Topical Bible: Music: The Jews Used in Dances

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In the cultural and religious life of ancient Israel, music played a significant role, particularly in the context of dance. The Hebrew Scriptures provide numerous references to the use of music in dances, reflecting both the celebratory and sacred aspects of Jewish life.

Biblical References and Context

One of the earliest mentions of music and dance in the Bible is found in the account of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. After crossing the Red Sea, Miriam, the prophetess and sister of Aaron, led the women in a dance of celebration. Accompanied by timbrels, they sang and danced in praise of God's deliverance. Exodus 15:20-21 states, "Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. And Miriam sang back to them: 'Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.'"

The use of music in dance is also evident in the account of King David. When the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem, David expressed his joy through music and dance. 2 Samuel 6:14-15 describes this event: "And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD, while he and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of the trumpets." This passage highlights the integration of music, dance, and worship in the life of Israel.

Instruments and Musical Elements

The instruments commonly associated with dance in biblical times included the tambourine (or timbrel), lyre, harp, and various types of percussion instruments. These instruments were often used to accompany both vocal and instrumental music, creating a lively and rhythmic backdrop for dance.

The tambourine, in particular, is frequently mentioned in connection with dance. It was a handheld percussion instrument, often played by women, as seen in the account of Miriam. The rhythmic sound of the tambourine was well-suited to the energetic movements of dance, making it a staple in celebratory and religious gatherings.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Music and dance were integral to the communal and religious life of the Jewish people. They were expressions of joy, gratitude, and worship, often marking significant events such as victories, religious festivals, and communal gatherings. The Psalms, a central component of Jewish worship, frequently call for the use of music and dance in praise of God. Psalm 149:3 exhorts, "Let them praise His name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp."

Dance, accompanied by music, was not merely a form of entertainment but a means of expressing devotion and reverence to God. It was a physical manifestation of the inner joy and gratitude felt by the worshippers, reflecting a holistic approach to worship that engaged both body and spirit.

Conclusion

The use of music in dances among the Jews was a vibrant and essential aspect of their cultural and religious expression. Through the harmonious blend of instruments, song, and movement, the people of Israel celebrated their faith, commemorated their history, and worshipped their God with heartfelt exuberance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 11:17
And saying, We have piped to you, and you have not danced; we have mourned to you, and you have not lamented.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 15:25
Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"The Light of Life"
... dances to the sound of instrumental music and the ... Spirit, recalled the symbol Christ
had used: "We have ... Jesus denied that the Jews were children of Abraham. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 51 the light of.htm

On the Theophany, or Birthday of Christ.
... He used various means to raise him again; and at length He came ... [3851] Let the Jews
be offended ... not feast the eye, nor enchant the ear with music, nor enervate ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxviii on the theophany.htm

Homiletical.
... been delivered by the enemies of His life, the Jews? ... patience, and endurance....Anger
is to be used as a ... competitions in athletics, or, if you like, in music. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/iv homiletical.htm

The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ...
... But it was invariably used in reference to the Messianic ... Paul argued with the Jews,
that their boast in the ... The noise of music and the shouts of revelry come ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxviii the story of.htm

From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus.
... And now, as the blessed Presbyter used to say ... who was the Passover, propitiously
sacrificed by the Jews. ... 3. Gladness there is, and music, and dances; although ...
/.../who is the rich man that shall be saved/i from the latin translation of.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... and juggling, [839]ib.; and to loose music, [840]ib ... Gentiles, once were "dogs," but
the Jews had now taken ... Gifts, God's, to be used in His praise, [1492]233 ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... Angels had performed the music at the first sacrifice of Adam ... still less that they
are shared by educated Jews in the West ... that as no iron was to be used in the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xii the baptism of.htm

Oration on the Holy Lights.
... for him a lyre which draws all things by its music. ... but this was not like the baptism
of the Jews, for it ... In this fundamental sense it was used in Theology as ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxix oration on the.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... saints in special in all ages, have been used to promote ... in the destruction and
restoration of the Jews' Jerusalem, by ... and shall go forth in the dances of them ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... the Book of Sports, to be used on Sundays ... recreations; May games, Whitsun-ales, Morris
dances, May poles ... as I found afterwards, that there was music and dancing ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm