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Topic:
Dance
With respect to the word "dance…"
Found in Judg. 21:21, 23; Ps. 30:11; 149:3; 150:4; Jer. 31:4, 13,
etc., as the translation of hul , which points to the whirling motion of
Oriental sacred dances. It is the rendering of a word (rakad') which
means to skip or leap for joy, in Eccl. 3:4; Job 21:11; Isa. 13:21, etc.
In the New Testament it is in like manner the translation of different
Greek words, circular motion (Luke 15:25); leaping up and down in
concert (Matt. 11:17), and by a single person (Matt. 14:6). It is spoken
of as symbolical of rejoicing (Eccl. 3:4. Comp. Ps. 30:11; Matt. 11:
17). The Hebrews had their sacred dances expressive of joy and
thanksgiving, when the performers were usually females (Ex. 15:20; 1
Sam. 18:6). The ancient dance was very different from that common among
Western nations. It was usually the part of the women only (Ex. 15:20;
Judg. 11:34; comp. 5:1). Hence the peculiarity of David's conduct in
dancing before the ark of the Lord (2 Sam. 6:14). The women took part in
it with their timbrels. Michal should, in accordance with the example of
Miriam and others, have herself led the female choir, instead of keeping
aloof on the occasion and "looking through the window." David
led the choir "uncovered", i.e., wearing only the ephod or
linen tunic. He thought only of the honour of God, and forgot himself.
From being reserved for occasions of religious worship and festivity, it
came gradually to be practised in common life on occasions of rejoicing
(Jer. 31:4). The sexes among the Jews always danced separately. The
daughter of Herodias danced alone (Matt. 14:6).
Derived from Easton's and Smith's Bible Dictionaries
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