Harp

Harp [EBD]

(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).

Harp [NAVE]

HARP, a stringed instrument of music, Isa. 38:20; Ezek. 33:32; Hab. 3:19.
With three strings, 1 Sam. 18:6; ten strings, Psa. 33:2; 92:3; 144:9; 150:4.
Originated with Jubal, Gen. 4:21.
Made of almug wood, 1 Kin. 10:12.
David skillful in manipulating, 1 Sam. 16:16, 23.
Used in worship, 1 Sam. 10:5; 1 Chr. 16:5; 25:1-7; 2 Chr. 5:12, 13; 29:25; Psa. 33:2; 43:4; 49:4; 57:8; 71:22; 81:2; 92:3; 98:5; 108:2; 147:7; 149:3; 150:3.
Used, in national jubilees, after the triumph over Goliath, 1 Sam. 18:6; over the armies of Ammon and Moab, 2 Chr. 20:28, with verses 20-29; when the new walls of Jerusalem were dedicated, Neh. 12:27, 36.
Used in festivities, Gen. 31:27; Job 21:11, 12; Isa. 5:12; 23:16; 24:8; 30:32; Ezek. 26:13; Rev. 18:22; in mourning, Job 30:31.
Discordant, 1 Cor. 14:7.
Hung on the willows by the captive Jews, Psa. 137:2.
Heard in heaven, in John's apocalyptic vision, Rev. 5:8; 14:2; 15:2.
The symbol used in the psalmody to indicate when the harp was to be introduced in the music was Neginoth, see titles of Psa. 4; 6; 54; 55; 61; 67; 76.
See: Music, Instruments of.

HARP [SMITH]

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. (Genesis 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 [ISBE]

HARP - harp.

See MUSIC.