### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mᵉtsêleth**, represented by `{{H4700}}`, refers to **cymbals**. This word, which comes from a root meaning to tinkle, appears in its dual form, suggesting a pair of "double tinklers." It is found **13 times** across **13 unique verses**, where it exclusively denotes a musical instrument used in sacred worship and celebration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4700}}` is consistently associated with organized, large-scale acts of worship and praise. Cymbals were a key part of the Levitical orchestra established by King David `{{H1732}}` [[1 Chronicles 15:16]]. They were sounded by appointed singers `{{H7891}}` like Heman `{{H1968}}`, Asaph `{{H623}}`, and Jeduthun `{{H3038}}` during pivotal moments in Israel's history, such as bringing up the ark `{{H727}}` of the covenant `{{H1285}}` [[1 Chronicles 15:28]] and playing before God `{{H430}}` with all their might `{{H5797}}` [[1 Chronicles 13:8]]. The cymbals used by the singers were made of brass `{{H5178}}` [[1 Chronicles 15:19]]. Their use was considered an ordinance of David [[Ezra 3:10]] and a commandment `{{H4687}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` [[2 Chronicles 29:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the role of cymbals in worship:
* `{{H1984}}` **hâlal** (to celebrate, praise): This word defines the primary purpose for using cymbals. The Levites `{{H3881}}` used cymbals `{{H4700}}` specifically to praise `{{H1984}}` the LORD `{{H3068}}` when the foundation of the temple was laid [[Ezra 3:10]].
* `{{H7892}}` **shîyr** (a song): Cymbals were among the instruments `{{H3627}}` of musick `{{H7892}}` used to accompany singing `{{H7891}}` and to lift up the voice `{{H6963}}` with joy `{{H8057}}` [[1 Chronicles 15:16]].
* `{{H2689}}` **chătsôtsᵉrâh** (trumpet): Often mentioned alongside cymbals, trumpets were part of the loud, joyful sound made during national worship events, such as when all Israel `{{H3478}}` played before God [[1 Chronicles 13:8]].
* `{{H5035}}` **nebel** (psaltery): This stringed instrument is almost always listed with cymbals and harps `{{H3658}}` as part of the ensemble for the service `{{H5656}}` of the house `{{H1004}}` of God `{{H430}}` [[1 Chronicles 25:6]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H4700}}` carries significant thematic weight, highlighting specific aspects of worship.
* **Joyful Corporate Praise:** Cymbals are used to "make one `{{H259}}` sound `{{H6963}}` to be heard `{{H8085}}`" in praising `{{H1984}}` and thanking `{{H3034}}` the LORD [[2 Chronicles 5:13]]. Their sound is part of a loud expression of gladness `{{H8057}}` and joy `{{H8057}}` during moments of great celebration ([[Nehemiah 12:27]], [[1 Chronicles 15:16]]).
* **Divinely Ordered Worship:** The appointment of musicians with cymbals was not a human invention but was part of the service `{{H5656}}` separated by David `{{H1732}}` and the captains `{{H8269}}` of the host `{{H6635}}` [[1 Chronicles 25:1]]. This was done according to the commandment `{{H4687}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` through his prophets `{{H5030}}` [[2 Chronicles 29:25]].
* **Sanctification of Sacred Events:** The sounding of cymbals marks events of profound spiritual importance. They were present at the laying of the foundation `{{H3245}}` of the temple `{{H1964}}` [[Ezra 3:10]], the dedication `{{H2598}}` of the wall `{{H2346}}` of Jerusalem `{{H3389}}` [[Nehemiah 12:27]], and most notably, the dedication of the temple when the house `{{H1004}}` of the LORD was filled `{{H4390}}` with a cloud `{{H6051}}` [[2 Chronicles 5:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4700}}` **mᵉtsêleth** is more than a simple percussive instrument. It is a tool of worship, divinely sanctioned and integrated into the most sacred ceremonies of Israel. Its loud, ringing sound was part of a unified chorus of praise, joy, and thanksgiving, marking key moments of covenant history and the tangible presence of God among His people.
TRV