Topical Bible: Harp with Three Strings (Margin)

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Topical Encyclopedia

The "Harp with Three Strings" is a term that appears in the margin notes of some biblical translations and commentaries, referring to a specific type of ancient stringed instrument mentioned in the context of biblical music and worship. While the Bible does not explicitly mention a harp with exactly three strings, the concept arises from interpretations and historical understandings of ancient musical instruments used in biblical times.

Biblical Context and Usage

The harp, known in Hebrew as "kinnor," is one of the earliest and most frequently mentioned musical instruments in the Bible. It is associated with joy, worship, and prophecy. King David, a central biblical figure, is famously known for his skill with the harp, using it to soothe King Saul (1 Samuel 16:23) and to compose many of the Psalms.

In the Berean Standard Bible, the harp is mentioned in various contexts, such as in Psalm 33:2: "Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings." While this verse specifies a harp with ten strings, the idea of a harp with three strings may arise from the diversity of ancient harps, which varied in size and number of strings.

Historical and Archaeological Insights

Archaeological findings and historical records suggest that ancient harps came in various forms, with different numbers of strings. The three-stringed harp, while not directly mentioned in the biblical text, could represent a simpler or more primitive version of the instrument. Such harps might have been used in personal or informal settings, contrasting with the more elaborate harps used in temple worship.

The concept of a three-stringed harp may also be symbolic, representing the simplicity and purity of worship. In ancient cultures, music was an integral part of religious expression, and the harp, regardless of its size or complexity, was a key instrument in conveying spiritual devotion.

Theological Significance

Theologically, the harp symbolizes worship, praise, and the human response to God's majesty. The potential reference to a three-stringed harp in marginal notes or interpretations highlights the diversity of worship practices and the accessibility of music as a form of praise. It underscores the idea that worship is not confined to grand or complex expressions but can be simple and heartfelt.

In conclusion, while the "Harp with Three Strings" is not explicitly detailed in the biblical text, it serves as a reminder of the rich musical heritage of the Bible and the varied ways in which God's people have expressed their devotion throughout history. Whether through a harp of many strings or just a few, the essence of worship remains the same: to glorify God with all that we have.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 18:6
And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of music.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Three Homilies. On Our Lord.
... But three times in the desert they threatened to stone Moses and his house ... sinner;
our Lord made the lips of the Pharisee like the strings of a harp; and by ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/three homilies on our lord.htm

The Flood-Tide of Power.
... Mueller never becomes a great preacher like these three; nor an expositor, but finds ...
"Anon a thrill of all the strings; And then ... For man is God's aeolian harp. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/the flood-tide of power.htm

The Exile.
... li.-lxv.), followed by two anonymous; then three more of ... His harp is his solace in
his wanderings; and while plaintive notes are flung from its strings, as is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/iv the exile.htm

The Bible
... drop from his fingers; but God moved his hands over the living strings of his golden
harp. ... which you have lost, have not been there for the last three years ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the bible.htm

But Whilst the King Has not that Most Blessed Light...
... has known the agony of broken heart-strings does not ... In view of those three words
it were simple impertinence to ... and iron," and to the music of "harp and organ ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter vii but whilst the.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... to sing unto thee upon the harp,"they sing ... of the twelfth dynasty, more than three
thousand years ... The necklaces were composed of strings of pierced shells ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

The Bible
... down the nations, absorbing into itself the three kingdoms which ... Christ into the
Bible, and the harp strings will be ... a great silence; then, as the margin has it ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/the bible.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... immortals, wearing a crown, playing upon a harp, eating and ... shoulder, and that made
him give three leaps for ... belief of this, that cut those strings, that could ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm