Psalms 33:2 - Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

Bible Comments

Harp. — Heb., khinnôr (LXX. and Vulg., “cithara”), most probably a trigon or three-cornered harp, such as may be seen sculptured in Egyptian bas-reliefs. The number of strings probably varied, as different accounts are given. (See Bible Educator, 1:19.)

With the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. — Properly, as LXX. and Vulg., “with the ten-stringed psaltery.” (See 1 Samuel 10:5.) Evidently a more elaborate instrument than the khinnôr, and with greater capacities. (See Bible Educator, 1:70, and art. “Psaltery” in Smith’s Biblical Dictionary.) From the Greek psalterion comes the title “psalter” for the Book of Psalms. By its derivation it meant an instrument played with the fingers. The word was in use in old English:

“And before hem went minstrels many one,
As harpes, pipes, lutes, and sautry.”

CHAUCER: The Flower and the Leaf, 237.

Psalms 33:2

2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.