Bible Dictionary
CLAP
Clapping the hands can express joy, triumph, or exultation, as in praise to God. It can also show indignation or repudiation; figuratively, Scripture describes floods and trees as clapping their hands in rejoicing.
Biblical Usage
People clap their hands in joy at royal celebration and in praise to God. The action may also express scorn or repudiation. Floods and trees are poetically said to clap their hands in sympathy with God’s people.