Percussion Instruments (Biblical)

Percussion instruments are those that make their sound when struck or shaken; biblical percussion instruments include cymbals, the sistrum, bells, the gong, and the tambourine. Cymbals The usual Hebrew word for cymbals is mtziltayim (1 Chron. 15:16; 16:42; 25:1; 2 Chron. 5:13), a dual form indicating a pair of instruments struck together. Another form is tziltzlim, which may be onomatopoeic, that is, an attempt to represent the clashing sound made by the instrument in its name. This word is used in Psalm 150:5, which refers to two types of cymbals, literally "cymbals of sound" and "cymbals of shout"; these expressions are usually translated "loud cymbals" and "high sounding cymbals," although their exact meanings are uncertain. According to 1 Chronicles 15:19, the cymbals of the sanctuary were made of bronze; there they joined the wind and stringed instruments in concerted praise to the Lord. Paul mentions the cymbal, kumbalon, in a metaphor, comparing to it the exercise of vocal g…