For Glory and For Beauty : The Mantle of the Levitical Musician calls musicians, worship leaders, pastors, and believers back to worship as a sacred calling, not a performance.
Rooted in Scripture and the biblical Levitical model, Terry D. Lipford reveals the mantle of the Levitical Musicians: those set apart to lead worship as a priestly ministry marked by consecration, skill, and reverence for God’s glory.
Drawing from biblical insight, historical context, and personal experience, this book connects an ancient mandate to today’s music ministry. Readers are challenged to see their voices and instruments as holy vessels and their preparation as spiritual stewardship, where worship offered in holiness carries the weight of God’s glory and beauty.
With practical guidance and spiritual insight, For Glory and For Beauty. The Mantle of the Levitical Musician calls musicians to embrace a higher standard of excellence, sensitivity, and consecration.
The mantle is still available.
About Terry D. Lipford
Terry D. Lipford is a musician, educator, and author of his new book, For Glory and For Beauty: The Mantle of the Levitical Musician. He has served faithfully in music ministry for more than 50 years. As a pianist, organist, and Minister of Music, he has accompanied choirs, soloists, and artists, while also mentoring and nurturing generations of musicians. His creative work includes the composition of numerous original songs, as well as the creation and production of the musical play The Wonderful World of Calvary, a Christian adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. He is also a published co-author, having contributed to Raising African American Boys in the Family Psychology and Counseling Series.
A Cleveland native, Terry D. Lipford is a retired educator with 35 years of service as a classroom teacher, Curriculum Specialist, and Elementary Principal. In addition to his work in public education, he served as the Director of Christian Education for his church. Today, he continues to serve the church as an organist and is frequently sought by local school districts to work as a leadership coach for school administrators.
As both a musician and an educator, Terry is deeply grateful for his calling as a Levitical Musician and considers it his responsibility to prepare future generations to embrace and sustain this sacred calling. He resides in Lyndhurst, Ohio, with his wife, Phyllis. They are the parents of three adult children and their spouses, Terry II and Victoria; Pastor Brandon and Angelique; and Camille and Dominic. They are also the proud grandparents of six grandchildren: Jordyn, Astrid, Noah, Alaia, Jessi, and Talya.
Chapter Excerpt
For Glory and For Beauty Introduction
Imagine yourself standing in the courts of the Temple, the air thick with incense as silver trumpets send their sounds cascading across the sacred space. Every note played and every anthem sung follows God’s divine directive: it must be offered “for glory and for beauty.” While the priests present the sacrifices, you lead the congregation accompanied by instruments in joyful praise to God. As God’s glory fills the place, the people behold His dignity and splendor, bowing in humble submission. Through your ministry, they are drawn nearer to His presence. Miracles unfold, healing takes place, and joy and strength are renewed. Day after day, morning and evening, you continue leading worship, and God is pleased.
This is not just an imagined scene, it reflects the sacred calling of the Levitical Musician in ancient Israel. Unlike other temple servants, Levitical Musicians were chosen to lead worship through music, singing, and playing instruments. Their service was more than artistic expression; it was a sacred duty, integral to the worship and sacrificial system. They were not merely performers, but specialized ministers set apart by God to maintain perpetual praise and to facilitate a direct connection between the people and God's presence. They performed during daily sacrifices, festivals, and special occasions, ensuring that every act of worship honored God’s command for glory and beauty. This profound responsibility is the central focus of this writing.
In this book, For Glory and For Beauty. The Mantle of the Levitical Musician, I share my personal journey in music and explore the origins and significance of sound as it relates to music. I analyze numerous biblical references to music, outlining its purposes and functions, and highlight key musicians and instruments mentioned throughout scripture. I explore the natural and spiritual significance of the biblical phrase “for glory and for beauty’ as it relates to the priestly garments worn by the High Priest Aaron, his sons, other priests and the Levites. I examine the biblical meaning and purpose of a mantle and explain how the mantle of the Levitical Musician represents a divine calling, authority, and responsibility for worship, which was passed down through specific Levite families. The legacy of the Levitical Musician continues as a spiritual mantle; an enduring pattern of anointing and responsibility for those called to lead worship.
I will conclude with a call for musicians and worship leaders to earnestly seek God and accept the mantle of the Levitical Musician as a sacred and professional calling. God continues to call for skilled and dedicated ministers to lead and enrich His people in worship for His glory and beauty...
For Glory and For Beauty Extras
Front Cover Artwork
High Priest's Garments
Front Cover Artwork
The image features a collection of items traditionally associated with Jewish religious practices, specifically those related to the Holy Temple
Glory and Beauty
High Priest's Garments
Front Cover Artwork
The Hebrew text on the scroll translates to "Glory" (top word: כָּבוֹד, Kavod) and "Beauty" or "Splendor" (bottom word: תִּפְאֶרֶת, Tiferet). These two words are frequently paired in Jewish tradition and scripture to describe divine majesty or the dignity of sacred objects.
High Priest's Garments
High Priest's Garments
High Priest's Garments
The garments shown in the image are the sacred vestments described in Exodus 28 for Aaron, the first High Priest of Israel. Commissioned by God for "glory and beauty," these eight "golden garments" were uniquely worn by the High Priest during his daily service in the Tabernacle.