What does the Bible say about harp?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents the harp as a fitting instrument for joyful praise, thankful worship, and faithful song before the Lord, while reminding us that true worship arises from a heart devoted to God. The Psalms repeatedly call God’s people to praise him with the harp and other instruments, celebrating his steadfast love, righteous rule, and saving power (Psalms 33:2; 92:3; 144:9; 150:4). Isaiah 38:20 connects stringed music with grateful public worship after deliverance. Harps also appear in ordinary cultural life, from Jubal’s early musical skill (Genesis 4:21) to Solomon’s royal resources (1 Kings 10:12). Yet Ezekiel 33:32 warns that beautiful music without obedient faith can become empty entertainment.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- A stringed instrument of music Isaiah 38:20; Ezekiel 33:32; Habakkuk 3:19
- With three strings (margin) 1 Samuel 18:6
- Ten strings Psalms 33:2; Psalms 92:3; Psalms 144:9; Psalms 150:4
- Originated with Jubal Genesis 4:21
- Made of almug wood 1 Kings 10:12
- David skillful in manipulating 1 Samuel 16:16; 1 Samuel 16:23
- Used in worship 1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Chronicles 16:5; 1 Chronicles 25:1-7; 2 Chronicles 5:12; 2 Chronicles 5:13; 2 Chronicles 29:25; Psalms 33:2; Psalms 43:4; Psalms 49:4; Psalms 57:8; Psalms 71:22; Psalms 81:2
- Used, in national jubilees, after the triumph over Goliath, (margin) 1 Samuel 18:6
- Over the armies of Ammon and Moab 2 Chronicles 20:28
- When the new walls of Jerusalem were dedicated Nehemiah 12:27; Nehemiah 12:36
- Used in festivities Genesis 31:27; Job 21:11; Job 21:12; Isaiah 5:12; Isaiah 23:16; Isaiah 24:8; Isaiah 30:32; Ezekiel 26:13; Revelation 18:22
- In mourning Job 30:31
- Discordant 1 Corinthians 14:7
- Hung on the willows by the captive Jews Psalms 137:2
- Heard in heaven, in John’s apocalyptic vision Revelation 5:8; Revelation 14:2; Revelation 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 Psalms 4; Psalms 6; Psalms 54; Psalms 55; Psalms 61; Psalms 67; Psalms 76
- See MUSIC, INSTRUMENTS OF
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