Psalms 68:25

King James Version (KJV)

The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

The singers went before - This verse appears to be a description of the procession.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

The singers went before - That is, in the removal of the ark; in the solemn procession referred to in the previous verse. “In” that procession those who sang preceded those who performed on instruments of music. Compare 1 Chronicles 13:8; 1 Chronicles 15:16. “The players on instruments followed after.” The different classes of performers would naturally be ranged together. In 1 Chronicles 13:8, the following instruments of music are mentioned as having been employed on a similar occasion, if not on this very occasion - harps, psalteries, timbrels, cymbals, and trumpets.

Among them were the damsels playing with timbrels - The true construction of the passage is, “Behind were the players in the midst of damsels playing.” The singers and the players were surrounded by these women playing on timbrels. The word rendered “playing with timbrels” - תפף tâphaph - means to strike, to beat; and hence, to strike or beat upon a timbrel. A timbrel is a kind of drum, a tabret, or tambourine, usually beaten with the fingers. See a description of it in the notes at Isaiah 5:12, under the word “tabret.” It is an instrument which has been in use from the remotest antiquity.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

The victories with which God blessed David over the enemies of Israel, are types of Christ's victory, for himself and for all believers. Those who take him for theirs, may see him acting as their God, as their King, for their good, and in answer to their prayers; especially in and by his word and ordinances. The kingdom of the Messiah shall be submitted to by all the rulers and learned in the world. The people seem to address the king, ver. 28. But the words are applicable to the Redeemer, to his church, and every true believer. We pray, that thou, O God the Son, wilt complete thine undertaking for us, by finishing thy good work in us.

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