Life in Bible Times - Musicians and Their Instruments - Kinds of Musical Instruments - Percussion

Percussion Instruments  When the Israelites celebrated, they used a variety of percussion instruments.  The rhythmic sounds helped  to rouse strong emotions. The tambourine, made of animal skin stretched taut over a round wooden frame, produced a drum-like thump as the musician or dancer struck the instrument with his hand. When the musician shook the frame loosely attached bells produced a rhythmic jingle.

Another percussion instrument was know as the sistrum.  It had an oval-shaped metal frame and a handle, as well as crossbars that held loose metal disks.  When rapidly shaken to and fro, a sistrum  made a stark jingling sound. 

Bronze cymbals made and even sharper sound. Cymbals were discs of two sizes. Large clashing cymbals were boldly struck together.  Small melodious cymbals were played between two fingers.  Both produced clashing sounds but of differing intensity. - PSALM 150:5.

Following the Pattern

 Today, Jehovah's Witnesses begin and end their meetings with music and singing. At their larger gatherings, the orchestras  that proved the recorded musical accompaniment include modern versions of stringed, wind, and percussion instruments.

By including music and songs in their worship, the Witnesses follow the patter set by both the ancient Israelites and the first-century Christians.  (Ephesians 5:19) Like God's servants of Bible times, Jehovah's Witnesses today enjoy combining poetry with melody to praise Jehovah.

Next time:Our Readers Ask . . Will the Earth Come to an End?

From the jw.org publications