DANCE from the
SCRIPTURES
In the Hebrew Scriptures a number
of words are translated into ‘dance’. In Ecclesiastes 3:4 it states:
‘a time to mourn and a time to dance’. The word raw-kad′ (7540)
means to leap or skip about. The word kaw-rar′ (3769), which
literally means whirling, was used to describe King David’s dance as the Ark
was being brought to Jerusalem. II Samuel 6:14
Two other words, maw-khole′ (4234) and mekh-o-law′ (4246) are derived from the root word khool (2342). Interestingly, this verb contains two basic ideas.
One is dance, whirling around in circular movements, and the other is
writhing in labor pains, travail, tremble or fear. The root khool is
used in Psalms 97:4 and 114:7 speaks of when the earth writhes or trembles
as God’s power is displayed. In Psalm 96:9 the translation as ‘fear’ or
‘tremble’ seems less appropriate. As all nations are to glorify Him
and worship His holiness, a more accurate picture would be of people
‘trembling in joy’ or even in ‘dance’. In combining the two basic
ideas of the word mentioned above, one could think of dance as a way to
travail in prayer as labor pains bring forth new life.
Maw-khole′ is used in Psalms
149 and 150 in the context of praising God while mekh-o-law′ is
used to describe Miriam and others in a dance of joy after crossing the Red
Sea. (Exodus 15:20)
A second example of mekh-o-law′ is from the Song of Solomon 6:13 describing the Shulamite. The picture
is of her being entreated to return so that her lover can behold and gaze
upon her performing the ‘dance of Mahanaim’, (if you are interested in
seeing this modern choreographed dance then click here to order) which literally means ‘double
camp’. The term refers to a camp when Jacob was returning to the land
of his fathers (Genesis 32:1-2). The angels of
God met him and he said, "This is God's camp." Consequently, it could
be understood that the Shulamite’s dancing was pleasing in the sight of God
and His angels.
Another word usually associated
with the pilgrimage feasts is khaw-gag′ (2287) It is used as solemn feast
and to celebrate holy days but also means to move in a circle, reel to and
fro, and a sacred procession. Ex.: … there they were, spread out over all
the land, eating and drinking and dancing,… I Samuel 30:16
Lastly, but very significantly,
the word gheel (1523) gives a clear picture of praising the Lord
through dance movements. It is translated as rejoice, glad, joy and joyful.
However, the actual meaning of the word is to circle around with a vigorous
enthusiastic expression of joy.
Ex: Psalm 89:16 In Your name they
rejoice all day long.
The numbers in parenthesis
designate the reference in Strong’s Concordance. However, the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament was also used for word
definitions.
DANCE / REJOICE
DANCE:
4246;623h mekh-o-law: fem.
of 4234. joy, celebration by dancing, dance
Ex.: Then Miriam the
prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all
the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.
Exodus 15:20
4234, 623g maw-khole: from
2342. a (round) dance
Ex.: Let them praise His name
with the dance;
Let them sing praises to Him
with the timbrel and harp. Psalm 149:3
Praise Him with the timbrel
and dance;
Praise Him with stringed
instruments and flutes! Psalm 150:4
2342; 623 chuwl: whirling
in circular movements, writhing in labor pains. twist or whirl, travail,
tremble
Ex.: …daughters of Shiloh
come out to perform their dances… Judges 21:21
2287; 602, 602b khaw-gag′:
keep a solemn feast, celebrate holy days (especially the pilgrimage feasts)
move in a circle, reel to and
fro, sacred procession
Ex.: … there they were,
spread out over all the land, eating and drinking and dancing,… I
Samuel 30:16
3769; 1046 kaw-rar:
literally whirling, to dance, whirl
Ex.: Then David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was wearing
a linen ephod. II Samuel 6:14
7540; 2214 raw-kad: to
stamp, spring about, dance, jump, leap skip
Ex.: And it happened, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the City of David, that
Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window and saw King David whirling (dancing) and playing music; and she despised him in her
heart. I Chronicles 15:29
REJOICE:
1523,346 gheel: to circle
around, to circle in joy. vigorous, enthusiastic expression of joy
Ex.: Make me hear joy and
gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice.
Psalm 51:8
Zion hears and is glad, And
the daughters of Judah rejoiced
Because of Your judgments, O
LORD. Psalm 97:8
8055,56,57; 2268,a,b saw-makh,
saw-may-akh, sim-kawh: being glad or joyful with whole disposition, brighten
up, gleeful, gladness, joy
7442; 2134, 23179 raw-nan:
shout of jubilation, cry out, be joyful, aloud for joy
7797; 2246 suws: to be
bright, cheerful, rejoice, exult
Sources: (numerical reference)
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance
Theological Wordbook of the Old
Testament
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History of Dance in the Church |
