Dancing
Summary
Rhythmic bodily movement expressing religious celebration or rejoicing, common in ancient Israel at festivals, victories, and worship.
☩Religious Context
In ancient Israel, dancing was primarily religious expression rather than entertainment. Miriam led the women in dancing after crossing the Red Sea. David danced before the ark 'with all his might' as it was brought to Jerusalem. The Hebrew word hagg, meaning 'festival,' derives from the procession or dance that characterized such occasions. Dancing expressed grateful joy to God, not mere social amusement.
☩Manner and Occasion
Oriental dance was performed individually or by lines of dancers holding hands, led by one waving a scarf. Men and women danced separately. Occasions included weddings, the birth of a son, recovery from illness, harvest celebrations, and religious festivals. The dance accompanied singing and musical instruments, with onlookers clapping time. The prevalence of such dancing indicated a simple life where feeling found hearty, uncritical expression.
☩Idolatrous and Profane Dancing
Dancing could degenerate into idolatrous or immoral practice. Israel danced around the golden calf in pagan revelry. Herodias's daughter danced before Herod in a manner that pleased him so greatly he promised her whatever she asked—resulting in John the Baptist's execution. Early Christians borrowed the custom of processional dancing from Jewish worship but soon abandoned it to avoid association with pagan practices.
Related Verses27 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Dancing," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Dancing," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).