Ten Strings
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The term "ten strings" is primarily associated with musical instruments mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of worship and praise. The most notable reference to an instrument with ten strings is found in the Psalms, which are rich in musical imagery and instructions for worship.

Biblical References

1. Psalm 33:2 : "Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings." This verse highlights the use of a ten-stringed instrument in the worship of God, emphasizing the importance of music in expressing praise and adoration. The ten-stringed instrument, likely a type of lyre or harp, was used to accompany the singing of psalms and hymns.

2. Psalm 92:3 : "With the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre." Here, the ten-stringed harp is mentioned alongside the lyre, suggesting its role in creating harmonious and melodic music for worship. The use of such instruments was integral to the liturgical practices of ancient Israel.

3. Psalm 144:9 : "I will sing a new song to You, O God; on a harp of ten strings I will make music to You." This verse underscores the personal and communal aspect of worship, where the psalmist vows to sing a new song to the Lord, accompanied by the ten-stringed harp. It reflects the creativity and devotion involved in worship.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, music played a vital role in both religious and social settings. Instruments like the ten-stringed harp were crafted with skill and used by the Levites and other musicians in the temple to lead the congregation in worship. The number of strings on an instrument could vary, but the ten-stringed version is specifically noted for its use in sacred music.

The construction of these instruments involved careful craftsmanship, often using materials such as wood and gut strings. The sound produced by a ten-stringed harp would have been rich and resonant, suitable for both solemn and celebratory occasions.

Symbolic Significance

The use of ten strings may carry symbolic meaning, as numbers often do in biblical texts. The number ten can represent completeness or divine order, which may suggest that the music produced by such an instrument was seen as a complete and perfect offering of praise to God.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the mention of ten strings in the Psalms serves as a reminder of the importance of music in worship. It reflects the biblical principle that worship should engage the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and that music is a powerful means of expressing the depth of one's relationship with God.

The ten-stringed instrument, therefore, is not merely a tool for making music but a vehicle for spiritual expression and connection with the divine. It invites believers to consider the role of creativity and artistry in their own worship practices, encouraging them to offer their best to God in all forms of praise.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Ten Strings

TEN STRINGS

(`asor).

See MUSIC, I, 1, (2), (c).

Strong's Hebrew
6218. asor -- a ten, decade
... Word Origin from the same as eser Definition a ten, decade NASB Word Usage ten
(1), ten strings (2), ten-stringed (1), tenth (12). instrument of ten strings,. ...
/hebrew/6218.htm - 6k
Library

A Harp of Ten Strings
... A Harp of Ten Strings. A Sermon (No.2219). Intended for Reading on
Lord's-Day, August 30th, 1891,. Delivered by. CH SPURGEON,. At the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a harp of ten strings.htm

He Argues against the Same as to the Reason of Offences.
... And so do men live in opposition to the three and seven, that psaltery "of ten strings,"
[251] Thy ten commandments, O God most high and most sweet. ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter viii he argues against the.htm

Psalm XCII.
... 5. "Upon a psaltery of ten strings, with a song, and upon the harp" (ver.3). Ye
have not heard of the psaltery of ten strings for the first time: it signifies ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xcii.htm

Book ix. On Jerusalem and Her Enemies
... The ten strings of a ten-stringed lute are the ten precepts or the five senses of
the exterior man combined with the five of the interior; in the psalm: on a ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/book ix on jerusalem and.htm

How to Conduct Ourselves at Feasts.
... upright," [1406] says the prophecy. "Confess to the Lord on the harp; play
to Him on the psaltery of ten strings. Sing to Him a new ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iv how to conduct ourselves.htm

Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891
... Three Names High on the Muster-roll. "Is the Spirit of the Lord Straitened?". A
Harp of Ten Strings. Three Decisive Steps. The First Last, and the Last First. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/

Psalm XXXIII.
... [696] "Sing unto Him with the psaltery for ten strings" (ver.2): let your members
be servants to the love of God, and of your neighbour, in which are kept both ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxiii.htm

Petilianus Said: "But the Same Psalmist Has Sung the Praises of ...
... that he is portrayed in a new song; for there it is said, "I will sing a new song
unto Thee, O God: upon a psaltery, and an instrument of ten strings, will I ...
/.../chapter 47 109 petilianus.htm

Whether God Should be Praised with Song?
... musical instruments and human song, according to Ps.32:2,3: "Give praise to the
Lord on the harp, sing to Him with the psaltery, the instrument of ten strings. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether god should be praised 2.htm

How the Hebrews were Delivered from a Famine when the Gibeonites ...
... Now the construction of the instruments was thus: The viol was an instrument of
ten strings, it was played upon with a bow; the psaltery had twelve musical ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how the hebrews.htm

Resources
What are the Catholic Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.org

Why is "You shall not steal" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Virgins? | GotQuestions.org

Ten: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Ten

Ten Commandments

Ten Strings

Ten: (Used for an Indefinite Number)

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