Noise of War in the Camp

Exodus 32. Moses had been gone for a time, his faithful apprentice Joshua at his side. The people grew restless. They had been delivered from Egypt after seeing the hand of God on Moses and after being firsthand witnesses of 10 of the most incredible events in all of history, the plagues. The red sea was split, the enemies vanquished, the cloud by day and pillar of fire by night led their path. Their shoes were not worn, they came away with much spoil and daily they were fed by manna from heaven. God Himself calls Moses up to the mount in another supernatural display.
Now some time goes by, the people doubt the return of Moses and desire more "seemingly tangible" gods to worship. It is not just the idols that are added, they change their style of worship also. The gods are formed by Aaron, the people sit to drink and eat and rise up to play. This play involves a new type of music - one that was clearly foreign to Joshua and Moses as Joshua mistook it for a noise of war. The music was conducive to nakedness and dancing for this is how Moses found them. It is clear by the response of God in sending Moses down to deal with them (and nearly destroying them Himself were it not for Moses pleading on their behalf) that this behavior was abominable to God. The false gods are blatant idolatry that no one today denies yet somehow all of these people who had been miraculously delivered from Egypt found it reasonable and acceptable when left to their own logical thinking. The nakedness, feasting, dancing and music all seemed to be the right thing to do. Why not? It felt good, it was pleasurable, it pleased their flesh. It was not just the the golden calf that was a reproach as the nakedness was called shameful and the entire scene was one of carnality. It would be interesting to know just how the progression went. What sin is ever sudden and extreme? In Romans 1 there is a progression - slow and subtle, so are the ways of our enemy. So what came first to this man-centered Judaism - the standards of modesty dropping, the music becoming more worldly? Perhaps the meditation and sharing with each other about what God had done gradually was replaced with conversations about what riches they took out of Egypt, what forms of entertainment they were finding new and exciting and what wonderful things they missed from when they were in Egypt...
This strange music was mistaken for the sound of war. Perhaps considering the sound of war may give us a clue as to this reprehensible music. Does a man go to war after quiet, solemn meditations or after heart pounding, adrenaline pumping music that stimulates aggression and energy? Be it a war, a game, a sporting event or any other form of competition, there is typically a major buildup just before the event commences. It may be a fiery pep talk by a coach, a motivational charge by a general or a set of chants and cheers by a group of half naked cheerleaders but as it reaches its peak - the roar of aggression begins - screaming, clapping, slapping lockers and stomping feet. The natural reaction is to want to hear ultra fast, ultra loud pounding of drums and other instruments to ignite a rage inside. That is then unleashed in a savage charge into battle. This was the noise of war heard by Joshua. What tribal culture round this world does not have a battle cry, a war dance or some other ritual to frenzy their flesh in aggression? What might the music then have been? Could it have been what the Jews had heard for four centuries by the powerful Egyptian empire that ruled them? Was this the music that likely energized the people that day at the base of the mountain? This music went along nicely with nakedness, idolatry and dancing. The music of Egypt (the world) certainly lends itself to that behavior and appeases our flesh with undertones that tend to aggression, violence and sexual desire.
Be still and know that I am God...commune with your own heart upon your bed and be still...stand in awe...let the meditation of my heart be acceptable...psalms, hymns and spiritual songs singing with grace in your hearts...a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price...
Are there clear definitions for music that is acceptable in the Bible, arguably - no. This I know, that if the world finds it to be pleasing, entertaining and motivating - that should be a warning sign to caution me rather than an invitation to try it on for myself.
In the culture that we are in and the associations of music to behaviors that we have here in the western world - give me hymns of the faith at a pace that I can reflect on Who God is, what He hath done and worship Him in the beauty of His holiness. This is not commentary on worship within other cultures or that hymns are the only acceptable form of worship in music to God, that would be a foolish assumption. Yet it would also be foolish to think that music is neutral and has no untertones or impact on us. If I gave someone various instrumental pieces - some would soothe, some would make the heart race, and some would lend to different emotions - both positive and negative. I prefer in our culture, the sounds that through the years have clearly been established as the sounds of "church music" rather than the alternative - it ministers to me and I believe it to be a protective measure to draw a line that Satan in his subtlety cannot blur over and over and gradually move me back into Egypt. That is my...preference.