The Timbrel  More about

The Timbrel, on the other hand, is a percussion instrument which does have bells, rings, or metal discs attached to make a jingling noise when shaken or tapped with the hand. From the Hebrew root word toph (or tof), the timbrel first appears in scripture in Exodus 15 (about 1490 BC), confirming that it, too, dates back to very ancient times. The timbrel, like the tabret, had ribbons, tassels, or streamers attached for decoration. Some ancient timbrels appear to have had a single drum head, like the tabret, and some appear as a frame only. In either case, including jingles and streamers makes it a timbrel.

As with the tabret, timbrels were used primarially by women, especially maidens and young girls. The timbrel was the instrument used by Miriam and the other women to celebrate the Lord's deliverance after the parting of the Red Sea and destruction of the Egyptian army (Ex 15:20 KJV). Jephthah's daughter(Left holding tambourine) is shown using the timbrel and dance to celebrate his victory (Judges 11:34 KJV). David and all Israel played before God " with singing...harps...psalteries, and with timbrels.." (1 Chr 13:8 KJV). Several scriptures in Psalms refer to using the timbrel in dance, as well as for praise and worship. Like the tabret, the timbrel is not listed in Chronicles as one of the musical instruments used inside the Jewish Temple itself, though they are mentioned in Psalms 150 as being used for praise "in His sanctuary".

Over time, as with the tabret and other musical instruments, the use of the timbrel in worship died out. Thanks to the Salvation Army, the use of the timbrel for praise and worship and in church was revived in the late 1800's. They formed Timbrel Brigades devoted to learning and playing the timbrel, especially during their outreach ministry, and they continue to this day.

The Tambourine/ was discontinued for a period in worship

Though the use of the timbrel as a part of church worship was discontinued, they continued to be popular with dancers and entertainers as a colorful and easy to use musical instrument. By the late 15th century, the timbrel had developed into what we now call the tambourine, and the distinctions between the older musical instruments blurred into this one definition. By this time, the tambourine had one or two rows of metal discs in the frame for jingles, and was usually seen without steamers attached. Today, the tambourine may have a drum head, but sometimes has just the frame as a shaker. Shakers especially may be in round, half circle, crescent or other shapes. Sources for Judaica often show some frame (shaker) tambourines having tassels and sometimes ribbons attached, like the older timbrel. However, the single head tambourine with rows of metal disc jingles and no streamers seems to be the type of this instrument most familiar to most people. As with the Salvation Army timbrel, the use of the tambourine for praise and worship has become popular and accepted in many churches today.

A Summary

In conclusion, the tabret, timbrel, and tambourine all share the same roots and history, but really are different instruments. The tabret appears in scripture at least 250 years before the timbrel, and they both are mentioned in scripture several times in the Old Testament over a period of some 1100 years (from Genesis to Jeremiah and Ezekiel). The ancient timbrel continued to be used and years later developed into the tambourine as we now know it. The use of the timbrel/tambourine for praise and worship was revived over 100 years ago, and continues today. The symbolic tabret we wave to the Lord today is itself a powerful instrument of praise and worship.