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; Ps 137:2).
In Solomon’s time harps were made of almug-trees (1 Kgs 10:11, 1 Kgs 10:12). 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, 1 Sam 16:23; 1 Sam 18:10; 1 Sam 19:9. The church in heaven is represented as celebrating the triumphs of the Redeemer “harping with their harps” (Rev 14:2).
From Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897), by Matthew George Easton.
