Harp: Ten Strings
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The harp, an ancient stringed musical instrument, holds a significant place in biblical history and worship. Among the various types of harps mentioned in the Scriptures, the ten-stringed harp is particularly noteworthy. This instrument is often associated with the worship and praise of God, reflecting the rich musical tradition of the Israelites.

Biblical References

The ten-stringed harp is specifically mentioned in several passages within the Psalms, a book that frequently highlights the use of music in worship. Psalm 33:2 states, "Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings." This verse underscores the importance of the harp in expressing adoration and reverence towards God. Similarly, Psalm 92:3 mentions, "With the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre," indicating its use in the context of joyful worship and celebration.

Symbolism and Worship

In the biblical context, the harp, particularly the ten-stringed variant, symbolizes the harmonious and complete praise offered to God. The number ten often represents completeness or perfection in Scripture, suggesting that the ten-stringed harp embodies a full and perfect offering of music to the Lord. This symbolism is further emphasized in Psalm 144:9 , where the psalmist declares, "I will sing a new song to You, O God; on a harp of ten strings I will make music to You."

Historical and Cultural Context

The harp was a prominent instrument in ancient Israel, used in both religious and royal settings. King David, a central figure in the Bible, is famously associated with the harp. Before becoming king, David played the harp to soothe King Saul, as recorded in 1 Samuel 16:23. His skill as a harpist and composer of psalms highlights the instrument's integral role in the spiritual and cultural life of Israel.

The construction of the ten-stringed harp, while not detailed in Scripture, would have required skilled craftsmanship. The instrument's design allowed for a range of musical expression, suitable for both solemn and jubilant occasions. Its use in temple worship and personal devotion reflects the broader biblical theme of music as a means of connecting with the divine.

Theological Implications

The use of the ten-stringed harp in worship underscores the biblical principle that music is a gift from God, intended to glorify Him and edify His people. The Psalms, often accompanied by the harp, serve as a testament to the power of music in conveying theological truths and emotional depth. The ten-stringed harp, in particular, invites believers to offer their best and most complete praise to God, aligning with the scriptural call to worship Him with all one's heart, soul, and strength.

In summary, the ten-stringed harp is a profound symbol of worship and devotion in the Bible. Its presence in the Psalms and association with figures like David highlight its significance in the spiritual life of ancient Israel, serving as a timeless reminder of the role of music in the worship of God.
Nave's Topical Index
Psalm 33:2
Praise the LORD with harp: sing to him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
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Psalm 92:3
On an instrument of ten strings, and on the psaltery; on the harp with a solemn sound.
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Psalm 144:9
I will sing a new song to you, O God: on a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises to you.
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Psalm 150:4
Praise him with the tambourine and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
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Library

A Harp of Ten Strings
... A Harp of Ten Strings. A Sermon (No.2219). Intended for Reading on
Lord's-Day, August 30th, 1891,. Delivered by. CH SPURGEON,. At the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a harp of ten strings.htm

Psalm XCII.
... 5. "Upon a psaltery of ten strings, with a song, and upon the harp" (ver.3). Ye
have not heard of the psaltery of ten strings for the first time: it signifies ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xcii.htm

How to Conduct Ourselves at Feasts.
... upright," [1406] says the prophecy. "Confess to the Lord on the harp; play
to Him on the psaltery of ten strings. Sing to Him a new ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iv how to conduct ourselves.htm

Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891
... Three Names High on the Muster-roll. "Is the Spirit of the Lord Straitened?". A
Harp of Ten Strings. Three Decisive Steps. The First Last, and the Last First. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/

Whether God Should be Praised with Song?
... musical instruments and human song, according to Ps.32:2,3: "Give praise to the
Lord on the harp, sing to Him with the psaltery, the instrument of ten strings. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether god should be praised 2.htm

Psalm XXXIII.
... Praise the Lord with harp:" praise the Lord, presenting unto Him your bodies a living
sacrifice. [696] "Sing unto Him with the psaltery for ten strings" (ver.2 ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxiii.htm

Psalm CL.
... and by the addition of the number ten, as a ... psaltery praiseth God from things above,
the harp praiseth God ... that board, whereon the series of strings rests that ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cl.htm

Questions which Ought to be Asked
... He made this curious harp of twice ten thousand strings: wonderful it is that it
has kept in tune so long: but only he could have maintained its harmony. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/questions which ought to be.htm

