Definition and Meaning:
The term "gambol" refers to playful or frolicsome activity, often involving skipping or leaping about in joy. In a biblical context, it is associated with expressions of joy and celebration, particularly in the presence of God or in response to His blessings.

Biblical References and Context:
While the specific word "gambol" does not appear in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept of joyful and exuberant movement is present throughout Scripture. Such expressions are often linked to worship, celebration, and the acknowledgment of God's goodness and deliverance.

1. Joyful Worship:
In the Bible, physical expressions of joy, such as dancing and leaping, are often part of worship. King David is a notable example, as he danced before the Lord with all his might when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. This act of worship is described in 2 Samuel 6:14: "And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD."

2. Celebration of Deliverance:
The Israelites frequently expressed their joy through song and dance after experiencing God's deliverance. After crossing the Red Sea and witnessing the defeat of the Egyptian army, Miriam led the women in dance and song, as recorded in Exodus 15:20-21: "Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing."

3. Expressions of Joy in the Psalms:
The Psalms often encourage believers to express their joy and gratitude through physical movement. Psalm 149:3 states, "Let them praise His name with dancing; let them sing praises to Him with the tambourine and harp." This verse highlights the connection between joyful movement and worship.

4. Prophetic Imagery:
The prophets also use imagery of joyful movement to describe the future restoration and blessing of God's people. In Jeremiah 31:13, the prophet speaks of a time when mourning will turn to joy: "Then the maidens will rejoice in the dance, and young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, give them comfort, and bring happiness out of grief."

Theological Significance:
The concept of gamboling, or joyful movement, in the Bible underscores the importance of expressing joy and gratitude to God through physical actions. It reflects a heart that is fully engaged in worship and acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness. Such expressions are not merely external but are deeply rooted in the believer's relationship with God and the recognition of His mighty works.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Israel, dance and physical expressions of joy were integral to communal celebrations and religious festivals. These activities were not only acts of personal devotion but also served to unite the community in shared expressions of faith and thanksgiving. The use of instruments, such as tambourines and harps, often accompanied these joyful movements, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.

Application for Believers:
For contemporary believers, the biblical concept of gamboling encourages a holistic approach to worship that includes the body, mind, and spirit. It invites Christians to celebrate God's presence and blessings with joy and to engage in worship that is both heartfelt and expressive.1. (n.) A skipping or leaping about in frolic; a hop; a sportive prank.

2. (v. i.) To dance and skip about in sport; to frisk; to skip; to play in frolic, like boys or lambs.

'Stout Words,' and their Confutation
... on the otherhand, radiant with the early beams of healing sunshine, in whose sweet
morning light the cattle, let out from their pent-up stalls, gambol in glee. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/stout words and their confutation.htm

The New Jerusalem.
... The lion, and the libbard, and the bear, Graze with the fearless flocks; all bask
at noon Together, or all gambol in the shade Of the same grove, and drink one ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the new jerusalem.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 5. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Gambol (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) To dance and skip about in sport; to frisk; to skip; to play in frolic,
like boys or lambs. Multi-Version Concordance Gambol (2 Occurrences). ...
/g/gambol.htm - 7k

Game (11 Occurrences)

/g/game.htm - 10k

Gama'li-el (2 Occurrences)
Gama'li-el. Gama'liel, Gama'li-el. Gambol . Multi-Version Concordance
Gama'li-el (2 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Gama'liel, Gama'li-el. Gambol . Reference
/g/gama'li-el.htm - 7k

Who was Peter Lombard? | GotQuestions.org

Gambol: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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