In the context of biblical worship and music, the use of instruments is a significant aspect of expressing praise and adoration to God. While cymbals are explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the concept of using sticks as cymbals is not directly referenced in the Scriptures. However, understanding the cultural and historical context of biblical times can provide insight into the possible use of various percussion instruments, including sticks, in worship settings.

Biblical References to Cymbals:

Cymbals are mentioned several times in the Bible, often in the context of temple worship and celebrations. For instance, in 1 Chronicles 15:16, King David instructs the leaders of the Levites to appoint musicians to play various instruments, including cymbals, to raise sounds of joy: "David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals."

Similarly, in Psalm 150:5, the psalmist calls for the use of loud cymbals in praising the Lord: "Praise Him with clashing cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals."

Cultural Context and Instrumentation:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, percussion instruments were commonly used in both religious and secular music. While the Bible specifically mentions cymbals, it is plausible that other percussion instruments, such as sticks, were also used to create rhythm and enhance musical expression. Sticks could have been used to strike other objects, creating a sound similar to that of cymbals, or they could have been used in conjunction with other instruments to maintain rhythm.

The use of sticks as percussion instruments is supported by archaeological findings and historical records from surrounding cultures, which indicate that a variety of percussion instruments were employed in musical ensembles. These instruments were often made from readily available materials such as wood, metal, or bone.

Symbolism and Worship:

In biblical worship, instruments like cymbals were not merely for musical accompaniment but also carried symbolic significance. They were used to express joy, celebration, and the grandeur of God's presence. The loud and resounding nature of cymbals, and by extension any similar percussion instrument, served to amplify the communal aspect of worship, drawing the congregation into a unified expression of praise.

The use of percussion instruments, including the hypothetical use of sticks as cymbals, underscores the biblical principle that worship involves the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. The physical act of playing an instrument is an offering of one's skills and talents to God, aligning with the biblical exhortation to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord" (Psalm 100:1).

Conclusion:

While the Bible does not explicitly mention sticks used as cymbals, the broader context of biblical worship and the cultural practices of the time suggest that a variety of percussion instruments, including sticks, could have been used to enhance the musical and spiritual experience of worship. The emphasis on joyful and exuberant praise in the Scriptures supports the idea that all available means, including diverse instruments, were employed to glorify God.Ezekiel 37:16
Moreover, you son of man, take you one stick, and write on it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write on it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim and for all the house of Israel his companions:
Nave's Topical Index

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... loin-cloths or sandals, or exchange blows with fists and sticks. ... the name of the
Uauaiu was, indeed, used as a ... and their use of the drum and cymbals; they were ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

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