(Heb. kinnor), the national instrument of the Hebrews. It was invented by Jubal (
Genesis 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 (
Genesis 31:27 ;
1 Samuel 16:23 ;
2 Chr
20:28 ;
Psalms 33:2 ;
137:2 ).
In Solomon's time harps were made of almug-trees ( 1 Kings 10:11 1 Kings 10:12 ). In 1 Chronicles 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 Samuel 16:16 1 Samuel 16:23 ; 18:10 ; 19:9 . The church in heaven is represented as celebrating the triumphs of the Redeemer "harping with their harps" ( Revelation 14:2 ).
These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.