Dance in Biblical History

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Schaff's Bible Dictionary

Definitions in Biblical History
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What is the Dance?
DANCE
The Jewish dances were generally expressions of joy and gratitude, sometimes in honor of a conqueror, Jud 11:34; 1 Sam 18:6-7, and sometimes on domestic occasions. Jer 31:4, 2 Kgs 11:13; Luke 15:25. The dance was also introduced into the religious service, and the timbrel (tambourine) was employed to direct it. Some individual led, and the rest followed with measured steps and devotional songs. Thus, David and Miriam led such a band. 2 Sam 6:14; Ex 15:20. Individuals often expressed feelings of joy in the same way. Luke 6:23; Acts 3:8. Dancing was practised from a very early period as a natural exercise and amusement. Job 21:11; Mark 6:22. But the mingling of males and females which is so common in modern dances was unknown to the Jews. Indeed, the dancing was mostly done by the women alone, as is still the case in Egypt. A Hebrew word, mahhol, which occurs in some passages -e.g. Ps 150:4-and is rendered "dance" in our version, is supposed by some scholars to mean a musical instrument.

Bibliography Information
Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'dance' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
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