It was King David who organized the priests and Levites for praising Jehovah with song and instrumental music. The organized arrangement begun by David continued in effect at the temple built by Solomon, and for years thereafter priests and Levites led the rendering of praise, using inspired compositions that have been preserved to this day in the book of Psalms.​—1Ch 16:4-6; 23:2-5; 2Ch 8:14; see MUSIC.

Among first-century Christians, the inspired psalms continued to be used in praising Jehovah. Additionally, there appear to have been Christian compositions​—“praises to God,” or hymns, and “spiritual songs,” or songs dealing with spiritual matters. (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16) Christian praise, however, is not limited to song. It finds expression in one’s life and in one’s active concern for the spiritual and material welfare of others.​—Heb 13:15, 16.