Reference: Harp
American
Hebrew KINNOR, the most ancient and common stringed instrument of the Jews, more properly translated lyre. It was light and portable, and was used on joyful occasions, whether sacred or not. It was invented by Jubal, Ge 4:21; 31:27; 1Ch 16:5; 25:1-5; Ps 81:2. David was a proficient in its use, 1Sa 16:16,23; 18:10. The instrument most nearly resembling our harp was the Hebrew NEBEL, translated, psaltery in the Old Testament, Ps 57:8; 81:2; 92:3; 108:2. It had a general triangular shape, and seven to twelve strings, Ps 33:2; 144:9. It was played with the hand or with a short iron rod or plectrum according to its size. The Jews had other stringed instruments, like the guitar and lute, but little can be accurately determined respecting their form, etc. See MUSIC.
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Easton
(Heb kinnor), the national instrument of the Hebrews. It was invented by Jubal (Ge 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 (Ge 31:27; 1Sa 16:23; 2Ch 20:28; Ps 33:2; 137:2).
In Solomon's time harps were made of almug-trees (1Ki 10:11-12). In 1Ch 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 1Sa 16:16,23; 18:10; 19:9. The church in heaven is represented as celebrating the triumphs of the Redeemer "harping with their harps" (Re 14:2).
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Fausets
kinnor With ten strings, played on with a plectrum (quill), according to Josephus; but also with the hand by David (1Sa 16:23; 18:10; 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 (Ge 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 (Ge 31:27; 2Ch 20:28; Ps 33:2); therefore, it was hung on the willows in the Babylonian captivity (Ps 137:2; Job 30:31). The words "My bowels shall sound like an harp" (Isa 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 (1Sa 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 (Am 6:5). It was an important adjunct to the "schools of the prophets."
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Hastings
Morish
Musical instrument, probably somewhat like those now bearing the name, for such are seen depicted on the Egyptian monuments. The harp is mentioned as early as Ge 4:21. It was one of the instruments used in the temple service. 1Ki 10:12; 1Ch 13:8, etc. The harp is remarkable for its soft, soothing sounds. It was used by David to drive away the evil spirit from Saul, 1Sa 16:23 and it is the only musical instrument referred to symbolically as being in heaven. Re 5:8; 14:2: called 'the harps of God' in Rev. 15. 2.
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Smith
Harp.
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.
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.
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Watsons
HARP, a stringed musical instrument. The Hebrew word kinaor, which is translated "harp" in our English version, very probably denoted all stringed instruments. By the Hebrew, the harp was called the pleasant harp; and it was employed by them, not only in their devotions, but also at their entertainments and pleasures. It is probable, that the harp was nearly the earliest, if not the earliest instrument of music. David danced when he played on the harp: the Levites did the same. Hence it appears, that it was light and portable, and that its size was restricted within limits which admitted of that service, and of that manner of using it.