8339. With timbrels and with dances. That this signifies celebration from joy and gladness, is evident from the signification of “timbrel,” as being predicated of the affection of spiritual good, or of the good of truth, and as signifying its delight or joy (of which just above, n. 8337); and from the signification of “dance,” as being predicated of the affection of spiritual truth, and as signifying its pleasantness or gladness (of which below). In ancient times gladness of heart was attested not only by musical instruments and songs, but also by dances. For joys of the heart, or interior joys, burst forth in the body into various acts, as into songs, and also into dances. And as in ancient times the gladnesses which excelled all others were spiritual gladnesses, that is, were from the affections of spiritual loves, which were those of good and truth, therefore also it was then allowed to add dances to the songs and musical harmonies, and in these ways also to testify joy. It is from this that “dances” are mentioned in the Word, and by them are signified gladnesses of the affections of truth or of faith, from good or charity, as in Jeremiah:

Anew thou shalt adorn thy timbrels, and shalt go forth into the dance of the players. Their soul shall become as a watered garden, and they shall not grieve any more at all; then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old together (Jeremiah 31:4, 12-13).

The joy of our heart shall cease, our dance is turned into mourning (Lam. 5:15).

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing (Psalms 30:11).

Let them praise His name in the dance, let them sing psalms to Him with timbrel and harp (Psalms 149:3; 150:4).

That the Gentiles also in their divine worship played and danced, is evident in Exodus 32:6, 19.

[2] Both “joy” and “gladness” are mentioned, because in the Word “joy” is predicated of good, and “gladness” of truth, consequently it is very often said in the Word “joy and gladness,” both together, as in Isaiah:

Behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen (Isaiah 22:13).

They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sadness and sighing shall flee away (Isaiah 35:10).

Joy and gladness shall be found in Zion, confession and the voice of singing (Isaiah 51:3, 11).

The voice of joy and the voice of gladness, and the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride (Jeremiah 33:11).

The fast of the tenth month shall be to the house of Judah for joy and gladness (Zech. 8:19).

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness (Psalms 51:8).

As in these passages “joy” is predicated of good, and “gladness” of truth, both are mentioned, otherwise one word would have sufficed. Such is the holy way of speaking that is in the Word, to the end that in every detail there may be the heavenly marriage, that is, the marriage of good and truth (n. 683, 793, 801, 2173, 2516, 2712, 4138, 5138, 5502, 7945).

4138. With timbrel, and with harp. That this signifies in respect to spiritual good (namely, the state in which from its own that good had believed itself to be in respect to spiritual good), is evident from the fact that “timbrel” and “harp” are predicated of good, but of spiritual good (as may be seen from many passages in the Word). Spiritual good is what is called the good of faith, and is charity; but celestial good is what is called the good of love, and is love to the Lord. There are two kingdoms of the Lord in the heavens; one of which is called His celestial kingdom, and in this kingdom are those who are in love to the Lord; and the other is called His spiritual kingdom, and in this are those who are in charity toward the neighbor. These kingdoms are most distinct from each other, but still in the heavens they act as and make a one. Concerning these distinct Celestial and Spiritual Kingdoms see what has already been frequently stated.

[2] In the churches of ancient times there were employed many kinds of musical instruments, such as timbrels, psalteries, pipes, harps, decachords, and various others. Some of these belonged to the class of celestial, and some to the class of spiritual things; and when they are mentioned in the Word, such things are implied, insomuch that it may be known from them what kind of good is treated of, whether spiritual good or celestial good. The timbrel and the harp belonged to the class of spiritual things, and therefore it is here said “in respect to spiritual good.” (That the “harp” is predicated of spiritual things, and that by stringed instruments are signified spiritual things, but by wind instruments celestial things, may be seen above, n. 418-420)