Topical Bible: Music: Instruments of Timbrel

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Topical Encyclopedia

The timbrel, often associated with joy and celebration, is a percussion instrument mentioned frequently in the Bible. It is akin to the modern tambourine and was commonly used in ancient Israelite worship and festivities. The timbrel is typically a small hand drum, sometimes with jingles, that produces sound when struck or shaken.

Biblical References:

The timbrel is first mentioned in the context of the Exodus. After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, Miriam, the prophetess and sister of Aaron, led the women in a victory dance with timbrels. Exodus 15:20 states, "Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her with timbrels and dancing."

In the Psalms, the timbrel is often associated with praise and worship. Psalm 150:4 exhorts, "Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute." This verse highlights the timbrel's role in the musical ensemble used to glorify God.

The timbrel also appears in the context of celebration and joy. In Judges 11:34 , Jephthah's daughter comes out to meet him "with tambourines and dancing" after his victory over the Ammonites. This illustrates the timbrel's use in personal and communal expressions of joy.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

In ancient Israel, music played a vital role in both religious and social settings. The timbrel, as a portable and easily played instrument, was accessible to many and often used by women. Its presence in biblical narratives underscores the communal and participatory nature of worship and celebration in Israelite culture.

The use of the timbrel in worship reflects the biblical principle of engaging the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—in the praise of God. The physical act of playing the timbrel and dancing was an expression of heartfelt devotion and gratitude.

Symbolism:

The timbrel symbolizes joy, victory, and divine deliverance. Its use in the Bible often accompanies moments of triumph and thanksgiving, serving as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the joy found in His presence. The instrument's association with women, particularly in the account of Miriam, highlights the inclusive nature of worship and the important role women played in biblical celebrations.

Conclusion:

The timbrel, as depicted in the Bible, is more than a musical instrument; it is a symbol of joy, celebration, and worship. Its presence in Scripture invites believers to engage in vibrant and expressive praise, celebrating the victories and blessings bestowed by God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 15:20
And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand; and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dances.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 68:25
The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with tambourines.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How to Conduct Ourselves at Feasts.
... by the licentious and mischievous art of music. ... a pacific instrument; while other
instruments, if you ... the ancient psaltery, and trumpet, and timbrel, and flute ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iv how to conduct ourselves.htm

Introduction.
... of Babylon that banished the timbrel from the ... 16th century there were no instruments
allowed in ... ecclesiastical song-service, wrote chant music (to Scripture ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/introduction.htm

Psalm CL.
... For the timbrel is made of leather dried and strengthened. ... But "organ" is a general
name for all instruments of music, although usage has now obtained that ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cl.htm

Introduction.
... the other mighty men in Israel are like the ruder instruments of music"the trumpet ...
The women of Israel chant his name with song and timbrel, the daughter ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/i introduction.htm

Salvation Published from the Mountains
... upon the sea-shore, Miriam, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her ... women came
out to meet him and Saul with tabrets and instruments of music; and they ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon vi salvation published from.htm

A Short Essay Toward the Improvement of Psalmody:
... Scripture ought to learn the Hebrew Music, and sing ... went before, the Players on
Instruments followed after ... a Psalm, and bring hither the Timbrel, the pleasant ...
/.../a short essay toward the improvement of psalmody/a short essay toward the.htm

The New Song
... been absurd for Miriam with her timbrel to conduct ... of Deity regaled with such grateful
music, heaven filled ... So that you may mention the instruments every one ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the new song.htm

The Vanguard and Rereward of the Church
... at the Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens. ... Extoll'd with the harp and the timbrel should
be: ... has been forged against us is already blunted; the instruments of war ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the vanguard and rereward of.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... part of the account as a man of humble origin (Judges 6:15, 16), it was to exalt
the power of Jahveh, who was accustomed to choose His instruments from amongst ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm