Topical Bible: Idolatry: Other Customs of Singing and Dancing

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Idolatry in the biblical context often extends beyond the mere worship of graven images or false gods. It encompasses a range of practices and customs that were prevalent among the nations surrounding Israel, including singing and dancing, which were frequently associated with pagan worship and rituals. These activities, when directed towards idols, were seen as expressions of devotion to false deities and were strictly prohibited for the Israelites.

Singing in Idolatrous Worship

Singing was a common element in the worship practices of ancient Near Eastern cultures. It was used to invoke the presence of deities, celebrate their supposed deeds, and express communal devotion. In Exodus 32:18-19, during the incident of the golden calf, Moses and Joshua hear the sound of singing as the people engage in idolatrous worship: "But Moses replied: 'It is neither the cry of victory nor the cry of defeat; I hear the sound of singing!' As Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned, and he threw the tablets out of his hands, shattering them at the base of the mountain" . This passage highlights how singing was intertwined with the worship of the golden calf, an act of idolatry that provoked God's wrath.

Dancing in Idolatrous Worship

Dancing, like singing, was also a significant component of idolatrous rituals. It was often performed in a frenzied or ecstatic manner, intended to please or appease the gods. The same incident in Exodus 32 illustrates this, as the people danced around the golden calf. The dance was not merely a cultural expression but a religious act that signified allegiance to a false god. In 1 Kings 18:26, during the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, the prophets "called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, shouting, 'O Baal, answer us!' But there was no sound, and no one answered. And they leaped around the altar they had made" . This leaping or dancing was part of their attempt to invoke Baal's presence and power.

Condemnation and Consequences

The Bible consistently condemns the use of singing and dancing in the context of idolatry. Such practices were seen as a direct violation of the first and second commandments, which prohibit the worship of other gods and the making of idols (Exodus 20:3-5). The Israelites were warned against adopting the customs of the nations around them, as these practices would lead them away from the worship of the one true God. In Deuteronomy 12:30-31, God instructs the Israelites: "Be careful not to be ensnared by their ways after they have been destroyed before you. Do not inquire about their gods, asking, 'How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.' You must not worship the LORD your God in this way" .

The consequences of engaging in idolatrous singing and dancing were severe. The incident of the golden calf resulted in the death of about three thousand men (Exodus 32:28), and the prophets of Baal were executed after their failure to summon their god (1 Kings 18:40). These events underscore the seriousness with which God views idolatry and the associated customs.

Prescribed Worship

In contrast to the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations, God prescribed specific forms of worship for the Israelites that included singing and dancing, but these were to be directed solely towards Him. For example, King David danced before the LORD with all his might as the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:14). The Psalms are replete with exhortations to sing praises to God, emphasizing that singing and dancing, when properly directed, are acceptable and pleasing forms of worship.

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Exodus 32:18,19
And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.
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Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... prophets, their struggle against Phonician idolatry, the story ... than their fathers,
in following other gods to ... They retained the customs and prejudices they had ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Holy War,
... drowned in the flood of idolatry and superstition ... be explanatory or illustrative
in other commentaries, with ... are original; obsolete terms and customs are explain ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... mighty empires, the history of no other has suffered ... According to Ctesias, it was
a singing-girl who ... invented an explanation consonant with their own customs. ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... and that would yet exact such customs and tributes ... these legends and miracles do,
on the other hand, abridge ... rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... women to the sword,[35] and other women and ... After singing a psalm, the minister prayed,
leading the ... fond of athletic sports, bell-ringing, and dancing; and in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... And also because he will have the glory of his, when the other has nothing ... Then
Christian gave three leaps for joy, and went on singing"Thus far I did come ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm