The term "strum" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept of playing stringed instruments, which involves strumming, is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. The act of strumming a stringed instrument is often associated with worship, celebration, and prophecy in the biblical context.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Worship and Praise: Stringed instruments, which would have been strummed, played a significant role in the worship practices of ancient Israel. King David, known for his musical skills, often used the harp to compose psalms and lead worship. In Psalm 33:2-3 , it is written, "Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy." This passage highlights the use of stringed instruments in praising God, suggesting a joyful and skillful strumming as part of worship.

2. Celebration and Festivity: The use of stringed instruments in celebrations is evident in various biblical accounts. In 2 Samuel 6:5 , during the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant, "David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals." The inclusion of harps and lyres indicates the presence of strumming in these joyous occasions.

3. Prophetic Ministry: Strumming stringed instruments also accompanied prophetic activities. In 1 Samuel 10:5 , the prophet Samuel tells Saul, "After that you will come to Gibeah of God, where there are Philistine garrisons. As you approach the town, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres before them, and they will be prophesying." The presence of lyres, which would have been strummed, underscores the role of music in the prophetic ministry.

4. Spiritual Warfare: The soothing and spiritual power of strumming is illustrated in the account of David and King Saul. In 1 Samuel 16:23 , it is recorded, "And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him." Here, the strumming of the harp by David is depicted as having the power to drive away an evil spirit, highlighting the spiritual significance of music.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In ancient Israel, stringed instruments such as the harp and lyre were central to musical expression. These instruments were crafted from materials like wood and animal gut, and their construction allowed for a range of musical expression, from gentle melodies to vibrant, rhythmic strumming. The Levites, who were responsible for temple worship, were skilled musicians, and their use of stringed instruments was integral to the liturgical life of Israel.

Theological Implications

The act of strumming stringed instruments in the Bible is more than a mere musical activity; it is a means of expressing devotion, invoking the presence of God, and participating in the divine narrative. Music, as exemplified by the strumming of instruments, serves as a bridge between the human and the divine, facilitating worship, celebration, and spiritual warfare. Through the biblical lens, strumming is an act that transcends the physical, touching the spiritual realm and reflecting the heart's posture towards God.(v. t. & i.) To play on an instrument of music, or as on an instrument, in an unskillful or noisy way; to thrum; as, to strum a piano.

The Ancestral Home
... He knew about all the cheerful tunes that were ever printed in old 'New Brunswick
Collection,' and the 'Strum Way,' and the sweetest melodies that Thomas ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/i the ancestral home.htm

Strum (1 Occurrence)
... (vt & i.) To play on an instrument of music, or as on an instrument, in an unskillful
or noisy way; to thrum; as, to strum a piano. ...Strum (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/strum.htm - 6k

Improvise (1 Occurrence)
... Improvise (1 Occurrence). Amos 6:5 who strum on the strings of a harp; who invent
for themselves instruments of music, like David; (See NAS NIV). ...
/i/improvise.htm - 7k

Invent (2 Occurrences)
... Amos 6:5 who strum on the strings of a harp; who invent for themselves instruments
of music, like David; (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV). ...
/i/invent.htm - 7k

Thrum (2 Occurrences)
... or tufted surface. 8. (vi) To play rudely or monotonously on a stringed
instrument with the fingers; to strum. 9. (vi) Hence, to ...
/t/thrum.htm - 8k

Composed (8 Occurrences)
... bones. (See NAS). Amos 6:5 who strum on the strings of a harp; who invent
for themselves instruments of music, like David; (See NAS). ...
/c/composed.htm - 8k

Strings (11 Occurrences)
... minds. (See NAS). Amos 6:5 who strum on the strings of a harp; who invent
for themselves instruments of music, like David; (WEB). ...
/s/strings.htm - 9k

Struggling (3 Occurrences)

/s/struggling.htm - 7k

Strung (3 Occurrences)

/s/strung.htm - 7k

Harps (27 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Amos 6:5 who strum on the strings of a harp; who invent
for themselves instruments of music, like David; (See NIV). ...
/h/harps.htm - 16k

Harp (36 Occurrences)
... NIV). Amos 6:5 who strum on the strings of a harp; who invent for themselves
instruments of music, like David; (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/h/harp.htm - 20k

Strum: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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