Topical Encyclopedia The harp, a stringed musical instrument, holds a significant place in biblical history and worship. It is often associated with praise, prophecy, and divine intervention. One notable instance of the harp's influence is found in the account of the armies of Ammon and Moab, where music played a pivotal role in the deliverance of Judah.Biblical Context The account is recorded in 2 Chronicles 20, during the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. The Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat. Alarmed by the vast army, Jehoshaphat sought the Lord's guidance through prayer and fasting. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, a Levite, who prophesied that the battle belonged to God and that the people of Judah would not need to fight. Role of Music and the Harp In obedience to the prophetic word, Jehoshaphat appointed singers to lead the army, praising the Lord with music. While the specific mention of the harp is not detailed in this passage, the use of musical instruments, including harps, was integral to worship and warfare in Israelite culture. The Levites, skilled in playing instruments like the harp, were often at the forefront of worship and battle, as seen in other biblical accounts (1 Chronicles 15:16; Psalm 33:2). 2 Chronicles 20:21-22 states: "After consulting with the people, Jehoshaphat appointed those who would sing to the LORD and praise the splendor of His holiness. As they went out before the army, they were singing: 'Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever.' The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated." Theological Significance The use of music, likely including the harp, in this narrative underscores the power of worship and faith in God's deliverance. The victory over the Ammonites and Moabites was not achieved through conventional warfare but through the spiritual act of praise. This event highlights the belief that God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3) and that worship can be a weapon against spiritual and physical adversaries. Cultural and Historical Insights In ancient Israel, the harp was a common instrument used in both sacred and secular settings. It was crafted from wood and strung with gut or sinew, producing a melodious sound that accompanied psalms and hymns. The Levites, who were responsible for temple worship, were skilled musicians, and the harp was a central instrument in their musical repertoire. The account of the defeat of the Ammonites and Moabites through praise serves as a testament to the enduring power of worship and the role of music in expressing faith and invoking divine intervention. The harp, as part of this musical tradition, symbolizes the harmony between human devotion and God's sovereign power. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 20:28And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets to the house of the LORD. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 20:20-29 Library Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources What is a psalm? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the Sea of Galilee in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian listen to secular music? | GotQuestions.org Harp: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Harp with Three Strings (Margin) Harp: A Stringed Instrument of Music Harp: David Skillful in Manipulating Harp: Heard in Heaven, in John's Apocalyptic Vision Harp: Hung on the Willows by the Captive Jews Harp: Over the Armies of Ammon and Moab Harp: Used, in National Jubilees, After the Triumph Over Goliath, (Margin) Harp: when the New Walls of Jerusalem Were Dedicated Related Terms |
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