In the context of the Bible, the concept of "performers" can be understood through various roles and activities that involve public display, artistic expression, and the communication of messages through different forms of art. While the term "performer" as understood in contemporary culture is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the Scriptures do provide insights into individuals and groups who engaged in activities that can be likened to performance.

Musicians and Singers

Music and singing hold a significant place in biblical worship and celebration. The Levites, for example, were appointed as musicians and singers in the temple. King David, a skilled musician himself, organized the Levitical musicians for temple worship. In 1 Chronicles 15:16, it is recorded, "David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to sing joyful songs, accompanied by musical instruments: lyres, harps, and cymbals." This organized musical performance was integral to the worship and ceremonial life of Israel.

The Psalms, many of which were written by David, are replete with references to music and singing as acts of worship. Psalm 150:3-5 exhorts, "Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with the strings and flute. Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with clashing cymbals." These verses highlight the use of musical instruments and vocal expression in praising God, reflecting a form of performance dedicated to divine worship.

Dancers

Dance is another form of performance mentioned in the Bible, often associated with joy and celebration. In Exodus 15:20-21 , after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, "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 to them: 'Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.'" This passage illustrates dance as an expression of gratitude and triumph.

However, the Bible also warns against inappropriate or idolatrous forms of dance. In Exodus 32:19, when Moses descended from Mount Sinai and saw the Israelites dancing around the golden calf, he was angered by their idolatry. This incident serves as a caution against using performance in ways that dishonor God.

Actors and Dramatists

While the Bible does not specifically mention actors or dramatists, the use of parables and dramatic narratives by Jesus can be seen as a form of storytelling that conveys deep spiritual truths. Jesus often used parables to illustrate moral and spiritual lessons, engaging His audience in a manner that was both instructive and memorable. For instance, the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) is a narrative that challenges listeners to consider the nature of true neighborly love.

Prophets and Orators

Prophets in the Bible can also be seen as performers in the sense that they publicly delivered messages from God, often using symbolic actions to convey their messages. Ezekiel, for example, was instructed to perform symbolic acts to illustrate the coming judgment on Israel (Ezekiel 4:1-3). These acts were a form of performance intended to capture the attention of the people and communicate divine truth.

Similarly, the apostle Paul, known for his oratory skills, engaged in public speaking to spread the Gospel. In Acts 17:22-23 , Paul addresses the Athenians at the Areopagus, using their altar to an unknown god as a starting point to proclaim the truth about the one true God. His ability to communicate effectively in public settings was crucial to his missionary work.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly use the term "performers," it provides numerous examples of individuals and groups engaging in activities that involve public expression and artistic communication. Whether through music, dance, storytelling, or prophetic acts, these performances were often directed toward worship, teaching, and the proclamation of God's truth.5524. choregeo -- to lead a chorus (ie a group of performers), to ...
... to lead a chorus (ie a group of performers), to defray the cost of a chorus. Part
of Speech: Verb Transliteration: choregeo Phonetic Spelling: (khor-ayg-eh'-o ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5524.htm - 7k6213a. asah -- do, make
... 2), observed (12), observes (5), offer (35), offered (4), offering (1), oppressed*
(1), ordained (1), perform (31), performed (23), performers (1), performing ...
/hebrew/6213a.htm - 8k

Theater-Going.
... Accordingly, I procured the copies used by the performers in preparing for their
parts, and took pains to ascertain wherein, in actual use, the actors diverged ...
/.../judy/questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/v theater-going.htm

The Consolation
... If it could be reasonably hoped that the performers and the company assembled to
hear the music, or the greater part, or even a very considerable part of them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon i the consolation.htm

The Lord Reigneth
... Lord Himself. The performers are all interested in the subject, they who
fear God , and are devoted to His service and glory. And ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxvi the lord reigneth.htm

The Lord Coming to his Temple
... already have led your thoughts to the subject of the Messiah [Oratorio], and to
the spirit and temper of at least the greater part of the performers, and of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon iv the lord coming.htm

The Angel's Message and Song
... Westminster Abbey. The performers of that Oratorio , if I may be allowed
the expression, were a multitude of the heavenly host. And ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon x the angels message.htm

In the Matter of their Origins, as These are Somewhat Obscure and ...
... The Romans, at their own request, obtain from them skilled performers"the proper
seasons"the name too, for it is said they are called Ludi, from Lydi. ...
/.../tertullian/the shows or de spectaculis/chapter v in the matter.htm

Sixth Tractate. The Impassivity of the Unembodied.
... Consider, for example, the performers in a choral dance; they sing together though
each one has his particular part, and sometimes one voice is heard while the ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/sixth tractate the impassivity of.htm

The Drama
... The performers who personated such characters as those of our Lord, His mother,
or His disciples, were expected to prepare themselves by religious acts for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/winkworth/christian singers of germany/the drama.htm

But the Games which You Celebrate, Called Floralia and Megalensia. ...
... dignity of the gods, to dedicate and consecrate to them the basest things which
a rigidly virtuous mind will turn from with disgust, the performers of which ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/33 but the games which.htm

Celsus, However, Shows that He Has Read a Good Many Grecian ...
... demoniac power, casting a glamour over the eyes, produced, in the case of the
Astypal??an, a result like that which is produced by the performers of juggling ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxxiii celsus however shows.htm

Performers (3 Occurrences)
...Performers (3 Occurrences). ... Ezekiel 44:14 Yet will I make them performers of the
duty of the house, for all its service, and for all that shall be done therein. ...
/p/performers.htm - 7k

Dance (18 Occurrences)
... The Hebrews had their sacred dances expressive of joy and thanksgiving, when the
performers were usually females (Exodus 15:20; 1 Samuel 18:6). ...
/d/dance.htm - 15k

Platform (9 Occurrences)
... or boards horizontally joined so as to form a roof, or a raised floor, or portion
of a floor; a landing; a dais; a stage, for speakers, performers, or workmen ...
/p/platform.htm - 10k

Performeth (6 Occurrences)

/p/performeth.htm - 8k

Duty (90 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Ezekiel 44:8 You have not performed the duty of my holy things; but you have
set performers of my duty in my sanctuary for yourselves. (WEB NIV). ...
/d/duty.htm - 37k

Duties (46 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 44:14 Yet will I make them performers of the duty of the house, for all
its service, and for all that shall be done therein. (See NIV). ...
/d/duties.htm - 20k

Performed (110 Occurrences)

/p/performed.htm - 37k

Can a Christian consider a career in acting / entertainment? | GotQuestions.org

When can music be considered 'Christian music'? | GotQuestions.org

What is a mime? Does the Bible say anything about miming? | GotQuestions.org

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