Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
HARP, a musical instrument invented by Jubal, and used by the Jews in seasons of thanksgiving to God, mirth, and joy. Gen 4:21; Gen 31:27; Ps 81:2; Isa 24:8. The instrument suggested any other thought than mourning and sorrow. In the hour of captivity the harp is hung upon the willows, Ps 137:2. David was particularly skilful in the use of it, 1 Sam 16:16,1 Sam 16:23. See Psaltery. The harp was played with the fingers, 1 Sam 16:23, but perhaps also with a; key, as Josephus suggests. The same Egyptian Harp.
author ascribes ten strings to the harp, which would lead us to infer its identity with the "instrument of ten strings," Ps 92:3. " 1 Chr 15:21; Ps 6:12, title. Harps were of different sizes, for some played on them while walking, 1 Sam 10:5, David played before Saul. 1 Sam 16:23; 1 Sam 18:10. There are different accounts of the shape of the harp. The preceding cut is found represented on Egyptian monuments.