Topical Bible: Music: Instruments of Cymbals

◄ Music: Instruments of Cymbals ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Cymbals are a type of percussion instrument frequently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of worship and celebration. These instruments are typically made of metal and produce a loud, clashing sound when struck together. In biblical times, cymbals were an integral part of the musical ensembles that accompanied religious ceremonies and festivities.

Biblical References and Usage

Cymbals are prominently featured in the Old Testament, especially in the context of temple worship and royal celebrations. They are often associated with the Levites, who were appointed by King David to lead musical worship in the temple. In 1 Chronicles 15:16, David instructs the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers and musicians, "playing loudly on musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals—to raise sounds of joy."

The use of cymbals in worship is further emphasized in 1 Chronicles 16:5, where Asaph, a chief musician, is mentioned as playing the cymbals. This highlights the importance of cymbals in the orchestration of temple music, serving both as a rhythmic foundation and as a means to enhance the celebratory atmosphere of worship.

In 2 Chronicles 5:13, during the dedication of Solomon's Temple, cymbals are part of the grand musical ensemble that includes trumpets and other instruments, creating a harmonious sound that accompanies the singing of praises to the LORD: "The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: 'For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.'"

The Book of Psalms also frequently mentions cymbals, underscoring their role in worship. Psalm 150:5 calls for the use of "resounding cymbals" and "clashing cymbals" in praising God, indicating their significance in expressing exuberant and joyful worship.

Symbolism and Significance

Cymbals, with their loud and penetrating sound, symbolize the exuberance and intensity of worship. Their use in biblical times reflects the desire to offer God the highest praise, utilizing all available means to glorify His name. The sound of cymbals, often accompanying other instruments and voices, represents the unity and harmony of God's people coming together in worship.

The inclusion of cymbals in worship also signifies the importance of rhythm and order in the liturgical practices of ancient Israel. As instruments that provide a clear and distinct sound, cymbals help to maintain the tempo and structure of musical compositions, ensuring that worship is both orderly and vibrant.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, cymbals were not unique to Israel but were common in various cultures for both religious and secular purposes. Their presence in Israelite worship, however, is distinct in its focus on the worship of Yahweh. The biblical use of cymbals reflects a broader cultural practice while being uniquely adapted to the worship and celebration of the God of Israel.

The construction and design of cymbals in biblical times likely varied, but they were generally crafted from bronze or other metals, designed to produce a loud and resonant sound. The skill of the musicians, particularly the Levites, in playing these instruments was crucial to their effective use in worship settings.

Conclusion

Cymbals, as described in the Bible, are more than mere musical instruments; they are powerful tools for worship, symbolizing the joy, unity, and order of God's people as they come together to praise Him. Their prominent role in biblical worship underscores the importance of music in expressing devotion and reverence to the Almighty.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 16:5
Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 150:5
Praise him on the loud cymbals: praise him on the high sounding cymbals.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How to Conduct Ourselves at Feasts.
... become quite immodest and intractable, beat on cymbals and drums ... For, in truth, such
instruments are to be banished ... by the pipe, and seduced by music into the ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iv how to conduct ourselves.htm

The Temple and Its Dedication
... sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their
voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 2 the temple and.htm

Psalm CL.
... general name for all instruments of music, although usage ... I have said, to all musical
instruments, this instrument ... Him on the well-sounding cymbals, praise Him ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cl.htm

How the Hebrews were Delivered from a Famine when the Gibeonites ...
... He also made instruments of music, and taught the ... Now the construction of the
instruments was thus: The viol ... played upon by the fingers; the cymbals were broad ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how the hebrews.htm

Death and Life from the Ark
... as some lifted up shrill songs, some touched stringed instruments, some beat ... rods
with movable rings, and some clashed cymbals together ... There is no music in the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/death and life from the.htm

Power "In" and "Upon. "
... Sound, to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their
voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter ii power in and.htm

The Memorable Hymn. "And when they had Sung an Hymn, they Went Out ...
... mighty acts, singing aloud with the high-sounding cymbals: "Sing unto ... made white
and pure, bring forth your instruments of song:-. ... Hither, then, your music bring ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the memorable hymn and when.htm

But Let There Be, as You Wish, Honour in Wine and in Incense...
... their indignation softened, at the musical sound of cymbals? ... joining your voices
to the music of the ... Evidently musical instruments; but while Isidore speaks of ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/32 but let there be.htm

A Short Essay Toward the Improvement of Psalmody:
... ought to learn the Hebrew Music, and sing ... Singers went before, the Players on
Instruments followed after ... Consort with the high sounding Cymbals, their Thoughts ...
/.../a short essay toward the improvement of psalmody/a short essay toward the.htm

That when David had Conquered the Philistines who Made War against ...
... with variety of the sounds of musical instruments, and with ... the sounds of trumpets
and of cymbals, and so ... the harp, and joined in the music, insomuch, that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 that when david.htm