“The Standard of Ur”. 3rd millennium BC. British Museum
The standard of Ur, pictured above, is a wooden box from ancient Mesopotamia, assumed to be several thousand years old. It is elaborately decorated with white shells, red stones and blue lapis lazuli, all of which came from far-flung places, indicating elaborate trade systems and the the value of the item at the time. Some historians suggest that the box itself might have been the body of a lyre, or “instrument of 10 strings” as referred to in Psalm 33, and depicted in detail on the “peace” face of the standard itself. Perhaps this was the model of instrument upon which David played music to soothe King Saul, to express his joys and fears, and to praise God. Join us this Sunday as we explore the role of music in our lives and our faith, and as we together “make a joyful noise unto the Lord!”