The Sound of Many Harps

John was overwhelmed, struggling to find words to match the wonders of Heaven he’d seen. It was filled with sights of splendor, but also with glorious sounds. One specific sound was the harp: John saw living creatures and elders “each one holding a harp” (Revelation 5:8) and described hearing a voice sounding like “harpists playing on their harps.”

This instrument has a unique history for God’s people. As a boy, David played the harp for King Saul, and the impact was miraculous, bringing refreshment and healing (1 Samuel 16:23). The harp was so important to David that he later set aside men in his army to prophesy with harps (1 Chronicles 25:1-3). The Bible tells us that harps are an integral part of praising God (Psalm 33:2).

What might these harps have sounded like? We know from modern recordings that the harp produces a natural sound, as each string resonates, vibrating with the perfect pitch as designed by God. Chords and arpeggios can be both light and full. Listeners almost float on air, with lyrical melodies. As we know from the Bible, the sound of the harp can be soothing and gentle, even healing. Yet, when played in a harp choir, the sound can be overpowering.

Here on earth, taste in music often is very individual, with preferences unique to people and cultures. Styles also can change from generation to generation. But we can anticipate, as John discovered, the overwhelming impact of the sounds in Heaven!

How do you imagine Heaven? No matter what your standards and tastes might be, you can be sure that Heaven itself is more glorious and awe-inspiring than you can imagine! What an experience awaits you there!