In the biblical narrative, entertainments and celebrations often accompany significant events of national deliverance, serving as expressions of gratitude, joy, and communal solidarity. These occasions are marked by various forms of festivity, including music, dance, feasting, and public worship, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual significance of divine intervention in the lives of the Israelites.

1. The Song of Moses and Miriam (Exodus 15:1-21): Following the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea and the subsequent destruction of Pharaoh's army, Moses and the Israelites celebrated their deliverance with a song of praise. "Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: 'I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea'" (Exodus 15:1). Miriam, the prophetess and sister of Aaron, led the women with tambourines and dancing, echoing the song of triumph and thanksgiving.

2. The Celebration of Purim (Esther 9:20-32): The Jewish festival of Purim commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from the plot of Haman, as recorded in the Book of Esther. This celebration involves feasting, gladness, and the giving of gifts. "These days should be remembered and celebrated in every generation, by every family, and in every province and city. And these days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated among the Jews, nor should the memory of them fade from their descendants" (Esther 9:28).

3. The Dedication of the Wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 12:27-43): After the completion of the wall around Jerusalem, Nehemiah organized a grand dedication ceremony. The event featured choirs, musical instruments, and sacrifices, highlighting the communal joy and thanksgiving for God's provision and protection. "And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar" (Nehemiah 12:43).

4. The Feast of Tabernacles (Nehemiah 8:13-18): Upon the return from Babylonian exile, the Israelites rediscovered the Feast of Tabernacles, a time of remembrance for God's deliverance during the wilderness wanderings. This feast was marked by dwelling in booths, reading the Law, and celebrating with great joy. "And all the assembly of those who had returned from captivity made booths and lived in them. The Israelites had not celebrated like this from the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day. And there was great rejoicing" (Nehemiah 8:17).

5. The Return of the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6:12-19): King David's retrieval of the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obed-edom to the City of David was a momentous occasion marked by celebration. David danced before the LORD with all his might, and the people offered sacrifices and distributed food. "So David went up to bring the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the City of David with rejoicing" (2 Samuel 6:12).

These biblical accounts illustrate how entertainments and celebrations are integral to the expression of communal faith and gratitude in response to divine deliverance. They serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and the importance of worship and thanksgiving in the life of the covenant community.Esther 8:17
And in every province, and in every city, wherever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell on them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Esther 9:17-19
On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Women who Witnessed the Fall of Rome
... On special occasions, many would sleep in the ... not equal the profuse and delicate
entertainments provided by ... commanded when the order was given: 'Surrender the ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/vii women who witnessed the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... it seems in no wise inferior in national vigour, in ... is indicated by the figures given
by Herodotus ... hunting expeditions, his banquets, and entertainments in the ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... more, for they are mine enemies.' A national collection was ... It was upon one of these
occasions that a most ... gotten for money, and 'could I have given it; had Ia ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

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