Harp

Early origins of the harp

Genesis 4:19–21 Jubal was descended from Cain and was in the seventh generation after Adam.

And Lamech married two women, one named Adah and the other Zillah. Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and raise livestock. And his brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute.

The harp used in worship

In joyous religious celebrations

2 Samuel 6:2–5 parallel 1 Chronicles 13:6–8 See also 1 Chronicles 15:28; 2 Chronicles 20:27–28; Nehemiah 12:27; Psalm 49:4, Psalm 137:1–4; Isaiah 30:32; Amos 5:23; Revelation 14:2–3

And he and all his troops set out for Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name— the name of the LORD of Hosts, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on it. They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart, bringing with it the ark of God. And Ahio was walking in front of the ark. David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals.

In temple worship

2 Chronicles 5:12 See also 1 Kings 10:12 parallel 2 Chronicles 9:11; 1 Chronicles 15:16, 1 Chronicles 15:21, 1 Chronicles 16:5, 1 Chronicles 25:1, 1 Chronicles 25:3, 1 Chronicles 25:6; 2 Chronicles 29:25

all the Levitical singers — Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives — stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets.

Associated with praising God

Psalm 43:4 See also Psalm 33:2, Psalm 57:7–8, Psalm 71:22, Psalm 81:1–2, Psalm 92:1–4, Psalm 98:4–6, Psalm 108:1–2, Psalm 147:7, Psalm 149:3, Psalm 150:3; Revelation 5:8–10, Revelation 15:2–4

Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God.

In pagan worship

Daniel 3:7 See also Daniel 3:5, Daniel 3:10, Daniel 3:15

Therefore, as soon as all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, and all kinds of music, the people of every nation and language would fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

The harp used to elicit divine inspiration

2 Kings 3:15–19 See also 1 Samuel 10:5–6, 1 Samuel 18:10

But now, bring me a harpist.” And while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’ For the LORD says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water, and you will drink— you and your cattle and your animals.’ This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. And you shall attack every fortified city and every city of importance. You shall cut down every good tree, stop up every spring, and ruin every good field with stones.”

The harp used to relieve depression

1 Samuel 16:23 See also 1 Samuel 16:16, 1 Samuel 19:9–10

And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would pick up his harp and play. Then Saul would find relief and feel better, and the spirit of distress would depart from him.

The harp in secular use

In joyous celebrations

Genesis 31:27 See also Job 21:12; Isaiah 5:12, Isaiah 14:11, Isaiah 24:8; Ezekiel 26:13; Amos 6:5–6; Revelation 18:22

Why did you run away secretly and deceive me, without even telling me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps.

At times of mourning

Isaiah 16:11 See also Job 30:31

Therefore my heart laments for Moab like a harp, my inmost being for Kir-heres.

By prostitutes

Isaiah 23:16

“Take up your harp, stroll through the city, O forgotten harlot. Make sweet melody, sing many a song, so you will be remembered.”