Topical Bible: Feasts: Dancing At

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In the biblical context, feasts were significant occasions often marked by joy, celebration, and communal gatherings. Dancing, as an expression of joy and worship, frequently accompanied these festive events. The practice of dancing at feasts is woven throughout the biblical narrative, reflecting both cultural customs and spiritual expressions of the people of Israel.

Old Testament References

Dancing is first mentioned in the context of celebration and victory. In Exodus 15:20-21, after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea and witnessed the defeat of the Egyptian army, Miriam the prophetess, sister of Aaron, led the women in dance: "Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. And Miriam sang to them: 'Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.'" This passage highlights dancing as a spontaneous response to God's deliverance and a form of communal worship.

In Judges 21:19-21, the daughters of Shiloh are described as participating in a dance during an annual feast of the LORD: "But look, there is the annual feast of the LORD in Shiloh, which is north of Bethel, east of the road that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah." The Benjamites were instructed to observe the dancers and choose wives from among them, indicating that dancing was an integral part of the festal activities.

King David's exuberant dancing before the Ark of the Covenant is another notable example. In 2 Samuel 6:14-16, David "danced before the LORD with all his might" as the Ark was brought to Jerusalem. His uninhibited expression of joy was met with disdain by his wife Michal, yet it underscored the deep connection between worship and celebration.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not provide as many explicit references to dancing at feasts, the cultural backdrop of Jewish festivals and celebrations would have included such practices. The parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:25 mentions music and dancing as part of the celebratory feast upon the son's return: "Meanwhile the older son was in the field, and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing."

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

Dancing at feasts in the Bible often symbolized joy, victory, and thanksgiving. It was a communal activity that brought people together in shared expressions of gratitude and celebration. The act of dancing was not merely a cultural tradition but also a spiritual expression, reflecting the joy of the Lord and the blessings of His provision.

In the biblical worldview, dancing was an acceptable form of worship when done in a manner that honored God. It was a physical manifestation of the heart's rejoicing and a way to participate in the communal life of God's people. The Bible presents dancing as a legitimate and joyful expression of worship, provided it aligns with the values and reverence due to God.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 14:6
But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 15:25
Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Dancing.
... dancing, but let us remember, first, that it was always a religious rite; second,
that it was practiced only on joyful occasions, at national feasts, and after ...
/.../judy/questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/iv dancing.htm

St. Ambrose, Speaking of Tears, Explains David's Saying, "Every ...
... by unrestrained feasts, or nuptial concerts, for in such modesty is not safe, and
temptation may be suspected where excessive dancing accompanies festivities. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter v st ambrose speaking.htm

Whether the Third Precept of the Decalogue, Concerning the ...
... time seditiously in the theatre: and their womenfolk would do better to be making
linen on the Sabbath than to be dancing lewdly all day in their feasts of the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the third precept of.htm

Matt. xiii. 53
... full of wine, and drunken, and looking at a woman who is dancing and uttering ... although
they be clear of these, not even so are our costly feasts freed from ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xlviii matt xiii 53.htm

Omar and the Sacred vine
... Once in the world's history men did believe that the stars were dancing to the tune
of ... He feasts because life is not joyful; he revels because he is not glad. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/vii omar and the sacred.htm

The Ten virgins.
... carries such a lamp, and the many separate lights dancing and crossing ... constituents
closely corresponding to the bridesmaids at our marriage feasts,"or they ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xiii the ten virgins.htm

Christmas and the Aesthetes
... The more agreeable of these consist of dancing, building temples, and shouting very ...
of which Augustine spoke, who do long for the old feasts and formalities of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/vi christmas and the aesthetes.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... Cyprian, St., on intercession of Saints, [881]389, n. Dancing, feats in,
[882]470, n. ... Discontent from going to feasts, [920]440. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

B. The Second Stages. Chs. 13:22 to 17:10
... to forbid inviting rich guests to our homes or to insist that all feasts must be ...
and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.26 And ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/b the second stages chs.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ...
... Madcap!' I said, A very proper name for a dancing-master;' but I ... who administered
to them the ordinances, exercised discipline, held love-feasts, and generally ...
/.../chapter 4 from the close.htm