Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the young women playing the timbrels. New Living Translation Singers are in front, musicians behind; between them are young women playing tambourines. English Standard Version the singers in front, the musicians last, between them virgins playing tambourines: Berean Standard Bible The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines. King James Bible The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels. New King James Version The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; Among them were the maidens playing timbrels. New American Standard Bible The singers went on, the musicians after them, In the midst of the young women beating tambourines. NASB 1995 The singers went on, the musicians after them, In the midst of the maidens beating tambourines. NASB 1977 The singers went on, the musicians after them, In the midst of the maidens beating tambourines. Legacy Standard Bible The singers went on, the musicians after them, In the midst of the maidens beating tambourines. Amplified Bible The singers go in front, the players of instruments last; Between them the maidens playing on tambourines. Christian Standard Bible Singers lead the way, with musicians following; among them are young women playing tambourines. Holman Christian Standard Bible Singers lead the way, with musicians following; among them are young women playing tambourines. American Standard Version The singers went before, the minstrels followed after, In the midst of the damsels playing with timbrels. Contemporary English Version Singers come first, and then the musicians, surrounded by young women playing tambourines. English Revised Version The singers went before, the minstrels followed after, in the midst of the damsels playing with timbrels. GOD'S WORD® Translation The singers are in front. The musicians are behind them. The young women beating tambourines are between them. Good News Translation The singers are in front, the musicians are behind, in between are the young women beating the tambourines. International Standard Version The singers are in front, the musicians follow, strumming their stringed instruments among the maidens who are playing their tambourines. Majority Standard Bible The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines. NET Bible Singers walk in front; musicians follow playing their stringed instruments, in the midst of young women playing tambourines. New Heart English Bible The singers went before, the minstrels followed after, in the midst of the ladies playing with tambourines, Webster's Bible Translation The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels. World English Bible The singers went before, the minstrels followed after, among the ladies playing with tambourines, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionSingers have been before, "" Behind [are] players on instruments, "" Virgins playing with timbrels in the midst. Young's Literal Translation Singers have been before, Behind are players on instruments, In the midst virgins playing with timbrels. Smith's Literal Translation The chiefs went before, they playing on instruments, after; in the midst, girls beating the tabret. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BiblePrinces went before joined with singers, in the midst of young damsels playing on timbrels. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible The singers go first, the harpists follow; in their midst girls sound the timbrels. New Revised Standard Version the singers in front, the musicians last, between them girls playing tambourines: Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe princes went before, the singers followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Princes went before; after were the singers among the young girls striking on tambourines. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The singers go before, the minstrels follow after, In the midst of damsels playing upon timbrels. Brenton Septuagint Translation The princes went first, next before the players on instruments, in the midst of damsels playing on timbrels. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context God's Enemies Are Scattered…24They have seen Your procession, O God—the march of my God and King into the sanctuary. 25The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines. 26Bless God in the great congregation; bless the LORD from the fountain of Israel.… Cross References 2 Samuel 6:5 David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals. 1 Chronicles 13:8 David and all the Israelites were celebrating before God with all their might, with songs and on harps and lyres, with tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets. 1 Chronicles 15:16 David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their relatives as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals. 1 Chronicles 15:27-28 Now David was dressed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, as well as the singers and Chenaniah, the director of music for the singers. David also wore a linen ephod. / So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, with the sounding of rams’ horns and trumpets, and with cymbals and the music of harps and lyres. 1 Chronicles 16:42 Heman and Jeduthun had with them trumpets and cymbals for the music and instruments for the songs of God. And the sons of Jeduthun were stationed at the gate. 2 Chronicles 5:12-13 all the Levitical singers—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. / 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.