Drums in the Bible (a.k.a. Do drums belong in the church?)

The funny thing about Christians and the Church is that we’re supposed to back up what we believe and do from the Bible. Why is it funny? Well, you see, things creep into the church that often cannot be Biblically justified. Man brings things into the church under the pretext (or pretense) of holiness, but at the end of the day, it’s a man-made ritual, a human tradition that becomes as established and unquestionable as concrete! And concrete is difficult to break down once set!

My reason for writing this article is two-fold:
1. To look at Biblical justification for percussive instruments in the church as part of worship
2. To counter the negativity towards drums in church

Some churches take a very negative stance towards drums in church. They reference voodoo and trance drumming from Africa and come to the conclusion that all drumming is inherently evil. Wow! What a broad, blindly-definitive, ignorant assessment! They completely leave out the fact that God created all music. How man uses music is up to him. It is Satan that comes to pervert it and use it to destroy lives. Music can be used to glorify God or it can be used to deconsecrate. We, as Christians, use it to express ourselves to God and bring Him glory and honour. It’s not a question about instruments, it’s a question about the heart of worship (which I will address later in this article).

Was David’s harp electric?
Music in church has always been a point of contention amongst congregants, leaders and denominations alike. Some churches are accapella (voice only, no instruments), some are organ or piano only, others are acoustic guitars, others full bands (drums, bass, keyboard, guitar). There are some churches where hymns are holy and anything ‘modern’ is shunned. Instruments are also seen differently: piano = ok, electric guitar = evil.

To me, it seems like a question of music style. We’re arguing in the church over music styles and missing the heart of what the music is for.

Do you not think that in the days the hymns were written and sung, that they were not ‘modern’ for that time? (Just thought I’d throw that in there!)

What about the drums? Do drums belong in the church? If you have rhythm and are a Christian, are you allowed to use that rhythm in church? What Biblical justification exists for drums in the church?

Drums in the Bible
(from Psalm drummers’ website)
The bible drum is the ‘Tof’ (Hebrew), which modern translators mostly call a tambourine. The Tof is simply and more accurately a frame drum. It has no jingles and is named after its sound. The ancient scriptures give authority for the drummer to strike the drum in celebration (1 Chron 13:8), in praise (Ps 150:4), in worship (Ps 68:25), for prophecy (1 Sam 10:5, 6), for healing (Ps 81:2-7), and in declaration of the Lord’s sovereignty.

For your reference:

From Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionary.
H8596
תּף
tôph
tofe
From H8608 contracted; a tambourine: - tabret, timbrel.

From Websters 1828 Bible Dictionary.
Tabor
TA’BOR, n. [Eng. tap.] A small drum used as an accompaniment to a pipe or fife.
TA’BOR, v.i. To strike lightly and frequently.

Timbrel
TIM’BREL, n. [L. tympanum.] An instrument of music; a kind of drum, tabor or tabret, which has been in use from the highest antiquity.

References to rhythmical instruments/percussion in the Bible:
(You’re going to need to look these up in your Bible! Or, click on the Reference to read it right away online with Bible Gateway.)

Genesis 31:27
The tambourine is mentioned here. When we look at the actual reference in the original text, we see the word “tof”, which is a Hebrew frame drum similar to today’s tambourine. The instrument mentioned in this scripture was not strictly a tambourine in the modern sense of the word.

Exodus 15:20
Tambourines (frame drums) used for praise, thankfulness and dancing.

Judges 11:34
Another reference to the tambourine and dancing albeit in rather sad circumstances.

1 Samuel 18:1-6
Joyful songs, tambourines and lutes used for praise after battle.

1 Samuel 10:5-6
A whole host of instruments being used in prophecy. The frame drum is one of them.

2 Samuel 6:5
Instruments being used in celebration.

1 Chronicles 13:8
The moving of the Ark. People celebrating with all their might. Notice all the different instruments being used in praise. Even frame drums!

Job 21:12
Singing with tambourines and harps.

Psalms 68:24-26
Tambourines in praise.

Psalms 81:2
I like the start of this one: Begin the music, strike the tambourine…

Psalms 149:3
Making music with the tambourine (tof) and harp. A Psalm of praise.

Psalms 150:3-6
The clash of cymbals! Resounding cymbals! This definitely a drummer’s favourite Psalm!

Isaiah 5:12
Another reference to the abundance of musical instruments used all the time. Although this context is negative.

Isaiah 30:32
A powerful chapter showing the mercy and love of God and also how percussive instruments are embedded in the Israelite culture.

Isaiah 24:8
Reference to tambourines reinforcing its use in the context of cheerfulness and joy.

Jeremiah 31:3-4
Reference to tambourines reinforcing its use in the context of cheerfulness and joy.

Just by going through these references, one can see more than enough evidence that there was no pipe organ or electric guitar! But percussion instruments abound! They were used in temple ceremonies, festivals, celebrations, worship, prophecy, war and praise. What more Biblical justification can one possibly require? It’s all there in black and white!

Worship in Spirit and truth
So should every church have a drum kit now? Not necessarily. But they shouldn’t deny its Biblical relevance. It comes down to the church leadership and how “in tune” they are with the Holy Spirit. Are they truly following God in the way He wants them to be going? If they are worshipping in Spirit and truth, it really doesn’t matter what instruments they use.

The core of worship
The heart of worship is Jesus, not the instruments we use. The instruments are tools we use as part of our expression to God. I acknowledge that churches are different and do things differently. I find it difficult when some churches are very legalistic and prescriptive when it comes to worship and musical instruments because of an issue of taste or musical style preference.. When the Bible is not the reference point, the deciding factor, man’s ‘opinion’ takes over and what he thinks is right takes presidence over what God says is right. It’s about the heart and the church’s relationship with God : that will naturally affect the practical aspects of worship such as music style, instruments etc.

Evidence for drums and percussion in the Bible is incontrovertible. It’s up to the Christian drummer to educate the other musicians, to talk with the church leaders with respect and understanding of what God is saying to the church in terms of music. That is, of course, if there has been or currently is a resistance to using drums as part of the worship in church.

Take courage!
May you be encouraged by this article and take pride in your instrument. Use your gift for God’s glory and honour. Show respect to others who may see things differently and ask God to help you as you play to worship Him in Spirit and in truth. Play with skill and integrity. If you can’t bash the skins, click your fingers as loud as you can, clap your hands, stomp your feet, make drum sounds with your mouth…ok, everything but that last one! Go for it and be bold!

© 2008. The Christian Drummer | Matthew Ian Hains.
Original article URL: http://www.christiandrummers.net/2007/02/14/drums-in-the-bible.htm

Recommended: ‘A Heart to Drum’ (book) by Terl Bryant Kingsway Shop