Changes

[[Psalms]] is one of the most popular book in the entire [[Bible]], and has the most chapters.  

[[Psalms]] is one of the most popular book in the entire [[Bible]], and has the most chapters.  

The [[Hebrew]] “''Book of Praises''” is the oldest song-book still in use. The term, “psalm” is from the [[Greek]] for striking or plucking and came to mean a song accompanied by a stringed instrument. It was translated as such in the 3rd century [[Septuagint]]. Psalms have been an important part of Jewish liturgy throughout the world  (they crossed the Atlantic to America in colonial times). The destruction of the temple at [[Jerusalem]] in AD 70 and the subsequent ban on Jewish instrumental music gave impetus to a tradition of unaccompanied vocal and choral [[singing]] in synagogues, especially of psalms, that has lasted with little change to this day.  

The [[Hebrew]] “''Book of Praises''” is the oldest song-book still in use. The term, “psalm” is from the [[Greek]] for striking or plucking and came to mean a song accompanied by a stringed instrument. It was translated as such in the 3rd century [[Septuagint]]. Psalms have been an important part of Jewish liturgy throughout the world  (they crossed the Atlantic to America in colonial times). The destruction of the temple at [[Jerusalem]] in AD 70 and the subsequent ban on Jewish instrumental music gave impetus to a tradition of unaccompanied vocal and choral singing in synagogues, especially of psalms, that has lasted with little change to this day.  

The psalms have been at the musical center of [[Christian]] [[liturgy]] since the Church was created, in all the various orthodox rites, and into certain Protestant services. Their course has followed the traditions of western church music (see [[plainchant]], [[antiphon]], [[polyphony]] and the like.) Nearly every noted composer up to the 19th century, and many since, have set psalms to music representative of their times, either as “serious” music or popular congregational hymns.  

The psalms have been at the musical center of [[Christian]] [[liturgy]] since the Church was created, in all the various orthodox rites, and into certain Protestant services. Their course has followed the traditions of western church music (see [[plainchant]], [[antiphon]], [[polyphony]] and the like.) Nearly every noted composer up to the 19th century, and many since, have set psalms to music representative of their times, either as “serious” music or popular congregational hymns.