Not a Few Things, Too, are Closed against us and Obscured by ...
... metaphors from the difference between the psalters and the harp. ... musical law that
compels the psalters of ten chords to have just so many strings; or whether ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 26 not a few.htm

The Knowledge Both of Language and Things is Helpful for the ...
... metaphors from the difference between the psaltery and the harp. ... musical law that
compels the psaltery of ten chords to have just so many strings; or whether ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 16 the knowledge both of.htm

Resources
What are the prayers of the saints in Revelation 5:8? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of David and Michal? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God send an evil spirit to torment King Saul? | GotQuestions.org

Harp: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Harp

Harp in Mourning

Harp used in Festivities

Harp used in Worship

Harp with Three Strings (Margin)

Harp: A Stringed Instrument of Music

Harp: David Skillful in Manipulating

Harp: Discordant

Harp: Heard in Heaven, in John's Apocalyptic Vision

Harp: Hung on the Willows by the Captive Jews

Harp: Made of Almug Wood

Harp: Originated With Jubal

Harp: Over the Armies of Ammon and Moab

Harp: Ten Strings

Harp: The Symbol Used in the Psalmody to Indicate when the Harp Was to be Introduced in the Music Was "Neginoth" See Titles of

Harp: Used, in National Jubilees, After the Triumph Over Goliath, (Margin)

Harp: when the New Walls of Jerusalem Were Dedicated

Related Terms

Lyre (32 Occurrences)

Lute (13 Occurrences)

Flute (16 Occurrences)

Pipe (13 Occurrences)

Tambourine (8 Occurrences)

Tambour (7 Occurrences)

Sackbut (4 Occurrences)

Trigon (3 Occurrences)

Timbrel (7 Occurrences)

Musick (10 Occurrences)

Bagpipe (4 Occurrences)

Cornet (8 Occurrences)

Played (50 Occurrences)

Praises (66 Occurrences)

Zither (3 Occurrences)

Organ (6 Occurrences)

Tambourines (13 Occurrences)

Dulcimer (3 Occurrences)

Pipes (9 Occurrences)

Strings (11 Occurrences)

Symphony (3 Occurrences)

Melody (55 Occurrences)

Obeisance (45 Occurrences)

Sorts (65 Occurrences)

Jubal (1 Occurrence)

Flutes (8 Occurrences)

Ten-stringed (3 Occurrences)

Tabret (3 Occurrences)

Mirth (18 Occurrences)

Awaken (10 Occurrences)

Sadness (16 Occurrences)

Singing (65 Occurrences)

Music (143 Occurrences)

Sing (147 Occurrences)

Wake (34 Occurrences)

Sounds (64 Occurrences)

Play (61 Occurrences)

Prophesying (58 Occurrences)

Instrument (45 Occurrences)

Nebuchadnez'zar (55 Occurrences)

Gladness (83 Occurrences)

Feel (58 Occurrences)

Thanksgiving (49 Occurrences)

Dawn (70 Occurrences)

Thank (68 Occurrences)

Awake (83 Occurrences)

Harp (36 Occurrences)

Harp-singers (2 Occurrences)

Harps (27 Occurrences)

Psalms (44 Occurrences)

Horn (108 Occurrences)

Sounding (99 Occurrences)

Moment (71 Occurrences)

Higgaion (2 Occurrences)

Harped (1 Occurrence)

Yielding (19 Occurrences)

Viol (2 Occurrences)

Zeri (1 Occurrence)

Kir-he'res (3 Occurrences)

Kirharesh (1 Occurrence)

Kir-hareseth (3 Occurrences)

Kir-haresh (1 Occurrence)

Kir-heres (3 Occurrences)

Kirheres (3 Occurrences)

Neginoth (6 Occurrences)

Notes (2 Occurrences)

Operation (8 Occurrences)

Outpost (7 Occurrences)

Outwit (3 Occurrences)

Jeduthun (15 Occurrences)

Jeshaiah (7 Occurrences)

Jeshai'ah (7 Occurrences)

Jedu'thun (11 Occurrences)

Lifeless (10 Occurrences)

Lyres (21 Occurrences)

Gittith (6 Occurrences)

Garrison (15 Occurrences)

Galilee (73 Occurrences)

Harp: Over the Armies of Ammon and Moab
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