The Harp In Worship

The harp is an ancient musical instrument. The first mention of this Biblical musical instrument is found in Genesis 4:21

“His brother’s name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute” (NKJV).

The harp (Hebrew: nevel) and lyre (Hebrew: kinnor) are two stringed instruments most frequently mentioned in the Bible. King David, the Israelite Psalmist of the Bible, is well known for his musical skills and abilities in playing the harp and lyre. According to Josephus, the first-century CE Jewish historian, the harp (or psaltery) is a ten or twelve-stringed instrument with a broad resonance body that is plucked with fingers for music. Scriptures indicates it is a ten-stringed instrument:

Psalm 33:2 “Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto Him with the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound”.

Psalm 92:3 “Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound”.

Psalm 144:9 “I will sing a new song unto Thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto Thee”.

"The marvels of God are not brought forth from oneself. Rather, it is more like a chord, a sound that is played. The tone does not come out of the chord itself but rather through the touch of the musician. I am, of course, the lyre and harp of God's kindness" - Hildegard of Bingen, Germany (1098-1179)

In ancient times, harp music was used in worship, prayer, meditation, healing and deliverance. Today, harp music is being restored in the Church for worship, and what a blessed thing it is.

The Biblical harp (or psaltery) is a musical instrument, when played by anointed fingers and breathed-upon by the Spirit of God, brings physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. The gentle soothing sound of the harp brings physical and emotional healing.

David played the harp for King Saul when he was in despair and torment and he was refreshed and well, and evil spirit departed from him. David as a shepherd boy must have spent a lot of time in the field, looking after the sheep and playing his harp. He most probably used it for meditation, to bring inner peace and harmony with God Himself and nature, His creation.

Harp music is also uplifting for personal devotion, prayer and special moments that call for healing and deliverance.

Reviving the harp music in worship in the church is divine and it is fulfilling the Scriptures of Restoration of the Tabernacle of David.

Revelation 5:8

“Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints”.

I believe the author and origin of the harp is therefore God Himself. It is heaven’s musical instrument, given by the Creator to the first man (Adam & Eve’s descendants) to use for physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing. It is given to man so that through the music of the harp, man can connect to the Source - God Himself.

The harp in worship and introduction of the harp music in worship, prayer and intercession is God's will.

In this end times, as God is restoring the Tabernacle of David (Amos 9:11, Acts 15:16-17), He is calling again for the renewing of the playing of the harp in intercession and worship around the world. The School of the Prophetic Harp has been established to offer practical instruction on the playing of the harp as well as spiritual insights into the role of the harp and harp music in worship, healing, deliverance and intercession.

For upcoming harp schools around the world, visit: www.propheticharp.com

Quote by William P. White

"The Bible is a harp with a thousand strings...Play on all of them, keeping them in their places in the divine scale, and you will hear heavenly music all the time".