Famous Musical Instruments: King David's Harp

 

Blogger: Amber Lemus

Hello friends!

Today we are embarking on the first of a new series where we will talk about the most famous musical instruments in history. As a bit of a musician myself, I found this topic interesting, and I hope you do as well. 

The kinnor in a mosaic found in
 a synagogue in Gaza.
Circa 6th century A.D.
Public Domain.

When you read about King David in your Biblical fiction, what image comes to mind? A young shepherd? A mighty king, who also happened to be a skilled musician? And what about the instrument he's most famously linked with? 

His instrument is a harp, more specifically: the kinnor.

Now, the kinnor wasn't exactly the big, ornate harp we often imagine in Renaissance paintings. Think smaller, more portable – perhaps something like a lyre or a small handheld harp with around ten strings. Imagine the rich, resonant sound it would have made!

For the ancient Israelites, the kinnor wasn't just for entertainment. It was deeply woven into the fabric of their lives and especially their worship. The Psalms, many of which are attributed to David himself, were likely sung accompanied by the kinnor. In fact, some Psalms (such as Psalm 33:2) specifically mention giving thanks to God upon the kinnor. Can you just picture King David, pouring out his heart to God, his joys and his sorrows, with the strings of his kinnor echoing his emotions?  

Depiction of King David composing Psalms
By Gennadii Saus i Segura
Original from the Paris Psalter,
Public Domain

The Talmud relates a legend that King David hung a lyre above his bed. At midnight, a northernly wind would tickle the strings of the harp and awaken David. He would rise and study the Torah until dawn stole over the kingdom.

Beyond David, the kinnor held a significant place in the Temple in Jerusalem. It was one of the instruments played by the Levites during worship services, creating a powerful and moving atmosphere. Sadly, after the destruction of the Temple, the prominent use of the kinnor in Jewish life diminished.

Even so, the image of King David with his kinnor has endured through centuries. It symbolizes not only artistic talent but also a deep connection to God and the power of music to express faith. So, the next time you read about King David, let the image of his kinnor bring a richer understanding of his character and the vibrant musical traditions of ancient Israel. It's a beautiful thread in the tapestry of history, connecting us to a time long ago.

*****

Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award for historical fiction, Amber Lemus inspires hearts through enthralling tales She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest".  

She lives near the Ozarks in her "casita" with her prince charming. Between enjoying life as a boy mom, and spinning stories out of soap bubbles, Amber loves to connect with readers and hang out on Goodreads with other bookish peoples.

Amber is a proud member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association. Visit her online at http://www.amberlemus.com/  and download a FREE story by subscribing to her Newsletter!

Top O’ The Mornin’ To You!

By Kathy Kovach

I’ve always embraced my Celtic roots, from the auburn in my hair to my Irish smile. Movies about Ireland are among my favorites. The Quiet Man with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, and Leap Year, a contemporary love story. Yes, Ireland has always been deep in my soul, until my sister took a DNA test and found we’d spent more time in other European countries than the Emerald Isle.

Maybe I was adopted.

At any rate, here's the craic on some misunderstood Irish facts. (Craic is a common word for fun going's on, gossip, or story.)

First off, let’s talk about Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. He wasn’t Irish. He was but a lad of about sixteen and a Roman citizen of Britain, when he was captured by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland. He escaped to his homeland, became an ordained Bishop, and returned to the land of his captivity as a missionary. Some say he drove the snakes (the pagans) out of Ireland, but more accurately, Saint Patrick brought Christianity into the country. As a result, he was instrumental in changing laws and culture, advocating for women, the poor, and the enslaved. 

Do you know what the national symbol is? The shamrock, you say. Indeed, ‘tis not! Well, not the only one, anyway. A 14th century harp is the official national emblem of Ireland, but not without its controversy. As respected as poets, harpers were held in high esteem. In 1431, Henry the VIII of England declared the musical instrument as the national symbol. He even ordered the image to be used on coins. Eventually, however, harp music fell out of favor. By 1912, the harp was resurrected as a representation of resistance to the United Kingdom, and the image was flown on a green flag. After gaining their independence, the Irish government wished to make it their national symbol once more. But not so fast! Guinness, as in the beer, had already registered the figure in 1862, long before the revolution. Not to be deterred, the government simply flipped the harp from left to right, effectively distinguishing the harp’s image for posterity.

Picture is of my husband and our granddaughter, Sophia.

If you ask an Irishman a direct question, they will not answer with a simple “yes” or “no.” This is because these words are not in their original Gaelic vocabulary that dates back to the 4th century. When you inquire if they want to join you at the pub, they will answer with “I would” or “I would not.” More than likely the former as many of them love their beer—the one with the harp on it.

The term, boycott, has been bandied about lately, along with the word, cancel. But where did it originate? If you look at the word itself, it gives no clue to its meaning, unlike cancel, which, in part, comes from the Latin cancellare, meaning “to make like a lattice” or in short, “cross out.” Rather, the word started in Ireland. In 1880, Captain Charles Boycott, a land agent from Ulster, refused to reduce the rents of his employer’s tenants. As a result, he was ostracized by the entire community. The Times of London coined the expression, to boycott, as a term of organized isolation.

“Top o’ the mornin’ to you.” The phrase that kicked off this article was once used in the British Isles during the Victorian era, gaining popularity in Ireland. However, if you said it to an Irishman today, you’d be laughed at. Hollywood resurrected the archaic term and joined a long list of Irish stereotypes. Notably, Clancy, the red-haired hot head with an ale in one hand and a shillelagh (walking stick) in the other, searching for a Leprechaun and his pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

The drop of Irish blood in me wishes to bestow a blessing before we part:

MissAdventure Brides Collection
Seven daring damsels don’t let the norms of their eras hold them back. Along the way these women attract the attention of men who admire their bravery and determination, but will they let love grow out of the adventures? Includes:
"Riders of the Painted Star" by Kathleen E. Kovach

1936 Arizona
Zadie Fitzpatrick, an artist from New York, is commissioned to go on location in Arizona to paint illustrations for an author of western novels and falls for the male model.

Kathleen E. Kovach is a Christian romance author published traditionally through Barbour Publishing, Inc. as well as indie. Kathleen and her husband, Jim, raised two sons while living the nomadic lifestyle for over twenty years in the Air Force. Now planted in northeast Colorado, she's a grandmother, though much too young for that. Kathleen is a longstanding member of American Christian Fiction Writers. An award-winning author, she presents spiritual truths with a giggle, proving herself as one of God's peculiar people.

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