Rattles, as understood in contemporary terms, are small objects that produce sound when shaken. While the Bible does not explicitly mention rattles as we know them today, the concept of noise-making instruments is present throughout the Scriptures, often associated with music, celebration, or warning.

Biblical Context and Symbolism

In biblical times, instruments that produced sound were integral to various aspects of life, including worship, celebration, and communication. Although the specific term "rattle" is not found in the Bible, the use of percussion instruments is well-documented. For example, tambourines and cymbals were commonly used in worship and celebration. In Exodus 15:20 , we read, "Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing." This passage highlights the use of percussion instruments in expressing joy and worship.

Rattles in Worship and Celebration

The use of sound-making devices in worship is a recurring theme in the Bible. Instruments that create noise, such as tambourines and cymbals, were often used to praise God and celebrate His mighty works. Psalm 150:4 encourages the use of such instruments: "Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute." While not explicitly mentioning rattles, the principle of using sound to glorify God is evident.

Rattles as a Symbol of Warning

In a broader sense, the concept of making noise as a form of warning is also present in the Bible. The sound of trumpets, for instance, was used to signal important events or impending danger. In Numbers 10:9 , the Lord instructs, "When you enter into battle in your land against an adversary who is attacking you, sound short blasts on the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the LORD your God and saved from your enemies." Although not a rattle, the trumpet served a similar purpose in alerting and preparing the people.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, rattles and similar instruments were often used in both secular and religious contexts. They were made from various materials, including clay, wood, and metal, and were used in rituals, ceremonies, and as toys for children. While the Bible does not provide specific references to rattles, understanding the cultural context of sound-making instruments can enrich our comprehension of biblical worship and daily life.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not specifically mention rattles, the broader category of percussion instruments and noise-making devices plays a significant role in biblical worship, celebration, and communication. These instruments serve as a means to express joy, offer praise, and provide warnings, reflecting the multifaceted use of sound in the biblical narrative.7439. ranah -- to rattle
... ranah. 7440 . to rattle. Transliteration: ranah Phonetic Spelling: (raw-naw')
Short Definition: rattles. ... root Definition to rattle NASB Word Usage rattles (1). ...
/hebrew/7439.htm - 5k

Sections ii. , iii. And the Lord Said: "And I Will Bring the ...
... And God charged Noah, saying: Make for thyself rattles [1369] of boxwood (or
cypress). Now sms'r is the wood called Sagh, ie, Indian plane. ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/sections ii iii and the.htm

But Perhaps this Foul Pollution May be Less Apparent in the Rest. ...
... an infant, creep about, and, that he might be persuaded to cease his crying most
foolishly protracted, was he made silent by the noise of rattles, [4194] and ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/21 but perhaps this foul.htm

Dr. Martin Luther Concerning Penitence and Indulgences.
... 27. They preach man, who say that the soul flies out of purgatory as soon
as the money thrown into the chest rattles. 28. It is ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/disputation of dr martin luther.htm

Alexandria and Rome - the Jewish Communities in the Capitals of ...
... horizon. Now we catch sight of the palmgroves of Pharos; presently the
anchor rattles and grates on the sand, and we are ashore. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v alexandria and rome.htm

Was it for this He Sent Souls, that Some Should Infest the ...
... iced saucisses.]. [3705] Lit., "things"--res. [3706] Scabilla were a kind
of rattles or castanets moved by the feet. [3707] Sambuca ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/42 was it for this.htm

But Perhaps, Some one Will Urge, the Ruler of the World Sent ...
... breasts in sucking, besmear and bedaub themselves with their own filth, then be
hushed by the swaying [3672] of the frightened nurse and by the sound of rattles ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/39 but perhaps some one.htm

The Devil Acknowledges the King.
... But only in Him. Through Jesus we meet a fangless serpent. The old glare is in the
eye, the rattles are noisy, but the sting's out. He is still there. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the devil acknowledges the king.htm

Forgiven and Unforgiving
... Little rattlesnakes are snakes; they have rattles and poison fangs as really as
the most monstrous of the brood that coils and hisses in some cave. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/forgiven and unforgiving.htm

The Destruction of Babylon.
... With twelve groats you can deliver your father from purgatory." "At the very instant,"
said he, "that the money rattles at the bottom of the chest, the soul ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the destruction of babylon.htm

The University of Arabia.
... The poison of those fangs is completely neutralized by simple, steady loyalty
to God. But the rattles do make a big scary noise. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the university of arabia.htm

Rattles (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Rattles (1 Occurrence). Job 39:23 The quiver rattles
against him, the flashing spear and the javelin. (WEB NAS NIV). ...
/r/rattles.htm - 6k

Rattle (2 Occurrences)
... 9. (n.) Noisy, rapid talk. 10. (n.) An instrument with which a rattling sound
is made; especially, a child's toy that rattles when shaken. 11. ...
/r/rattle.htm - 8k

Quiver (9 Occurrences)
... venison. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Job 39:23 The quiver rattles
against him, the flashing spear and the javelin. (WEB ...
/q/quiver.htm - 11k

Javelin (16 Occurrences)
... round about. (DBY). Job 39:23 The quiver rattles against him, the flashing
spear and the javelin. (WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV). Job 41 ...
/j/javelin.htm - 12k

Lance (7 Occurrences)
... thought to smite David. (DBY). Job 39:23 The quiver rattles against him,
the flashing spear and the javelin. (See NIV). Job 41:26 ...
/l/lance.htm - 9k

Flashing (12 Occurrences)
... At his right hand was a fiery law for them. (See NAS). Job 39:23 The quiver rattles
against him, the flashing spear and the javelin. (WEB ASV NAS RSV NIV). ...
/f/flashing.htm - 10k

Rattleth (1 Occurrence)

/r/rattleth.htm - 6k

Purim (5 Occurrences)
... one of the meghilloth, is read with interpretations, execrations bursting out at
the reading of Haman's name, accompanied by noise of rattles and stamping of ...
/p/purim.htm - 16k

Pur (3 Occurrences)
... one of the meghilloth, is read with interpretations, execrations bursting out at
the reading of Haman's name, accompanied by noise of rattles and stamping of ...
/p/pur.htm - 15k

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