Jump to: ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The timbrel, also known as a tambourine, is a musical instrument frequently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of worship and celebration. It is a percussion instrument consisting of a frame, often made of wood, with pairs of small metal jingles attached. The frame is typically covered with a membrane, which is struck with the hand to produce sound. The timbrel is closely associated with joy, dance, and the expression of praise to God.Biblical References: 1. Exodus 15:20-21: The timbrel is famously associated with Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron. After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea and witnessed the defeat of the Egyptian army, Miriam took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her with timbrels and dancing. Miriam sang to them: "Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea." 2. Judges 11:34: The timbrel is mentioned in the account of Jephthah's daughter, who came out to meet her father with timbrels and dancing after his victory over the Ammonites. This highlights the use of the timbrel in welcoming and celebrating victorious events. 3. 1 Samuel 18:6: When David returned from striking down the Philistine, women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres. This passage illustrates the timbrel's role in communal celebration and the acknowledgment of God's deliverance. 4. Psalm 81:2: The psalmist calls for the use of the timbrel in worship: "Raise a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre." This verse underscores the timbrel's place in the musical worship of God, often accompanying other instruments. 5. Psalm 149:3: The psalmist encourages the faithful to "praise His name with dancing, and make music to Him with timbrel and harp." Here, the timbrel is part of the joyful expression of worship, combining music and dance as acts of praise. 6. Psalm 150:4: In this psalm, which is a call to praise God with various instruments, the timbrel is mentioned: "Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute." The inclusion of the timbrel in this list highlights its importance in the orchestration of worship. Cultural and Religious Significance: In ancient Israel, the timbrel was predominantly played by women, often in the context of dance. It was a symbol of joy and celebration, used in both religious and secular festivities. The instrument's portability made it a convenient choice for spontaneous expressions of joy and worship. The timbrel's association with dance and celebration reflects the biblical theme of worship as a holistic experience, engaging the body, mind, and spirit. It serves as a reminder of the joy and exuberance that should characterize the worship of God, as well as the communal aspect of worship, where music and dance bring people together in shared expressions of faith and gratitude. The use of the timbrel in biblical times also points to the broader principle of using one's talents and resources to honor God. Whether through music, dance, or other forms of artistic expression, the faithful are encouraged to offer their gifts in worship and celebration of the Lord's mighty works and enduring faithfulness. ATS Bible Dictionary TimbrelAn instrument of music, early and often mentioned in Scripture, Genesis 31:27 Job 21:12. The Hebrews called it toph, under which name they comprehended all kinds of drums, tabors, and tambourines. We do not find that the Hebrews used it in their wars, but only at their public rejoicing, Exodus 15:20 Isaiah 24:8; and it was commonly employed by the women, Psalm 62:12. It consisted, and still consists, of a small circular rim or hoop, over which a skin is drawn. The rim is also hung with small bells. The timbrel is used as an accompaniment to lively music, being shaken and beaten with the knuckles in time. After the passage of the Red sea, Miriam, sister of Moses, took a timbrel, and began to play and dance with the women, Exodus 15:20. The daughter of Jephthah came to meet her father with timbrels and other musical instruments, Jud 11:34. See MUSIC. Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews toph), a small drum or tambourine; a tabret (q.v.). The antiquity of this musical instrument appears from the scriptural allusions to it (Genesis 31:27; Exodus 15:20; Judges 11:34, etc.) (see MUSIC.) Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A kind of drum, tabor, or tabret, in use from the highest antiquity.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TABRET; TIMBRELtab'-ret, tim'-brel. TIMBREL tim'-brel. Strong's Hebrew 8596. toph -- a timbrel, tambourine... 8595, 8596. toph. 8597 . a timbrel, tambourine. Transliteration: toph Phonetic Spelling: (tofe) Short Definition: tambourines. ... tabret, timbrel. ... /hebrew/8596.htm - 6k 8608. taphaph -- to sound the timbrel, beat Library Psalm CXLIX. But Besides Other Things the Action of Miriam the Prophetess Also ... Epistle xxxii. To Anastasius, Presbyter . Patriotic Hymns. How those that are at Variance and those that are at Peace are to ... How to Conduct Ourselves at Feasts. Psalm CL. Introduction. The New Song Sundry Sharp Reproofs Thesaurus Timbrel (7 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TABRET; TIMBREL. tab'-ret, tim'-brel. See MUSIC, III, 3, (1). TIMBREL. tim'-brel. See MUSIC, III, 3, (1). ... /t/timbrel.htm - 9k Timbrels (9 Occurrences) Organ (6 Occurrences) Tabret (3 Occurrences) Dancing (21 Occurrences) Timbers (8 Occurrences) Organs (3 Occurrences) Inspired (20 Occurrences) Taber Tambourine (8 Occurrences) Resources When can music be considered 'Christian music'? | GotQuestions.orgAre we supposed to use musical instruments in church? | GotQuestions.org Timbrel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Timbrel (7 Occurrences)Genesis 31:27 Exodus 15:20 Job 21:12 Psalms 81:2 Psalms 149:3 Psalms 150:4 Isaiah 5:12 Subtopics Timbrel by Jephthah's Daughter Timbrel used in Religious Services Related Terms |
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