cymbals Summary and Overview

(Heb. tzeltzelim, from a root meaning to "tinkle"), musical instruments, consisting of two convex pieces of brass one held in each hand, which were clashed together to produce a loud clanging sound; castanets; "loud cymbals." "Highsounding cymbals" consisted of two larger plates, one held also in each hand (2 Sam. 6:5; Ps. 150:5; 1 Chr. 13:8; 15:16, 19, 28; 1 Cor. 13:1).

CYM'BALS . There are two kinds of cymbals, both of which we find mentioned in Ps 150:5. The first kind, called the "loud cymbals," like castanets, consisted of small round plates, two of which are held in each hand, one upon the thumb and the other upon the middle finger, and being struck together skilfully make an agreeable sound. The second kind, called the "high-sounding cymbals," were two broad convex plates of brass, the concussion of which produced a shrill, piercing sound, like clattering rather than tinkling. 1 Cor 13:1. The cymbals were used in connection with other instruments, not only in the temple or on sacred occasions, but in times of war and as a musical accompaniment to Hebrew women in dancing. Both kinds are in common use to-day in the East.

tsiltselim, from a root to tingle or tinkle. Of two kinds: "loud cymbals," castanettes; four small plates of brass; two plates were attached to each hand, and smitten together, marking for the choir their time for joining in the sacred song; see 1 Chronicles 13:8. And "high sounding cymbals," two larger plates, one held in each hand, and struck together as an accompaniment to other music, like the Italian piatti, marking the rhythm. Zechariah 14:20, "the bells," rather concave plates of brass attached to horses as an ornament, and tinkling in striking against one another; even the common things shall have sanctity attached to them.