Harp

(Heb. kinnor), the national instrument of the Hebrews. It was invented by Jubal (Gen. 4:21). Some think the word kinnor denotes the whole class of stringed instruments. It was used as an accompaniment to songs of cheerfulness as well as of praise to God (Gen. 31:27; 1 Sam. 16:23; 2 Chr. 20:28; Ps. 33:2; 137:2). In Solomon’s time harps were made of almug-trees (1 Kings 10:11, 12). In 1 Chr. 15:21 mention is made of “harps on the Sheminith;” Revised Version, “harps set to the Sheminith;” better perhaps “harps of eight strings.” The soothing effect of the music of the harp is referred to 1 Sam. 16:16, 23; 18:10; 19:9. The church in heaven is represented as celebrating the triumphs of the Redeemer “harping with their harps” (Rev. 14:2).

The harp was the national instrument of the Hebrews, and was well known throughout Asia. Moses assigns its invention to Jubal during the antediluvian period. (Genesis 4:21) Josephus records that the harp had ten strings, and that it was played on with the plectrum. Sometimes it was smaller having only eight strings, and was usually played with the fingers.

HARP, a musical instrument invented by Jubal, and used by the Jews in seasons of thanksgiving to God, mirth, and joy. Gen 4:21; Gen 31:27; Ps 81:2; Isa 24:8. The instrument suggested any other thought than mourning and sorrow. In the hour of captivity the harp is hung upon the willows, Ps 137:2. David was particularly skilful in the use of it, 1 Sam 16:16,1 Sam 16:23. See Psaltery. The harp was played with the fingers, 1 Sam 16:23, but perhaps also with a; key, as Josephus suggests. The same Egyptian Harp. author ascribes ten strings to the harp, which would lead us to infer its identity with the "instrument of ten strings," Ps 92:3. Sometimes it had only eight strings, and was called "the harp on the Sheminith." 1 Chr 15:21; Ps 6:12, title. Harps were of different sizes, for some played on them while walking, 1 Sam 10:5, David played before Saul. 1 Sam 16:23; 1 Sam 18:10. There are different accounts of the shape of the harp. The preceding cut is found represented on Egyptian monuments.

HARP, a musical instrument invented by Jubal, and used by the Jews in seasons of thanksgiving to God, mirth, and joy. Gen 4:21; Gen 31:27; Ps 81:2; Isa 24:8. The instrument suggested any other thought than mourning and sorrow. In the hour of captivity the harp is hung upon the willows, Ps 137:2. David was particularly skilful in the use of it, 1 Sam 16:16,1 Sam 16:23. See Psaltery. The harp was played with the fingers, 1 Sam 16:23, but perhaps also with a; key, as Josephus suggests. The same Egyptian Harp. author ascribes ten strings to the harp, which would lead us to infer its identity with the "instrument of ten strings," Ps 92:3. Sometimes it had only eight strings, and was called "the harp on the Sheminith." 1 Chr 15:21; Ps 6:12, title. Harps were of different sizes, for some played on them while walking,

1 Sam 10:5, David played before Saul. 1 Sam 16:23; 1 Sam 18:10. There are different accounts of the shape of the harp. The preceding cut is found represented on Egyptian monuments.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A musical instrument consisting of a triangular frame furnished with strings and sometimes with pedals, held upright, and played with the fingers.

2. A constellation; Lyra, or the Lyre.

3. A grain sieve. [Scot.] Æolian harp. See under Æolian. Harp seal (Zoöl.), an arctic seal (Phoca Groenlandica). The adult males have a light-colored body, with a harp-shaped mark of black on each side, and the face and throat black. Called also saddler, and saddleback. The immature ones are called bluesides. -- Harp shell (Zoöl.), a beautiful marine gastropod shell of the genus Harpa, of several species, found in tropical seas. See Harpa.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To play on the harp. I heard the voice of harpers, harping with their harps. Rev. xiv. 2.

2. To dwell on or recur to a subject tediously or monotonously in speaking or in writing; to refer to something repeatedly or continually; -- usually with on or upon. "Harpings upon old themes." W. Irving. Harping on what I am, Not what he knew I was. Shak. To harp on one string, to dwell upon one subject with disagreeable or wearisome persistence. [Collog.]

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To play on, as a harp; to play (a tune) on the harp; to develop or give expression to by skill and art; to sound forth as from a harp; to hit upon. Thou 'harped my fear aright. Shak.