Why Is It Called a Timbrel?

The word timbrel is used in the Hebrew Bible in both singular and plural form, so as to suggest the former referred to a hoop of wood or metal over which was stretched a parchment head; while the latter was perhaps used to designate the tambourine with bells or jangles fixed at intervals in hoops.

Where did the timbrel come from?

The tambourine can be traced back to most ancient civilizations such as India, Greece, China, Egypt, and Rome. It is also the instrument on which Miriam played after the Israelites escaped from Egypt in Exodus 15:20.

What's the difference between a tambourine and a timbrel?

is that tambourine is a percussion instrument]] consisting of a small, usually wooden, hoop closed on one side with a drum frame and featuring [[jingle|jingling metal disks on the tread; it is usually held in the hand and shaken rhythmically while timbrel is an ancient percussion instrument rather like a simple ...