[Easton]
(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).
[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.
[Nave]
–A stringed instrument of music
Isa 38:20 ;
Eze 33:32 ;
Hab 3:19
–With three strings (margin)
1Sa 18:6
–Ten strings
Ps 33:2 ;
92:3 ;
144:9 ;
150:4
–Originated with Jubal
Ge 4:21
–Made of almug wood
1Ki 10:12
–David skillful in manipulating
1Sa 16:16 ,
23
–Used in worship
1Sa 10:5 ;
1Ch 16:5 ;
25:1-7 ;
2Ch 5:12 ,
13 ;
29:25 ;
Ps 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, (margin)
1Sa 18:6
–Over the armies of Ammon and Moab
2Ch 20:28 ; with 20:20-29
–When the new walls of Jerusalem were dedicated
Ne 12:27 ,
36
–Used in festivities
Ge 31:27 ;
Job 21:11 ,
12 ;
Isa 5:12 ;
23:16 ; 24:8 ; 30:32 ;
Eze 26:13 ;
Re 18:22
–In mourning
Job 30:31
–Discordant
1Co 14:7
–Hung on the willows by the captive Jews
Ps 137:2
–Heard in heaven, in John’s apocalyptic vision
Re 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
Ps 4 ;
6 ;
54 ;
55 ; 61 ; 67 ; 76
–See MUSIC, INSTRUMENTS OF
