Definition and Significance:
Harping refers to the act of playing the harp, a stringed musical instrument that holds significant cultural and religious importance in biblical times. The harp is often associated with worship, prophecy, and celebration in the Scriptures. It is one of the oldest known instruments and is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a means of expressing joy, lamentation, and divine inspiration.

Biblical References:

1. Worship and Praise:
The harp is prominently featured in the context of worship and praise. In the Psalms, the harp is used to glorify God and express deep spiritual emotions. Psalm 33:2 states, "Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings." This verse highlights the use of the harp in worship settings, emphasizing its role in leading the congregation in praise.

2. Prophetic Ministry:
The harp is also associated with the prophetic ministry. In 1 Samuel 10:5 , the prophet Samuel tells Saul, "After that you will go to Gibeah of God, where there is a Philistine outpost. As you approach the town, you will meet a procession of prophets coming down from the high place with lyres, tambourines, flutes, and harps being played before them, and they will be prophesying." Here, the harp is part of the musical ensemble accompanying prophetic utterances, indicating its role in spiritual and prophetic activities.

3. David and the Harp:
King David is perhaps the most famous biblical figure associated with the harp. Before becoming king, David was known for his skillful harp playing, which he used to soothe King Saul when he was troubled by an evil spirit. 1 Samuel 16:23 recounts, "And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play, and relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him." David's harp playing not only provided comfort but also demonstrated the power of music in spiritual warfare.

4. Heavenly Worship:
The Book of Revelation presents the harp as an instrument of heavenly worship. Revelation 5:8 describes a scene in heaven: "When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." This imagery underscores the harp's role in the celestial praise of God, symbolizing the harmony and beauty of divine worship.

5. Celebration and Joy:
Harps are also associated with celebration and joy. In Job 21:12 , it is noted, "They sing to the tambourine and harp and make merry at the sound of the flute." This verse illustrates the use of the harp in festive occasions, reflecting the joy and merriment of the people.

Cultural Context:
In ancient Israel, the harp was a common instrument used in various aspects of life, from religious ceremonies to personal entertainment. It was typically made of wood and strung with gut or metal strings. The harp's portability and soothing sound made it a favored instrument for both personal reflection and communal worship.

Theological Implications:
The use of the harp in the Bible signifies the importance of music in spiritual life. It serves as a tool for worship, a medium for prophecy, and a source of comfort and joy. The harp's presence in both earthly and heavenly worship highlights the continuity of praise from the temporal to the eternal, reflecting the belief in music as a divine gift that transcends human experience.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Harp.

2. (a.) Pertaining to the harp; as, harping symphonies.

Heavenly Worship
... And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of
a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/heavenly worship.htm

The Old, Old Story
... I could not help fancying, as I saw his face just now, that he would think I was
doting on the old subject, and harping on the old strain; that I had not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the old old story.htm

The New Song
... when we shall hear a voice from heaven as the voice of many waters, and like great
thunders, when shall be heard the voice of harpers, harping with their harps ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the new song.htm

Now I Thought at that Time that all Men were Judged Worthy of the ...
... Error harping still on such a string, gives also such counsel as this: What meanest
thou, O man, that thou dost not enjoy thyself delicately, and gorge thyself ...
/.../a metaphrase of the book of ecclesiastes/chapter ix now i thought.htm

The Glory of the virgins and Religious.
... And the voice which I heard was as the voice of harpers, harping upon their harps.
And they sang as it were a new canticle before the throne. . . . ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter xix the glory of.htm

The Fifth vision "In Heaven"
... voice out of heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as a voice of great thunder:
and the voice which [296] I heard was as that of harpers, harping with their ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fifth vision in heaven.htm

How Christians are the Spiritual Israel.
... And the voice which I heard was as the voice of harpers harping with their harps;
and they sing a new song before the throne and before the four beasts and the ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/1 how christians are the.htm

Oil and Wine
... The morrow of the glory and the psalm,. When He shall come; The morrow of the harping
and the palm,. The welcome home. Meantime in His beloved hands our ways,. ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen suso and others/oil and wine.htm

Christ, by Preserving his Flesh Incorrupt in virginity, Draws to ...
... And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of
a great thunder; and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps ...
/.../chapter v christ by preserving his.htm

A Gluttonous Man and a Winebibber
... this one that he is always thundering condemnation; to that one that he is always
running over with love; to this one that he is perpetually harping upon duties ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/a gluttonous man and a.htm

Harping (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Harp. 2. (a.) Pertaining to the harp; as, harping
symphonies. Multi-Version Concordance Harping (1 Occurrence). ...
/h/harping.htm - 6k

Harpist (1 Occurrence)

/h/harpist.htm - 6k

Harpoon (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A spear or javelin used to strike and
kill large fish, as whales; a harping iron. It consists ...
/h/harpoon.htm - 7k

Harp-singers (2 Occurrences)
... voice of great thunder. And the voice which I heard was as of harp-singers
harping with their harps; (DBY). Revelation 18:22 and ...
/h/harp-singers.htm - 7k

Harp (36 Occurrences)
... of the harp is referred to 1 Samuel 16:16, 23; 18:10; 19:9. The church in heaven
is represented as celebrating the triumphs of the Redeemer "harping with their ...
/h/harp.htm - 20k

Harpers (2 Occurrences)
... 14:2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice
of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their ...
/h/harpers.htm - 7k

Harpeth (1 Occurrence)

/h/harpeth.htm - 6k

Harping: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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