Meaning
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; 1Sam 16:23; 2Chr 20:28; Ps 33:2; 137:2).
In Solomon's time harps were made of almug-trees (1Kings 10:11, 12). In 1Chr 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 1Sam 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).
