Cymbals Cymbal
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Cymbals are musical instruments mentioned in the Bible, primarily used in worship and celebration. They are percussion instruments made of metal, typically in the form of two concave plates that are clashed together to produce a loud, resonant sound. Cymbals are often associated with joy, festivity, and the expression of praise to God.

Biblical References:

1. Old Testament Usage:
· Cymbals are frequently mentioned in the context of temple worship and religious ceremonies. In 1 Chronicles 15:16, King David appoints the Levites to play various instruments, including cymbals, to accompany the Ark of the Covenant's procession: "David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to sing joyful songs, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals."
· In 1 Chronicles 16:5, Asaph and his brothers are appointed to minister before the Ark, with Asaph playing the cymbals: "Asaph was the chief, and Zechariah was second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They were to play the harps and lyres, while Asaph was to sound the cymbals."
· The dedication of Solomon's Temple also features cymbals prominently. In 2 Chronicles 5:13, the musicians and singers join together to praise the Lord: "The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: 'For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.'"

2. Psalms:
· The Book of Psalms, a central text for worship and praise, frequently mentions cymbals. Psalm 150:5 calls for the use of cymbals in worship: "Praise Him with clashing cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals."
· Psalm 98:4-6 also highlights the use of musical instruments, including cymbals, in worship: "Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth—let your cry ring out and sing praises! Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, in melodious song with the harp. With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn shout for joy before the LORD, the King."

3. New Testament:
· While cymbals are not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, the concept of using music and instruments in worship is affirmed. In 1 Corinthians 13:1, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of a "resounding gong or a clanging cymbal" to emphasize the importance of love over empty noise: "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal."

Cultural and Religious Significance:

Cymbals in biblical times were integral to the musical ensemble of the temple, contributing to the vibrant and dynamic expression of worship. Their loud and clear sound symbolized the exuberance and joy of praising God. The use of cymbals, along with other instruments, underscores the importance of music in the spiritual life of Israel, serving as a means to glorify God and unite the community in worship.

The biblical portrayal of cymbals reflects a broader theological theme: the use of all available resources, including music and instruments, to honor and worship the Creator. This aligns with the biblical mandate to worship God with all one's heart, soul, and strength, utilizing the full range of human expression to celebrate His goodness and faithfulness.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Cymbals Cymbal

a pecussive musical instrument. Two kinds of cymbals are mentioned in (Psalms 150:5) "loud cymbals" or castagnettes , and "high-sounding cymbals." The former consisted of our small plates of brass or of some other hard metal; two plates were attached to each hand of the performer, and were struck together to produce a great noise. The latter consisted of two larger plates, on held in each hand and struck together as an accompaniment to other instruments. Cymbals were used not only in the temple but for military purposes, and also by Hebrew women as a musical accompaniment to their national dances. Both kinds of cymbals are still common in the East.

Library

How to Conduct Ourselves at Feasts.
... "Praise Him on the clashing cymbals." He calls the tongue the cymbal of
the mouth, which resounds with the pulsation of the lips. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iv how to conduct ourselves.htm

Psalm CL.
... to understand that God is in a manner praised on the cymbal, when each ... But lest any
should understand such cymbals as sound without life, therefore I think he ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cl.htm

The Ministry.
... cymbal in the hand of David; and as David could with the cymbal make that ... and yet
when he hath done all, hang them by, as lifeless, though sounding cymbals. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxii the ministry.htm

Argument: Octavius Attests the Fact that Men were Adopted as Gods ...
... And you behold the swallow and the cymbal of Isis, [1784] and the tomb of ... he should
be devoured; and clanging uproar [1786] is dashed out of the cymbals of the ...
/.../the octavius of minucius felix/chapter xxi argument octavius attests the.htm

Gifts no Certain Evidence of Grace.
... of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a
tinkling cymbal. ... They leave us but as "sounding brass and tinkling cymbals.". ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xiv gifts no certain.htm

Christian Morals. Part I.
... Be not beneficent for a name or cymbal of applause; nor exalt and just in ... within
himself; and though his tongue be fluent, is not without loud cymbals in his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/christian morals part i.htm

John Chapter i. 32, 33
... not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." Go now ... of angels,
not having charity, I should hear only sounding brass and tinkling cymbals. ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate vi john chapter i.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners. <. ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

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

Is there a heavenly language? What language will we speak in heaven? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about women music ministers / worship leaders? | GotQuestions.org

Cymbals: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Cymbals

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