Definition and Role:
Harpists in biblical times were musicians who played the harp, a stringed instrument often associated with worship, celebration, and prophecy. The harp is one of the oldest known musical instruments, and its use is frequently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of worship and praise to God.

Biblical References:
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 indicates the harp's longstanding presence in human culture and its significance in musical expression.

In the context of worship, the harp is prominently featured in the Psalms. King David, a skilled harpist, used the instrument to compose many of the Psalms, which were integral to the worship practices of Israel. Psalm 33:2 exhorts, "Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings." This verse highlights the harp's role in leading the congregation in worship and adoration of God.

The harp is also associated with prophetic ministry. In 1 Samuel 10:5 , the prophet Samuel tells Saul, "After that you will go to Gibeah of God, where there is a Philistine outpost. As you approach the town, you will meet a procession of prophets coming down from the high place with lyres, tambourines, flutes, and harps being played before them, and they will be prophesying." Here, the harp is part of the musical accompaniment to prophetic activity, suggesting its role in creating an atmosphere conducive to receiving divine revelation.

Symbolism and Significance:
The harp symbolizes joy, celebration, and divine inspiration. In Revelation 14:2 , the apostle John describes a heavenly scene: "And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The sound I heard was like harpists playing their harps." This imagery conveys the beauty and majesty of heavenly worship, where the harp's sound is likened to the voice of God.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Israel, harpists were often part of the Levitical musicians who served in the temple. According to 1 Chronicles 25:1-6, King David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres, and cymbals. This organized musical service underscores the importance of harpists in the religious life of Israel.

The harp's construction and playing technique have evolved over time, but its essential role in worship and celebration remains unchanged. The harp's soothing and uplifting sound continues to be a powerful tool for expressing devotion and reverence to God.

Conclusion:
Harpists in the Bible are depicted as integral to worship, celebration, and prophecy. Their music, often associated with King David and the Psalms, plays a vital role in expressing praise and adoration to God. The harp's enduring presence in biblical narratives underscores its significance as a symbol of joy and divine inspiration.2790. kitharodos -- one who plays and sings to the lyre
... Word Origin from kithara and aoidos (a singer) Definition one who plays
and sings to the lyre NASB Word Usage harpists (2). harper. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2790.htm - 6k

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... of the Nile. [Illustration: 051.jpg MEN AND WOMEN SINGERS, FLUTE-PLAYERS, HARPISTS,
AND DANCERS, FROM THE TOMB OF TI]. Drawn by Faucher ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Harpists (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Harpists (2 Occurrences). ... The sound which I heard was
like that of harpists playing on their harps. (WEB WEY NAS NIV). ...
/h/harpists.htm - 7k

Flute (16 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEY NAS RSV NIV). Revelation 18:22 The voice of harpists, minstrels, flute
players, and trumpeters will be heard no more at all in you. ...
/f/flute.htm - 13k

Trumpeters (4 Occurrences)
... Trumpeters (4 Occurrences). Revelation 18:22 The voice of harpists, minstrels, flute
players, and trumpeters will be heard no more at all in you. ...
/t/trumpeters.htm - 8k

Resembled (18 Occurrences)
... music from Heaven which resembled the sound of many waters and the roar of loud
thunder; and the music which I heard was like that of harpists playing upon ...
/r/resembled.htm - 12k

Roar (53 Occurrences)
... music from Heaven which resembled the sound of many waters and the roar of loud
thunder; and the music which I heard was like that of harpists playing upon ...
/r/roar.htm - 23k

Rushing (61 Occurrences)
... sound of a great thunder. The sound which I heard was like that of harpists
playing on their harps. (See NIV). Revelation 19:6 I ...
/r/rushing.htm - 24k

Minstrels (3 Occurrences)
... YLT). Revelation 18:22 The voice of harpists, minstrels, flute players, and
trumpeters will be heard no more at all in you. No craftsman ...
/m/minstrels.htm - 7k

Players (7 Occurrences)
... music. (BBE). Revelation 18:22 The voice of harpists, minstrels, flute players,
and trumpeters will be heard no more at all in you. No ...
/p/players.htm - 8k

Peal (1 Occurrence)
... waters, and like the sound of a great thunder. The sound which I heard was
like that of harpists playing on their harps. (See NIV). ...
/p/peal.htm - 7k

Playing (37 Occurrences)
... a great thunder. The sound which I heard was like that of harpists playing
on their harps. (WEB WEY BBE NAS RSV NIV). Genesis 21:9 ...
/p/playing.htm - 18k

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