Topical Bible: Music: Instruments of Harp

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Topical Encyclopedia

The harp is one of the most ancient and revered musical instruments mentioned in the Bible, often associated with worship, prophecy, and royal courts. Its significance is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practices of the Israelites, serving as a symbol of joy, praise, and divine inspiration.

Biblical References and Usage

The harp is first mentioned in Genesis 4:21, where Jubal is described as "the father of all who play the harp and flute." This early reference highlights the harp's longstanding presence in human history and its role in the development of music.

In the context of worship, the harp is frequently associated with King David, who is renowned for his musical talent and his role in composing many of the Psalms. In 1 Samuel 16:23, it is recorded that "whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take the harp and play it. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him." This passage illustrates the harp's soothing and spiritual qualities, capable of driving away evil and bringing peace.

The Psalms, a central component of Israelite worship, often mention the harp as an instrument of praise. Psalm 33:2 exhorts, "Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings." Similarly, Psalm 71:22 declares, "I will praise You with the harp for Your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to You with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel." These verses underscore the harp's integral role in expressing devotion and gratitude to God.

Symbolism and Prophetic Significance

Beyond its practical use, the harp holds symbolic and prophetic significance in the biblical narrative. In Revelation 5:8 , the twenty-four elders are depicted as holding "harps and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." This imagery connects the harp with heavenly worship and the eternal praise of God, emphasizing its role in the divine liturgy.

The prophetic dimension of the harp is also evident in the life of the prophet Elisha. In 2 Kings 3:15 , Elisha calls for a harpist, and "while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha." This account highlights the harp's ability to create an atmosphere conducive to receiving divine revelation, linking music with the prophetic ministry.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, the harp was a stringed instrument, likely similar to the lyre, and was crafted from wood with strings made from gut or other materials. It was played by plucking the strings, and its design varied over time and across regions. The harp's portability made it a popular choice for both personal and communal worship settings.

The harp's presence in royal courts is also notable, as seen in 1 Kings 10:12 , where it is mentioned that "the king made harps and lyres for the singers" from the almug wood brought by the ships of Hiram. This indicates the harp's esteemed status and its association with the splendor and cultural achievements of the Israelite monarchy.

Conclusion

The harp, as depicted in the Bible, is more than a musical instrument; it is a vessel of worship, a tool for spiritual warfare, and a symbol of divine connection. Its enduring legacy in biblical history reflects the profound role of music in the life of faith, serving as a bridge between the human and the divine.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 137:2
We hanged our harps on the willows in the middle thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 26:13
And I will cause the noise of your songs to cease; and the sound of your harps shall be no more heard.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

5567. psallo -- to pull, twitch, twang, play, sing
... pluck a musical instrument (like a harp); used of " with instruments"; "to ," or
simply ... instrument (celebrate the divine worship with music and accompanying ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5567.htm - 7k

Library

How to Conduct Ourselves at Feasts.
... of mind, by the licentious and mischievous art of music. ... man is truly a pacific
instrument; while other instruments, if you ... to sing and play to the harp or lyre ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iv how to conduct ourselves.htm

Exhortation to Abandon the Impious Mysteries of Idolatry for the ...
... frame of things, not according to the Thracian music, which is ... the Word of God,
despising the lyre and harp, which are but lifeless instruments, and having ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter i exhortation to abandon the.htm

Psalm CL.
... and organ." Both psaltery and harp, which have been mentioned above, have strings.
But "organ" is a general name for all instruments of music, although usage ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cl.htm

John I.
... the audience believe him other than he is by carriage, by look, by voice, needing
for the delivery of his message no instruments of music, as harp, lyre, or ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily i john i.htm

The Evangelist
... Thus does God delight to honour. Christ, His Son. Thus with instruments of music.
Do His servants stand,. Harp and lute the King has fashioned. With His hand. ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen suso and others/the evangelist.htm

Whether God Should be Praised with Song?
... Hence the use of music in the divine praises ... any artificial instrument such as the
harp or anything ... good hearers." For such like musical instruments move the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether god should be praised 2.htm

The Lord Coming to his Temple
... they set his message likewise to music; and this ... with the sound of cornet, flute,
harp, sackbut, psaltery ... dulcimer, and all kinds of instruments (Daniel 3:5 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon iv the lord coming.htm

Heavenly Worship
... There may be "a voice like many waters." and yet no music. ... voice of harpers harping
with their harps." Perhaps the sweetest of all instruments is the harp. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/heavenly worship.htm

The Power of Harmony in Relation to Prayer.
... with music and with drums and a harp." [6040] But ... and with songs;" [6041] for the
instruments thus fitted ... the symphony which has relation to the music that is ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/1 the power of harmony.htm

Psalm CXLVII.
... A psaltery is a kind of instrument of music, like the lyre and the harp, and
such kinds of instruments, which were invented for music. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlvii.htm