harp Summary and Overview

(Heb. kinnor), the national instrument of the Hebrews. It was invented by Jubal (Gen. 4:21). Some think the word "kinnor" denotes the whole class of stringed instruments. It was used as an accompaniment to songs of cheerfulness as well as of praise to God (Gen. 31:27; 1 Sam. 16:23; 2 Chr. 20:28; Ps. 33:2; 137:2). In Solomon's time harps were made of almug-trees (1 Kings 10:11, 12). In 1 Chr. 15:21 mention is made of "harps on the Sheminith;" Revised Version, "harps set to the Sheminith;" better perhaps "harps of eight strings." The soothing effect of the music of the harp is referred to 1 Sam. 16:16, 23; 18:10; 19:9. The church in heaven is represented as celebrating the triumphs of the Redeemer "harping with their harps" (Rev. 14:2).

The harp was the national instrument of the Hebrews, and was well known throughout Asia. Moses assigns its invention to Jubal during the antediluvian period. #Ge 4:21| Josephus records that the harp had ten strings, and that it was played on with the plectrum. Sometimes it was smaller having only eight strings, and was usually played with the fingers.

HARP , a musical instrument invented by Jubal, and used by the Jews in seasons of thanksgiving to God, mirth, and joy. Gen 4:21; Gen 31:27; Ps 81:2; Isa 24:8. The instrument suggested any other thought than mourning and sorrow. In the hour of captivity the harp is hung upon the willows, Ps 137:2. David was particularly skilful in the use of it, 1 Sam 16:16,1 Sam 16:23. See Psaltery. The harp was played with the fingers, 1 Sam 16:23, but perhaps also with a; key, as Josephus suggests. The same Egyptian Harp. author ascribes ten strings to the harp, which would lead us to infer its identity with the "instrument of ten strings," Ps 92:3. Sometimes it had only eight strings, and was called "the harp on the Sheminith." 1 Chr 15:21; Ps 6:12, title. Harps were of different sizes, for some played on them while walking, 1 Sam 10:5, David played before Saul. 1 Sam 16:23; 1 Sam 18:10. There are different accounts of the shape of the harp. The preceding cut is found represented on Egyptian monuments.

kinnor With ten strings, played on with a plectrum (quill), according to Josephus; but also with the hand by David (1 Samuel 16:23; 1 Samuel 18:10; 1 Samuel 19:9). Jubal invented it, the simplest kind of stringed instrument, and the" organ" (ugab), rather the "pipe," the simplest kind of wind instrument; his brother Jabal was" father of such as dwell in tents and have cattle." The brotherhood accords with the fact that the leisure of a nomad life was well suited to the production and appreciation of music (Genesis 4:20-21). The harp was the earliest of all musical instruments, and the national instrument of the Hebrew. They used it, not as the Greeks, for expressing sorrow, but on occasions of joy and praise (Genesis 31:27; 2 Chronicles 20:28; Psalm 33:2); therefore, it was hung on the willows in the Babylonian captivity (Psalm 137:2; Job 30:31). The words "My bowels shall sound like an harp" (Isaiah 16:11) do not allude to the sound as lugubrious, but to the strings vibrating when struck. There was a smaller harp played with the hand, as by the walking prophets (1 Samuel 10:5), besides the larger, with more strings, played with the plectrum. Its music, as that of other instruments, was raised to its highest perfection under David (Amos 6:5). It was an important adjunct to the "schools of the prophets."