Bible Dictionary
DRUM
A drum was a hand-held frame instrument covered with skin, similar to a tambourine. It was commonly played at celebrations and joyful gatherings, often by women.
Definition
A drum was a hand-held frame instrument made from a ring of wood or metal covered with tightly stretched skin. Small pieces of metal could be attached around the rim, making it resemble a tambourine. It was played by holding it in one hand and striking it with the other.
Biblical Usage
The instrument was used at festivities and occasions of rejoicing. It was commonly played by women, though men also played it. In the Maccabean passage, the Revised Version calls it a timbrel.
Historical Background
The drum corresponds to the Hebrew tabret or timbrel. Its construction and manner of use account for its association with the tambourine.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>drum (tumpanon): This was the Hebrew toph, "tabret" or "timbrel," a hand-drum, consisting of a ring of wood or metal covered with a tightly drawn skin, with small pieces of metal hung around the rim, like a tambourine. It was raised in the one hand and struck with the other, usually by women, but sometimes also by men, at festivities and on occasions of rejoicing. See 1 Macc 9:39, the Revised Version (British and American) "timbrels."</p>