The Tambourine in the Bible

People hear my sister singing and playing her guitar, ushering people into worship and ask if I can play an instrument. I tentatively ask whether the tambourine counts because truthfully I only sing in key when the Holy Spirit shows up with His anointing.

Some people cringe when I say tambourine, and others get excited, reliving visions of the Salvation Army Corp, with whom my mother-in-law was involved, and I fit somewhere between.

Tambourine Bible Study

The Bible is full of references to the tambourine and when played properly, prophetically and sensitively, like any form of worship it can bring great breakthrough to the spiritual atmosphere.

We like to think we can think our way through situations or even pray our way through, but so often the Biblical key to breakthrough was worship, like King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20, who sent the worshippers out first.  The Bible says that the enemy is defeated to the sound of the tambourine.

Isaiah 30:32 NIV Every stroke the LORD lays on them with his punishing club will be to the music of timbrels and harps, as he fights them in battle with the blows of his arm

So I play the tambourine, ribbons streaming out behind, the colours symbolising all things Biblical. I’ve even taught Scripture memory through motion using the tambourine to Psalm 91, and when my toddlers and I need a reset I turn up worship loud, and play along on my tambourine.

 

I hope you find these studies on dancing in the Bible, and the use of banners helpful too!

This post was written for Five Minute Friday for the prompt PLAY

fmf

About Elizabeth

My name is Elizabeth Ainsworth, a wife and mother in QLD Australia who shares her ponderings of faith at Where Deep Calls to Deep

7 thoughts on “The Tambourine in the Bible

  1. Beautifully said, Lizzy! I especially loved the reminder that “We like to think we can think our way through situations or even pray our way through, but so often the Biblical key to breakthrough was worship, like King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20, who sent the worshippers out first. The Bible says that the enemy is defeated to the sound of the tambourine.” Great point! I’m a chronic over thinker, but my biggest breakthroughs do come through when I stop and worship.

  2. Lizzy enjoyed this tambourine lesson. Like you said I agree the Biblical key to breakthrough is worship. We have to worship no matter where we are in life – the good and bad.

  3. Sweet post! When the Lord is being glorified by someuwithna pure heart, He definitely hears a joyful noise. Jingle jangle your tambourine with all your heart sister!!!

  4. Unfortunately the video link you had to youtube is now a deleted video. Would love to know what this link was all about…
    Blessings in your ongoing practice of dance, tambourine play and other artistic creativity the Lord blesses you with…

  5. I would love to see your video of the tambourine dance to Psalm 91. Could you repost possibly? I am 55 and currently learning the tambourine! I love patterns.

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