In the biblical context, songstresses, or female singers, played a significant role in the cultural and religious life of ancient Israel. Their contributions are noted in various passages throughout the Scriptures, highlighting their involvement in worship, celebration, and lamentation.

Role in Worship and Celebration

Songstresses were integral to the worship practices of Israel. They participated in the musical expressions of praise and thanksgiving to God. In 1 Chronicles 25:5-6, we see the organization of temple musicians, which included both male and female singers: "All these were under the direction of their father for the music in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, harps, and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the direction of the king."

The Psalms, a central component of Israel's worship, often mention the role of singers. Psalm 68:25 states, "The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines." This verse illustrates the collaborative nature of worship, where songstresses played a vital role in leading the congregation in praise.

Participation in National Events

Songstresses also participated in national events and celebrations. In Exodus 15:20-21, Miriam, the sister of Moses, is described as leading the women of Israel in song and dance after the crossing of the Red Sea: "Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. And Miriam sang to them: 'Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.'"

Similarly, in 1 Samuel 18:6-7, women are described singing and dancing to celebrate David's victory over the Philistines: "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. And the women sang as they played: 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.'"

Expressions of Lamentation

In addition to celebration, songstresses expressed lamentation and sorrow. The book of Lamentations, traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, captures the sorrow of Jerusalem's fall. While not explicitly mentioning female singers, the cultural context suggests that women would have been involved in the communal expressions of grief.

In 2 Samuel 1:17-18, David laments the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, instructing that the lament be taught to the people of Judah. This indicates the role of song in mourning and the potential involvement of songstresses in such expressions.

Cultural and Historical Context

The presence of songstresses in biblical narratives reflects the broader cultural practices of the ancient Near East, where music and song were essential elements of both religious and secular life. Women, as songstresses, contributed to the rich tapestry of Israel's musical heritage, participating in both formal worship settings and informal community gatherings.

In summary, songstresses in the Bible are depicted as vital participants in the spiritual and cultural life of Israel. Their voices, whether in praise, celebration, or lamentation, contributed to the communal expressions of faith and emotion, underscoring the importance of music and song in the biblical tradition.Songstresses (5 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 19:35
A son of eighty years I 'am' to-day; do I know between good and evil? doth thy servant taste that which I am eating, and that which I drink? do I hearken any more to the voice of singers and songstresses? and why is thy servant any more for a burden unto my lord the king?
(YLT)

2 Chronicles 35:25
and Jeremiah lamenteth for Josiah, and all the singers and the songstresses speak in their lamentations of Josiah unto this day, and set them for a statute on Israel, and lo, they are written beside the lamentations.
(YLT)

Ezra 2:65
apart from their servants and their handmaids; these 'are' seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and of them 'are' singers and songstresses two hundred.
(YLT)

Nehemiah 7:67
apart from their servants and their handmaids -- these 'are' seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven; and of them 'are' singers and songstresses, two hundred forty and five.
(YLT)

Amos 8:3
And howled have songstresses of a palace in that day, An affirmation of the Lord Jehovah, Many 'are' the carcases, into any place throw -- hush!
(YLT)

Songstresses (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Songstresses (5 Occurrences). 2 ... drink? do I hearken
any more to the voice of singers and songstresses? ...
/s/songstresses.htm - 8k

Singers (41 Occurrences)
... doth thy servant taste that which I am eating, and that which I drink? do
I hearken any more to the voice of singers and songstresses? ...
/s/singers.htm - 23k

Handmaids (18 Occurrences)
... apart from their servants and their handmaids; these 'are' seven thousand three
hundred thirty and seven: and of them 'are' singers and songstresses two hundred ...
/h/handmaids.htm - 12k

Lamenteth (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 35:25 and Jeremiah lamenteth for Josiah, and all the singers and the
songstresses speak in their lamentations of Josiah unto this day, and set ...
/l/lamenteth.htm - 7k

Soninlaw
Soninlaw. Songstresses, Soninlaw. Son-in-law . Int. ... SON-IN-LAW. See RELATIONSHIPS,
FAMILY. Songstresses, Soninlaw. Son-in-law . Reference Bible.
/s/soninlaw.htm - 6k

Carcases (24 Occurrences)
... Amos 8:3 And howled have songstresses of a palace in that day, An affirmation of
the Lord Jehovah, Many 'are' the carcases, into any place throw -- hush! (YLT). ...
/c/carcases.htm - 14k

Statute (63 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 35:25 and Jeremiah lamenteth for Josiah, and all the singers and the
songstresses speak in their lamentations of Josiah unto this day, and set ...
/s/statute.htm - 27k

Hush (7 Occurrences)
... Amos 8:3 And howled have songstresses of a palace in that day, An affirmation of
the Lord Jehovah, Many 'are' the carcases, into any place throw -- hush! (YLT). ...
/h/hush.htm - 8k

Howled (5 Occurrences)
... Amos 8:3 And howled have songstresses of a palace in that day, An affirmation of
the Lord Jehovah, Many 'are' the carcases, into any place throw -- hush! (YLT). ...
/h/howled.htm - 8k

Songs (100 Occurrences)

/s/songs.htm - 62k

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