Topical Bible: Harp: A Stringed Instrument of Music

◄ Harp: A Stringed Instrument of Music ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

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

Biblical References and Usage

The harp is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures, highlighting its importance in both personal and communal expressions of faith. In Genesis 4:21, Jubal is noted as "the father of all who play the harp and flute," indicating the instrument's early presence in human history. The harp's role in worship is further emphasized in the Psalms, where it is often used to accompany songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. Psalm 33:2 exhorts, "Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings."

King David, a central figure in the Bible, is closely associated with the harp. Before becoming king, David was known for his skillful harp playing, which he used to soothe King Saul's troubled spirit (1 Samuel 16:23). This association underscores the harp's role in spiritual and emotional healing, as well as its capacity to invoke the presence of God.

The Harp in Temple Worship

The harp was an integral part of the musical worship in the Temple, as established by King David and continued by his son Solomon. In 1 Chronicles 25:1-6, David organizes the Levites into divisions for the purpose of prophesying with harps, lyres, and cymbals. This organized worship highlights the harp's role in prophetic ministry and its use in conveying divine messages through music.

Symbolism and Prophetic Imagery

In the prophetic literature, the harp often symbolizes joy and the restoration of God's people. Isaiah 24:8 speaks of a time when "the joyful tambourines have ceased; the noise of revelers has stopped; the joyful harp is silent," illustrating the loss of joy and celebration due to judgment. Conversely, the restoration of Israel is accompanied by the return of music and rejoicing, as seen in Isaiah 30:29, where the people "will sing as on the night you celebrate a holy festival; your hearts will rejoice as when people go up with flutes to the mountain of the LORD, to the Rock of Israel."

Heavenly Worship

The Book of Revelation provides a glimpse into the heavenly use of the harp, where it is associated with the worship of God and the Lamb. Revelation 5:8 describes the twenty-four elders holding "harps and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." This imagery connects the harp with the eternal worship in heaven, where music plays a vital role in the adoration of God.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, the harp was a common instrument, often depicted in art and literature. Its construction varied, but typically it featured a wooden frame with strings made from gut or other materials. The harp's portability and soothing sound made it a popular choice for both secular and sacred music.

Conclusion

The harp remains a powerful symbol of worship and divine connection in the biblical narrative. Its presence in Scripture underscores the importance of music in expressing faith, offering praise, and experiencing the presence of God. Through its rich history and spiritual significance, the harp continues to inspire believers in their worship and devotion.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 38:20
The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 33:32
And, see, you are to them as a very lovely song of one that has a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear your words, but they do them not.
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Habakkuk 3:19
The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk on my high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

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

Library

How to Conduct Ourselves at Feasts.
... The one instrument of peace, the Word alone by which we ... "Confess to the Lord on the
harp; play to ... a new song." And does not the ten-stringed psaltery indicate ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iv how to conduct ourselves.htm

The Exile --Continued.
... L] Two kinds of stringed instrument, the difference ... off slumber; he invokes the chords
of his harp to arouse ... of his sorrow and his trust, with the music of his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vii the exilecontinued.htm

The Struggle for Life
... to his ear; he kept on twanging it, and so made music. ... bow from the first, and ended
with a "ten-stringed instrument." By and by came the harp; later, the ...
/.../the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter vi the struggle for.htm

The Mustard Seed: a Sermon for the Sabbath-School Teacher
... a violin, or by some wind or stringed instrument come at music, but here is a new
plan altogether. Nebuchadnezzar had his flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/the mustard seed a sermon.htm