Victory of Christ and Eternal Glory
Focus: Christ’s final triumph, the promise of resurrection, and eternal life.
Chapter 7: The Assurance of Resurrection
Summary: The promise of the resurrection of the dead through Christ’s victory over death.
Texts:
1 Corinthians 15:20–22 ("Since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead...")
Job 19:25–26 ("I know that my Redeemer liveth...")
Chapter 8: Christ’s Eternal Reign
Summary: Christ’s kingdom is eternal, and He reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Texts:
Revelation 11:15 ("The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord...")
Revelation 19:6, 16 ("Hallelujah: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth...")
Chapter 9: The Final Victory
Summary: The ultimate defeat of sin and the eternal glory of God.
Texts:
1 Corinthians 15:55–57 ("O death, where is thy sting?...")
Revelation 5:12–13 ("Worthy is the Lamb that was slain...")
This breakdown presents Messiah as a unified narrative of prophecy, fulfillment, and victory. Each chapter reflects major theological themes drawn directly from Scripture.
So turn up the volume. Listen to the symphonia of Jesus. Come home to the Father.
