The psaltery, an ancient stringed instrument, holds a significant place in the musical traditions of biblical times, particularly within the context of worship and praise as depicted in the Scriptures. The psaltery is often mentioned alongside other instruments in the Bible, highlighting its importance in the liturgical and cultural life of the Israelites.

Biblical References and Description

The psaltery is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms, which are replete with exhortations to praise God with various musical instruments. In Psalm 33:2 , the psalmist declares, "Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings." This verse, while specifically mentioning the harp, is often understood to include the psaltery, as both instruments were integral to worship.

The psaltery is also referenced in 1 Chronicles 13:8 , where it is noted that "David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets." Here, the psaltery is implied as part of the ensemble of instruments used in the joyous celebration of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.

Construction and Use

The psaltery was a stringed instrument, similar in some respects to the harp and lyre, but distinct in its construction and sound. It typically consisted of a wooden frame with strings stretched across it, which were plucked with the fingers or a plectrum. The number of strings varied, and the instrument could be played in a variety of settings, from personal devotion to public worship.

In the context of temple worship, the psaltery was used to accompany the singing of psalms and hymns. It was an instrument that facilitated the expression of joy, thanksgiving, and reverence, aligning with the biblical mandate to worship God with all available means. The psaltery's melodic and harmonious sound made it particularly suitable for enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of worship.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

The use of the psaltery in biblical worship underscores the importance of music in expressing the human response to the divine. Music, as exemplified by the psaltery, serves as a vehicle for conveying the depth of human emotion and devotion to God. The psaltery's inclusion in the worship practices of ancient Israel reflects the belief that music is a gift from God, intended to be used for His glory.

In Psalm 150:3-4 , the psalmist exhorts, "Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute." This passage encapsulates the comprehensive nature of worship, where the psaltery and other instruments are employed to create a symphony of praise.

Cultural and Historical Context

The psaltery, like other musical instruments of the time, was not only a tool for worship but also a reflection of the cultural and artistic achievements of ancient Israel. Its use in both sacred and secular contexts illustrates the integral role of music in the daily life of the people. The craftsmanship involved in creating a psaltery, as well as the skill required to play it, speaks to the value placed on music as an art form.

Throughout the biblical narrative, the psaltery and other instruments serve as reminders of the rich musical heritage of God's people. They are emblematic of the joy and reverence that characterize true worship, inviting believers to engage their hearts and voices in the praise of the Almighty.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 71:22
I will also praise you with the psaltery, even your truth, O my God: to you will I sing with the harp, O you Holy One of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

How to Conduct Ourselves at Feasts.
... mind, by the licentious and mischievous art of music. ... a pacific instrument; while
other instruments, if you ... no longer employ the ancient psaltery, and trumpet ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iv how to conduct ourselves.htm

Exegetic.
... all the world. There are many instruments of music, but the prophet has
fitted it to the instrument called Psaltery. I think the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/ii exegetic.htm

Music (Christmas Day. )
... of the Lord Jesus Christ, than psaltery, dulcimer, and ... or the sounds of those cunning
instruments which man ... of God, who creates all things; all music upon earth ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xvii music christmas day.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

On the Psalms. I.
... the case with the lute and certain other instruments, but from ... But this psaltery
has the source of its musical ... by the voice in concert with the music; and that ...
/.../hippolytus/the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on the psalms i.htm

How the Hebrews were Delivered from a Famine when the Gibeonites ...
... He also made instruments of music, and taught the Levites ... Now the construction of
the instruments was thus: The ... played upon with a bow; the psaltery had twelve ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how the hebrews.htm

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

Whether God Should be Praised with Song?
... the harp, sing to Him with the psaltery, the instrument ... Church does not make use
of musical instruments such as ... Hence the use of music in the divine praises is ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether god should be praised 2.htm

The Power of Harmony in Relation to Prayer.
... and with songs;" [6041] for the instruments thus fitted ... the symphony which has relation
to the music that is ... the strings of the ten-stringed psaltery with each ...
/.../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

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