John Gill Commentary Psalms 149:3

"Let them praise his name in the dance: Let them sing praises unto him with timbrel and harp." — Psalms 149:3 (ASV)

Let them praise his name in the dance
In a chorus of saints, joining together in their expressions of joy, by words and gestures; an ancient practice that went along with singing praises, (Exodus 15:20) ; or rather, "with the pipe" ^F11 , as some render it; a musical instrument used in former times in the worship of God, in this part of it, praising his name, with those that follow;

let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp ;
the former of these was a vessel of brass, a drum or tabret, on which they beat, perhaps like one of our kettle drums; the other was a stringed instrument of music much used, and in playing on which David was very skilful: the music of these was typical of the spiritual melody made in the heart to the Lord in singing his praises, to which there are allusions in Gospel times; though the instruments themselves are now laid aside, being only suited to the church in her infant state, when under tutors and governors; see (Psalms 68:25) (Revelation 5:9) (14:2) (15:2) .

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FOOTNOTES:

• F11: (lwxmb) "cum tibia", Tigurine version, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Amama.