An Objection to Exclusive Psalmody: "God Likes A Lot of Variety". But does the Bible really imply this?

In a comment section on this website, Ellie said the following:

“I think the idea [Exclusive Psalmody] is great, and if people use this as a tool to worship God, then great! … I would prefer modern music. Many of the words to modern music are Biblical”.

“I believe the form you choose to worship GOD reflects on the gifts, talents, tastes, cultures, nations, etc that he has exposed us to and lets face it. God likes a lot of variety!!! For anyone to suggest their music Glorifies God more than another... well I wouldn't go there”.

”I love learning new ways to worship him and how others worship him. Glorifying His Name above all names!!”


RESPONSE:

Does the Bible really teach that “God likes a lot of variety”? If you think carefully about it, couldn't the opposite actually be said about God? He has chosen only one way for our salvation (Jesus), only one way for eternally punishing unbelievers (hell), only one way to worship Him ("Those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth"), etc.

The Bible makes it clear to us that God actually REJECTS a lot of worship. We see this, for example, in the first chapter of Malachi. Note the white hot anger that God has for worship that He has not prescribed:

Malachi 1:6-14 If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, 'How have we despised your name?' 7 By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, 'How have we polluted you?' By saying that the LORD's table may be despised. 8 When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the LORD of hosts. 9 And now entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With such a gift from your hand, will he show favor to any of you? says the LORD of hosts. 10 Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the LORD of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand. 11 For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts. 12 But you profane it when you say that the Lord's table is polluted, and its fruit, that is, its food may be despised. 13 But you say, 'What a weariness this is,' and you snort at it, says the LORD of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the LORD. 14 Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the LORD of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.

In Isaiah 1:12-17, we read about God REJECTING worship from His people because they were not doing it as HE prescribed. His people thought that they could just offer up sacrifices without paying attention to the condition of their hearts, so God said that worship became a trouble and a burden to Him (1:14)! In Numbers 3:4, the sons of Aaron made a burnt offering to God in a way that was not prescribed by God. They wound up dying before Him.

Ellie, my main point in all of this is simply to urge you to consider that the Bible doesn't teach us that God likes a lot of variety. Granted, in the above Scriptures, the people were offering bad worship/sacrifices to God out of an arrogant and apathetic heart. I am not saying that people who sing hymns today are apathetic or arrogant; I know that this is not at all the case. I am just pointing out that the Bible doesn't imply that "God likes a lot of variety" when it comes to offering Him the sacrifice of worship. He demands absolute perfection in worship. And the Psalms are absolutely perfect.