Topical Bible: Music: Instruments of Many, With Strings

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In the biblical context, music plays a significant role in worship, celebration, and expression of emotion. Stringed instruments, in particular, are frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures, highlighting their importance in the cultural and religious life of the Israelites.

Old Testament References

The use of stringed instruments is evident from the earliest times in the Old Testament. One of the first mentions is found in Genesis 4:21, where Jubal is described as "the father of all who play the harp and flute." The harp, or "kinnor" in Hebrew, is one of the most frequently mentioned stringed instruments. It was used in various settings, from personal devotion to public worship.

King David, a central figure in the history of Israel, was renowned for his skill with the harp. In 1 Samuel 16:23, it is recorded that David played the harp to soothe King Saul: "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."

The Psalms, many of which are attributed to David, often mention stringed instruments. Psalm 33:2 exhorts, "Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings." This indicates the use of a ten-stringed instrument, possibly a lyre, in worship.

The temple worship established by King David and later organized by Solomon included a significant role for musicians and instruments. In 1 Chronicles 15:16 , David instructs the leaders of the Levites "to appoint their brothers as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals."

New Testament References

While the New Testament does not emphasize musical instruments as much as the Old Testament, the tradition of using stringed instruments in worship continued. The Book of Revelation provides a glimpse into the heavenly worship, where harps are mentioned. Revelation 5:8 describes the twenty-four elders holding "harps and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints."

Cultural and Religious Significance

Stringed instruments in biblical times were crafted from available materials such as wood and animal gut for strings. They were integral to both secular and sacred music, used in celebrations, festivals, and temple worship. The skill of playing these instruments was highly valued, and musicians often held esteemed positions within society.

The use of stringed instruments in worship underscores the biblical principle of offering one's best to God. Music, as an expression of worship, was not merely a performance but a heartfelt offering to the Creator. The harmonious sounds of stringed instruments were seen as a reflection of the order and beauty of God's creation.

Symbolism and Spiritual Application

In a spiritual sense, stringed instruments symbolize the harmony and unity that should characterize the worship of God's people. Just as the strings must be in tune to produce a pleasing sound, so must the hearts of believers be in tune with God's will. The psalmist's call to "sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy" (Psalm 33:3) serves as a reminder of the joy and excellence that should accompany worship.

In summary, stringed instruments hold a prominent place in the biblical narrative, serving as tools for worship, expressions of emotion, and symbols of spiritual truths. Their use in the Bible reflects the deep connection between music and the divine, illustrating the power of music to transcend the ordinary and touch the eternal.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 33:2
Praise the LORD with harp: sing to him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 150:4
Praise him with the tambourine and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm CL.
... not that whereby He is great, but whereby He hath made them great, many as they ... 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

How the Hebrews were Delivered from a Famine when the Gibeonites ...
... Many of them also were slain in the fight. ... He also made instruments of music, and
taught the Levites ... Now the construction of the instruments was thus: The viol ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how the hebrews.htm

John I.
... for the delivery of his message no instruments of music ... more profitable than that
of any harper or any music. ... audience, all angels; and of men as many as are ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily i john i.htm

On the Psalms. I.
... accompany it, rendered harmoniously by the instruments; and "songs ... second place,
and accompanies the music of the ... this reason, also, are there many "songs" at ...
/.../hippolytus/the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on the psalms i.htm

Exegetic.
... gift of the Spirit, because of all instruments the Psaltery ... many ways of getting
a living, many kinds of ... reader is reminded of Congreve's "music" charming "the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/ii exegetic.htm

The Memorable Hymn. "And when they had Sung an Hymn, they Went Out ...
... made white and pure, bring forth your instruments of song ... sound." Soft, sweet, and
strong, let the music be ... often in the Psalms, are supposed by many scholars to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the memorable hymn and when.htm

That the Form of Man was Framed to Serve as an Instrument for the ...
... like some skilful composer, these animated instruments, and makes ... in combination
as in a concerted piece of music. ... a point"all these in many different ways ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/ix that the form of.htm

Home and the Home-Maker.
... a less marked way, the career of many a home ... In form and outline, it suggests music,
but no melody ... and magazines, with worn-out musical instruments, art gifts ...
/.../questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/x home and the home-maker.htm

Israel in Egypt
... what with infidelity in all its myriad shapes, many are the ... Music hath charms; but
never had it such charms as it ... of weapons of death and of instruments of war ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/israel in egypt.htm

Spiritual Appetite
... mockeries, men singers and women singers are no delight, and instruments of music
are discordant ... If I had time I might mention the many ways in which our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/spiritual appetite.htm