Critics like Scott Aniol argue that emotionality in music is a manipulative distraction from true spiritual engagement. But does the Bible share this concern? This paper challenges Aniol’s assessment of music’s ability to evoke emotion by redefining manipulation as influence, and by examining 1 Samuel’s use of music and its broader cultural and theological implications. Far from shunning music’s emotional power, the Israelites embraced it—using instruments like the kinnor, nevel, chalil, shofar, and tof to teach, to express emotion, and to manipulate (or influence) both individuals and communities. Through close analysis of key passages in 1 Samuel, paired with ancient cultural context and modern musicology, this paper shows that emotional influence through music is a God-given tool. Like any form of influence, music can be used wisely or poorly. The responsibility lies not in avoiding influence, but in stewarding it well. This study calls the modern church to recover a biblical view of music—not one rooted in fear, but in discernment, beauty, and truth.