Bible Dictionary
CASTANETS
Castanets refers to a rattling musical instrument mentioned when David and Israel brought up the ark. It was probably similar to the Egyptian sistrum; the King James Version renders the term “cornets.”
Definition
Castanets were a rattling musical instrument used with other instruments in worship or celebration. The instrument was probably similar to the Egyptian sistrum, a metal frame with loose rods and rings that rattled when shaken.
Biblical Usage
Castanets are mentioned only in the account of David and Israel bringing the ark from the house of Abinadab. The Revised Version margin gives “sistra,” while the King James Version calls them “cornets.”
Historical Background
The sistrum had a loop-shaped metal frame, a long handle, and loose rods ending in rings. It was used in Egypt in religious worship and in songs and dances, or to scare away evil influences.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>kas'-ta-nets, kas-ta-nets' (mena`an`im): Are mentioned in 2Sa 6:5 among the musical instruments upon which David and the house of Israel played at the time of the bringing up of the ark out of the house of Abinadab. This word is incorrectly translated "cornets" in the King James Version. The castanet was probably about the same kind of instrument as the Egyptian sistrum, and the Revised Version (British and American) has "sistra" in the margin of 2Sa 6:5. The sialrum was a loop-shaped metal frame through which were passed loose rods at the ends of which were rings. The instrument was held by a long handle and was rattled during songs and dances. It was used in Egypt in religious worship or to scare away evil influences. There is only the one reference to this instrument in the Bible.</p><p>A. W. Fortune</p>