Drumming, as a form of musical expression, is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, percussion instruments akin to drums, such as timbrels and tambourines, are referenced and hold significant cultural and religious importance in biblical times. These instruments were often used in worship, celebrations, and various communal activities.

Biblical References and Context

1. Timbrels and Tambourines: The timbrel, a percussion instrument similar to the modern tambourine, is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures. It was used in both religious and celebratory contexts. In Exodus 15:20, Miriam, the prophetess and sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her with timbrels and dancing after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea: "Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing."

2. Celebration and Worship: Drumming and percussion instruments were integral to celebrations and worship. In Psalm 150:4, the psalmist exhorts the use of various instruments to praise God: "Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute." This verse highlights the role of percussion in expressing joy and reverence towards God.

3. Cultural Significance: In ancient Israel, music and dance were vital components of cultural and religious life. Percussion instruments like the timbrel were often associated with joy, victory, and divine worship. Judges 11:34 recounts the return of Jephthah to his home, where his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and dancing, signifying celebration and welcome.

4. Symbolism and Expression: The use of percussion instruments in the Bible often symbolizes joy, celebration, and the communal expression of faith. In 2 Samuel 6:5, as David and the house of Israel brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, they celebrated with all kinds of instruments, including percussion: "David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, lyres, harps, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals."

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the use of percussion instruments in the Bible underscores the importance of music in worship and community life. It reflects the biblical principle that worship involves the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and that music is a powerful means of expressing devotion and gratitude to God. The inclusion of percussion in worship settings illustrates the diversity of worship practices and the acceptance of various forms of musical expression in glorifying God.

Modern Application

In contemporary Christian worship, drumming and percussion continue to play a significant role. Many churches incorporate drums into their worship services, recognizing their ability to enhance the musical experience and facilitate congregational participation. While some Christian traditions may vary in their acceptance of certain musical styles, the biblical precedent for using percussion instruments in worship provides a foundation for their inclusion in modern worship practices.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Drum.

2. (n.) The act of beating upon, or as if upon, a drum; also, the noise which the male of the ruffed grouse makes in spring, by beating his wings upon his sides.

My Second Year in Benares.
... The night is rendered hideous, and sleep well-nigh impossible, by the drumming,
fifing, and shouting of the revellers, kept up till break of day. ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter ix my second year.htm

On the Road to Jerusalem
... The whole air shuddered with the drumming of heathen physicians in the pagan quarters,
through which the silence of long stretches of ominously quiet houses ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter ii on the road.htm

Chatter xviii. The Great Immigration.
... by individual States and by railroad corporations and other great landed proprietors,
and the eager competition of steamship companies drumming for steerage ...
/.../a history of american christianity/chatter xviii the great immigration.htm

The Dark was Lifting as Vergilius Entered the Field of Mars. ...
... Then a trumpet-call, a flash of blue vexilla and silver eagles in the air, and,
a moment later, some eighty hoofs were drumming in the Appian Way. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 11 the dark was.htm

An Obstinate Roman.
... Like their two chiefs, these men are prompt. The whips had been out over the
city drumming up the members for this extraordinary session. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/an obstinate roman.htm

Wesley Interviews Mrs. Pilkington
... They continued drumming, and I continued preaching till I had finished my
discourse. When I came out, the mob immediately closed me in. ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley interviews mrs pilkington.htm

The Creed Chasm
... All that night the riotous drumming continued, and, as one lay awake and listened,
one pictured the old scholar sitting in the cool night air on his verandah ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter x the creed chasm.htm

The Siege. (xxi, xxxii-xxxiv, xxxvii, xxxviii. )
... There is, he replied, and, as if drumming a lesson into a stupid child's head, repeated
his message, Thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the King of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 the siege xxi xxxii-xxxiv.htm

The Evolution of Language
... The ejaculations of the savage, the drumming of the gorilla, the screech of the
parrot, the crying, growling, purring, hissing, and spitting of other animals ...
/.../the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter v the evolution of.htm

Benares as a Mission Sphere.
... impunity. On another occasion most vigorous drumming was carried on above
our heads, which made speaking and hearing impossible. ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter viii benares as a.htm

Drumming (1 Occurrence)
... his sides. Multi-Version Concordance Drumming (1 Occurrence). Nahum 2:7
And it is decreed: she shall be uncovered, she shall be led ...
/d/drumming.htm - 7k

Drum

/d/drum.htm - 9k

Thrum (2 Occurrences)
... 9. (vi) Hence, to make a monotonous drumming noise; as, to thrum on a table. 10.
(vt) To play, as a stringed instrument, in a rude or monotonous manner. 11. ...
/t/thrum.htm - 8k

Taber
... upon, that is, beat violently, their breasts. Such drumming on the breasts
was a gesture indicative of great grief (Luke 18:3). ...
/t/taber.htm - 7k

Trick (11 Occurrences)
... boys. 4. (n.) A particular habit or manner; a peculiarity; a trait; as, a
trick of drumming with the fingers; a trick of frowning. 5 ...
/t/trick.htm - 10k

Drunk (84 Occurrences)

/d/drunk.htm - 34k

Drumming: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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