Definition and Description:
Tambours, often referred to as timbrels or tambourines in modern translations, are percussion instruments mentioned in the Bible. They are typically small, handheld drums with a single drumhead and jingles attached to the frame. In ancient times, tambours were commonly used in celebrations, religious ceremonies, and processions.

Biblical References:
The tambour is frequently associated with joy, celebration, and worship in the Scriptures. It is often mentioned alongside other musical instruments such as harps and lyres, indicating its role in the musical culture of ancient Israel.

1. Exodus 15:20 : "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 tambours in the celebration of the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. Miriam's leading of the women with tambours signifies a spontaneous expression of joy and gratitude to God.

2. Judges 11:34 : "When Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah, there was his daughter coming out to meet him with tambourines and dancing." Here, the tambour is again associated with celebration, as Jephthah's daughter greets him with music and dance, a common practice in welcoming victorious leaders.

3. 1 Samuel 18:6 : "As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing to meet King Saul with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments." This verse illustrates the tambour's role in public celebrations and its association with victory and national pride.

4. Psalm 68:25 : "The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines." In this psalm, tambours are part of a procession, emphasizing their use in worship and praise within the community of believers.

Cultural and Religious Significance:
In biblical times, tambours were primarily played by women, as seen in the accounts of Miriam and Jephthah's daughter. Their use in religious and celebratory contexts underscores the communal and participatory nature of worship in ancient Israel. The tambour's rhythmic sound would have complemented vocal and instrumental music, enhancing the overall worship experience.

The tambour's presence in Scripture reflects the importance of music and dance in expressing faith and devotion. It served as a tool for communal expression, allowing individuals to participate actively in the worship and celebration of God's mighty acts.

Symbolism:
The tambour symbolizes joy, victory, and divine deliverance. Its frequent association with dancing and singing in the Bible highlights the holistic nature of worship, involving the body, mind, and spirit. The instrument's use in both personal and communal settings illustrates the integral role of music in the life of the faithful.

Conclusion:
While the tambour is a simple instrument, its impact on biblical worship and celebration is profound. It serves as a reminder of the joy and exuberance that accompany true worship and the communal nature of expressing faith through music and dance.Tambours (8 Occurrences)

Exodus 15:20
And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the tambour in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambours and with dances.
(DBY)

1 Samuel 18:6
And it came to pass as they came, when David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tambours, with joy, and with triangles.
(DBY)

2 Samuel 6:5
And David and all the house of Israel played before Jehovah on all manner of instruments made of cypress wood, with harps, and with lutes, and with tambours, and with sistra, and with cymbals.
(DBY)

1 Chronicles 13:8
And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with lutes, and with tambours, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.
(DBY)

Isaiah 24:8
the mirth of tambours ceaseth, the noise of them that rejoice endeth, the joy of the harp ceaseth.
(DBY)

Isaiah 30:32
And wherever shall pass the appointed staff, which Jehovah shall lay upon him, it shall be with tambours and harps; and with tumultuous battles will he fight with it.
(DBY)

Jeremiah 31:4
I will build thee again, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel! Thou shalt again be adorned with thy tambours, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.
(DBY)

Ezekiel 28:13
thou wast in Eden, the garden of God. Every precious stone was thy covering: the sardius, the topaz, and the diamond, the chrysolite, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the carbuncle, and the emerald, and gold. The workmanship of thy tambours and of thy pipes was in thee: in the day that thou wast created were they prepared.
(DBY)

Tambours (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tambours (8 Occurrences). Exodus 15:20 And Miriam
the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the tambour ...
/t/tambours.htm - 9k

Lutes (16 Occurrences)
... and all the house of Israel played before Jehovah on all manner of instruments made
of cypress wood, with harps, and with lutes, and with tambours, and with ...
/l/lutes.htm - 11k

Tame (3 Occurrences)

/t/tame.htm - 8k

Tambourines (13 Occurrences)

/t/tambourines.htm - 10k

Tumultuous (10 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 30:32 And wherever shall pass the appointed staff, which Jehovah shall lay
upon him, it shall be with tambours and harps; and with tumultuous battles ...
/t/tumultuous.htm - 9k

Triangles (1 Occurrence)
... from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities
of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tambours, with joy, and ...
/t/triangles.htm - 6k

Cypress (17 Occurrences)
... and all the house of Israel played before Jehovah on all manner of instruments made
of cypress wood, with harps, and with lutes, and with tambours, and with ...
/c/cypress.htm - 12k

Wherever (107 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 30:32 And wherever shall pass the appointed staff, which Jehovah shall lay
upon him, it shall be with tambours and harps; and with tumultuous battles ...
/w/wherever.htm - 38k

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