The timbrel, also known as the tambourine, is a percussion instrument frequently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of worship and celebration. It is a small hand drum, often with jingles, that was used in various cultural and religious ceremonies in ancient Israel. The timbrel is closely associated with dance and music, serving as an accompaniment to expressions of joy and praise.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 15:20-21: One of the earliest mentions of the timbrel is in the account of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. After crossing the Red Sea, Miriam, the prophetess and sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her with timbrels and dancing. 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 the timbrel's role in celebrating God's deliverance and victory.

2. Judges 11:34: The timbrel is also mentioned in the account of Jephthah. When Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah after a victorious battle, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and dancing. This indicates the use of the timbrel in welcoming and celebrating triumphs.

3. 1 Samuel 18:6: After David's victory over Goliath, women from all the towns of Israel came out to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres. This event underscores the timbrel's role in communal celebrations and its association with national pride and joy.

4. Psalm 149:3: The Psalms frequently mention the timbrel in the context of worship. Psalm 149:3 states, "Let them praise His name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp." Here, the timbrel is an instrument of praise, used to glorify God through music and dance.

5. Psalm 150:4: In the final psalm, which is a call to praise God with various instruments, the timbrel is again mentioned: "Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute." This reinforces the timbrel's integral role in the musical worship of God.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

In ancient Israelite culture, the timbrel was predominantly played by women, often in the context of dance. It was a symbol of joy, celebration, and religious devotion. The use of the timbrel in dances was not merely for entertainment but was a form of worship and a means of expressing gratitude and reverence to God.

The timbrel's presence in biblical narratives and psalms highlights its importance in the spiritual and communal life of the Israelites. It served as a tool for expressing collective emotions, whether in times of victory, deliverance, or worship. The instrument's rhythmic sound complemented the movement of dance, creating a harmonious expression of faith and joy.

Conclusion:

The timbrel, as depicted in the Bible, is more than just a musical instrument; it is a symbol of celebration, worship, and the communal expression of faith. Its use in dances underscores the joy and reverence with which the Israelites approached their relationship with God, making it an enduring symbol of biblical worship practices.Job 21:12
They take the tambourine and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ.
Nave's Topical Index

Brought up from the Horrible Pit
... tell us that wherever pits are still used as dungeons ... the sister of Moses, when she
took her timbrel and led forth the women in their dances, saying, "Sing ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 28 1882/brought up from the horrible.htm

A Case of Conscience Resolved
... 1. Whose prayers were used, or who was the mouth ... Miriam took a timbrel in her hand,
and went out, and ... after her, praising God with timbrels and dances for their ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a case of conscience resolved.htm

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