Tambourines

The tambourine, a percussion instrument, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a tool of celebration and worship. It is often associated with joy, dance, and the expression of praise to God. The Hebrew word for tambourine is "toph," and it is typically depicted as a hand-held drum with small metal jingles.

One of the earliest mentions of the tambourine is in the account of the Exodus. After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, Miriam, the sister of Moses, led the women in a victory dance with tambourines: "Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing" (Exodus 15:20). This event highlights the tambourine's role in communal celebration and worship.

The tambourine is also mentioned in the context of religious festivals and celebrations. In Psalm 81:2, the psalmist calls for the use of the tambourine in worship: "Lift up a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre." This verse underscores the instrument's importance in the musical worship of ancient Israel.

In the prophetic literature, the tambourine is sometimes used metaphorically to describe the joy and celebration that will accompany the restoration of Israel. For example, in Jeremiah 31:4, God promises, "Again I will build you, and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out in joyful dancing."

Lyres

The lyre, a stringed instrument, holds a significant place in biblical music and worship. It is often associated with the Levites and temple worship, as well as with personal expressions of devotion and lament. The Hebrew word for lyre is "kinnor," and it is similar to a small harp.

King David, a central figure in the Bible, is closely associated with the lyre. Before becoming king, David was known for his skillful playing of the lyre, which he used to soothe King Saul: "Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play, and relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him" (1 Samuel 16:23). This passage illustrates the lyre's role in spiritual and emotional healing.

The lyre is also prominent in the Psalms, many of which were attributed to David. In Psalm 33:2, the psalmist exhorts the faithful: "Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings." The lyre, often mentioned alongside the harp, was integral to the musical worship in the temple and in personal devotion.

In the context of temple worship, the lyre was used by the Levites, who were appointed to lead music in the house of the Lord. In 1 Chronicles 15:16, David instructs the leaders of the Levites to appoint musicians: "David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals."

The lyre, like the tambourine, is also used in prophetic imagery. In Isaiah 24:8, the cessation of music, including the sound of the lyre, symbolizes the desolation and judgment upon the earth: "The joyful tambourines have ceased; the noise of revelers has stopped; the joyful harp is silent."

Both tambourines and lyres are emblematic of the rich musical tradition in biblical worship, serving as instruments of praise, celebration, and spiritual expression. Their presence in Scripture highlights the importance of music in the life of faith and the worship of God.