Psalms 33:2 - Exposition

Praise the Lord with harp . The harp obtains mention here for the first time in the Psalms. Reference, however, had been made to it previously in Genesis, Job, and the First Book of Samuel. There is reason to believe that the instrument, as known to the Hebrews, was a simple one, consisting of a nearly triangular framework of wood, crossed by seven strings. The Egyptians were acquainted from early times with a very much more elaborate instrument—harps which stood six feet high upon a broad base of their own, and had as many as twenty-two strings. The harp was regarded by the Hebrews as peculiarly fitted for sacred music (see 1 Samuel 10:5 ; 2 Samuel 6:5 ; 1 Chronicles 15:16 ; 1 Chronicles 25:1 , 1 Chronicles 25:3 , 1 Chronicles 25:6 ; 2 Chronicles 5:12 ; 2 Chronicles 29:25 ; Nehemiah 12:27 , etc.). Sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings ; rather, sing unto him with the lute of ten strings. One instrument only is here mentioned—a lute or psaltery ( nebel ), having ten strings (comp. Psalms 92:3 ; Psalms 144:9 ). The nebel was an instrument differing from the harp chiefly in the arrangement of the strings. It was used in the temple service, as appears from 1 Chronicles 15:6 , 1 Chronicles 15:28 ; 1 Chronicles 25:1 , 1 Chronicles 25:6 ; 2 Chronicles 5:12 ; 2 Chronicles 29:25 , etc.