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

PSALMS 68:25KJV
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Psalms 68:25 (KJV)

What does Psalms 68:25 mean?

Psalms 68:25 describes a public celebration in which music and movement accompany a procession honoring God. The arrangement of the people gives the scene a sense of order: singers lead, instrumental players follow, and young women play percussion among them.

Following the sight of God’s procession in verse 24, the speaker draws attention to the people taking part. “Timbrels” were small hand-held percussion instruments, similar to tambourines, that could be played while walking.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 68:25

  • “damsels” — עֲלָמוֹת (ʿalamot): The word refers to young women. In the KJV, “damsels” may sound like a title or a description of social rank, but the word chiefly points to their age.
  • “timbrels” — תֹּף (tof): This word refers to a hand drum or tambourine. The sound would have added a steady beat to the voices and other instruments.

Why Psalms 68:25 matters

  • The verse gives women an active place in the celebration. The “damsels playing with timbrels” contribute music rather than merely watching the procession.
  • The procession is presented as a shared act of praise, not just a display of musicians. Verse 26 calls the gathered people to bless God, placing the music of verse 25 within that public celebration.

Where else these words appear

“timbrels” Hebrew H8608 · used in 2 verses

  • Nahum 2:7 And Huzzab shall be led away captive, she shall be brought up, and her maids shall lead her as with the voice of doves, tabering upon their breasts.

“damsels” Hebrew H5959 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 24:43 Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink;
  • Proverbs 30:19 The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.
  • Song of Solomon 6:8 There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number.

“instruments” Hebrew H5059 · used in 12 verses

  • 1 Samuel 16:16 Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.
  • 1 Samuel 16:23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
  • Psalms 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

“before” Hebrew H6923 · used in 25 verses

  • Deuteronomy 23:4 Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.
  • Psalms 17:13 Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:
  • Psalms 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.