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud 2 Chronicles 29:25-28 Hezekiah stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres according to the command of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet. For the command had come from the LORD through His prophets. / The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. / And Hezekiah ordered that the burnt offering be sacrificed on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD and the trumpets began as well, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. ... Nehemiah 12:27 At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from all their homes and brought to Jerusalem to celebrate the joyous dedication with thanksgiving and singing, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres. Nehemiah 12:31 Then I brought the leaders of Judah up on the wall, and I appointed two great thanksgiving choirs. One was to proceed along the top of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate. Isaiah 30:29 You will sing as on the night of a holy festival, and your heart will rejoice like one who walks to the music of a flute, going up to the mountain of the LORD, to the Rock of Israel. Isaiah 35:10 So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee. Jeremiah 31:12-13 They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD—the grain, new wine, and oil, and the young of the flocks and herds. Their life will be like a well-watered garden, and never again will they languish. / Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow. Exodus 15:20-21 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.” Judges 11:34 And when Jephthah returned home to Mizpah, there was his daughter coming out to meet him with tambourines and dancing! She was his only child; he had no son or daughter besides her. 1 Samuel 18:6 As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. Treasury of Scripture The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with tambourines. the players Psalm 87:7 As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee. Psalm 150:3-5 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp… Revelation 14:2,3 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: … among Psalm 148:12,13 Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: … Exodus 15:20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. Judges 11:34 And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter. Jump to Previous Beating Brass Damsels Follow Followed Front Girls Instruments Ladies Maidens Makers Midst Minstrels Music Musicians Players Playing Singers Songs Tabrets Tambourines Timbrels Virgins YoungJump to Next Beating Brass Damsels Follow Followed Front Girls Instruments Ladies Maidens Makers Midst Minstrels Music Musicians Players Playing Singers Songs Tabrets Tambourines Timbrels Virgins YoungPsalm 68 1. A prayer at the removing of the ark4. An exhortation to praise God for his mercies 7. for his care of the church 19. for his great works The singers lead the way In ancient Israel, music played a significant role in worship and celebration. The singers leading the procession indicates the importance of vocal praise in worship. This aligns with the tradition of the Levites, who were appointed to lead in song and music during temple services (1 Chronicles 15:16-22). The act of leading with song can be seen as a form of spiritual leadership, guiding the congregation in worship and setting the tone for the procession. This mirrors the role of worship leaders in modern church services, emphasizing the power of music to unite and uplift the community in praise. the musicians follow after among the maidens playing tambourines Persons / Places / Events 1. SingersThese individuals lead the procession, setting the tone for worship and celebration. In ancient Israel, singers often played a crucial role in temple worship and public celebrations. 2. Musicians Following the singers, musicians add depth and richness to the worship experience. They are integral to the expression of joy and reverence in the assembly. 3. Maidens Young women playing tambourines, contributing to the festive and celebratory atmosphere. Their participation highlights the communal and inclusive nature of worship. 4. Procession This event is a joyful and organized movement, likely part of a larger celebration or religious festival, emphasizing unity and collective worship. 5. Tambourines A percussion instrument used in ancient Israelite music, symbolizing joy and celebration. Its use here underscores the festive nature of the event. Teaching Points The Role of Music in WorshipMusic is a vital component of worship, enhancing the expression of praise and adoration to God. It unites the congregation in a shared experience of joy and reverence. Inclusion in Worship Worship is a communal activity that includes diverse participants, from singers and musicians to young maidens. This inclusivity reflects the body of Christ, where every member has a role. Joyful Celebration Worship should be characterized by joy and celebration, reflecting the goodness and faithfulness of God. Our worship should be vibrant and heartfelt, engaging both the mind and emotions. Leadership in Worship Those who lead in worship, like the singers in the procession, have a responsibility to guide others into the presence of God. Leadership in worship requires preparation, humility, and a focus on God. Symbolism of Instruments Instruments like tambourines symbolize the joy and spontaneity of worship. They remind us that worship is not just a duty but a delight, an opportunity to express our love for God creatively.(25) Players--i.e., harpers. Playing with timbrels.--Or, beating the tambourine. For this instrument (Heb., toph) see Exodus 15:20, and comp. Judges 11:34. Verse 25. - The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after (comp. 2 Samuel 6:15; 1 Chronicles 15:16-28). In Assyrian musical processions the players on instruments precede the singers ('Ancient Monarchies,' vol. 1, p. 542). Among them were the damsels playing with timbrels; rather, in the midst of the damsels, etc. The damsels are represented, not as intermixed with the (male) singers and players on instruments, but as encircling them. (On the use of "timbrels" (tambourines) by Israelite maidens, see Exodus 15:20; Judges 11:34.)Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The singersשָׁ֭רִים (rîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7891: To sing lead the way, קִדְּמ֣וּ (qid·də·mū) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 6923: To project, precede, to anticipate, hasten, meet the musicians נֹגְנִ֑ים (nō·ḡə·nîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 5059: To touch or play a stringed instrument [follow] after, אַחַ֣ר (’a·ḥar) Adverb Strong's 310: The hind or following part among בְּת֥וֹךְ (bə·ṯō·wḵ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre the maidens עֲ֝לָמ֗וֹת (‘ă·lā·mō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 5959: A young woman, a virgin playing tambourines. תּוֹפֵפֽוֹת׃ (tō·w·p̄ê·p̄ō·wṯ) Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural Strong's 8608: To drum, play, on the tambourine Links Psalm 68:25 NIVPsalm 68:25 NLT Psalm 68:25 ESV Psalm 68:25 NASB Psalm 68:25 KJV Psalm 68:25 BibleApps.com Psalm 68:25 Biblia Paralela Psalm 68:25 Chinese Bible Psalm 68:25 French Bible Psalm 68:25 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 68:25 The singers went before the minstrels followed (Psalm Ps Psa.) |