In biblical times, the harp was a prominent musical instrument, often associated with worship, celebration, and prophecy. The harpist, therefore, played a significant role in the cultural and religious life of ancient Israel. The harp itself is one of the oldest known stringed instruments, and its use is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures.

Biblical References:

1. David as a Harpist: One of the most notable harpists in the Bible is David, who is introduced as a skilled player of the harp. In 1 Samuel 16:23 , it is recorded, "And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play, and relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him." David's ability to soothe King Saul with his music highlights the harp's role in spiritual and emotional healing.

2. Worship and Praise: The harp is frequently associated with worship and praise in the Psalms. Psalm 33:2 exhorts, "Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings." The harpist, therefore, was integral to the worship practices of Israel, leading the congregation in musical adoration of God.

3. Prophetic Ministry: The harp was also used in the context of prophecy. In 1 Chronicles 25:1 , we read about the organization of the temple musicians: "David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres, and cymbals." Here, the harpist is seen as part of a group that prophesies through music, indicating the instrument's role in divine communication.

4. Heavenly Worship: The Book of Revelation provides a glimpse into the heavenly use of harps. Revelation 5:8 describes the twenty-four elders holding harps: "And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." This imagery underscores the harp's association with worship and the eternal praise of God.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The harp in ancient Israel was likely a lyre-like instrument, smaller and more portable than the modern concert harp. It was made from wood and strung with gut or sinew strings. Harpists were often part of the Levitical musicians who served in the temple, and their music was an essential component of both public and private worship.

Symbolism:

The harp symbolizes joy, worship, and the soothing presence of God. Its music is often seen as a means of connecting the earthly realm with the divine, facilitating a spiritual atmosphere conducive to prayer and prophecy. The harpist, therefore, is not merely a musician but a conduit for divine expression and comfort.

In summary, the role of the harpist in biblical times was multifaceted, encompassing worship, healing, and prophecy. The harp's enduring presence in Scripture highlights its significance in the spiritual life of God's people, both in ancient Israel and in the eschatological vision of heavenly worship.(n.) A player on the harp; a harper.2790. kitharodos -- one who plays and sings to the lyre
... and sings to the lyre. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: kitharodos
Phonetic Spelling: (kith-ar-o'-dos) Short Definition: a harpist Definition: a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2790.htm - 6k

Whether a Natural Disposition is Requisite for Prophecy?
... On the contrary, Gregory says in a homily for Pentecost (xxx in Ev.): "He," namely
the Holy Ghost, "fills the boy harpist and makes him a Psalmist; He fills ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a natural disposition is.htm

Whether the End of the Government of the World is Something ...
... Objection 2: The Philosopher is speaking of the ends of various arts; for the end
of some arts consists in the operation itself, as the end of a harpist is to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the end of the.htm

Whether the Completion of the Divine Works Ought to be Ascribed to ...
... But the 'second' perfection is the end, which is either an operation, as the end
of the harpist is to play the harp; or something that is attained by an ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the completion of the.htm

Whether those who are not Practiced in Keeping the Commandments ...
... not when men die, He is not excluded from the maternal womb." Gregory also in a
homily for Pentecost (xxx in Ev.) says: "He fills the boy harpist and makes him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether those who are not.htm

Christian Conversation
... that of love. The harpist wished to sing of Cadmus, and of mighty men of
wisdom, but his harp would resound of love alone. Be, then ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/christian conversation.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... This method of distinguishing deceased kings is met with as far back as the "Song
of the Harpist," which the Egyptians of the Ramesside period attributed to ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Harpist (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A player on the harp; a harper. Multi-Version
Concordance Harpist (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 3:15 But ...
/h/harpist.htm - 6k

Jesse (45 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 16:11). (2) (a) In 1 Samuel 16:14-23, Saul is mentally disturbed,
and is advised to get a harpist. David "the son of Jesse ...
/j/jesse.htm - 32k

David (1052 Occurrences)
... I. NAME AND GENEALOGY II. EARLY YEARS 1. Shepherd 2. Slinger 3. Harpist
4. Poet 5. Psalmist 6. Tribesman III. IN THE SERVICE OF ...
/d/david.htm - 93k

Harping (1 Occurrence)

/h/harping.htm - 6k

Harpists (2 Occurrences)

/h/harpists.htm - 7k

Who was David in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Harpist: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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