As Jehovah’s servants we are not only commanded to sing this figurative song, but are also encouraged to sing literal songs as a part of our worship. And it might well be said that, of all the ways in which we can worship and praise Jehovah God​—by prayer, by public talks, by our field ministry and by our exemplary conduct—​one of the most beautiful of them is this literal singing of songs to Jehovah’s praise.

Our singing of such songs, then, is a part of the Christian’s worship of Jehovah God. Jehovah listens to these songs, even as he does to our prayers. The singing of these songs furnishes an opportunity for all to share actively in the worship. To the extent that we fully enter into this feature of our worship, to that extent we will receive joy and spiritual uplift from doing so.

IN MODERN TIMES

Do Jehovah’s people in modern times offer praise to Jehovah and teach and admonish one another with song? Yes, and for this purpose they have been publishing songbooks ever since 1879, the year that the very first issue of The Watchtower was published. How they are praising God and admonishing one another in song today can be seen from the themes found in their latest songbook, “Singing and Accompanying Yourselves with Music in Your Hearts.” Among these are: “Jehovah Has Become King!” “Jehovah Is My Shepherd,” “‘Preach the Word’!” “Proof of Discipleship.”

This being so, it follows that by singing such songs as part of our worship we are also obeying the command of the apostle Paul: “Let us hold fast the public declaration of our hope without wavering . . . And let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works.” (Heb. 10:23, 24) Yes, when we sing such songs as “We Are Jehovah’s Witnesses” and “The Resurrection Joy” we are making public declaration of our hope. And when we sing such songs as “We Must Have the Faith!” and “The Fruitage of the Spirit,” are we not inciting one another to love and fine works? Surely!

If we pay attention to the words of these songs, take them to heart and try to live up to their sentiments to the best of our ability, just what will be the result? Why, it will help us as Jehovah’s people to be zealous in our ministry, to be bringing forth all the fruits of the spirit, and so we will be getting along fine with our fellow Christians as well as with the members of our own families. What a blessing!