# lute, lyre # ## Definition: ## A lute and a lyre are small, stringed, musical instruments that were used by the Israelites to worship God. * A lyre looks like a small harp, having strings strung across an open frame. * A lute is very similar to a modernday acoustic guitar, having a wooden sound box and an extended neck on which strings are strung. * In playing a lute or a lyre, certain strings are held down with the fingers of one hand while these and other strings are plucked or strummed with the other hand. * The lute, lyre, and harp are all played by strumming or plucking the strings. * The number of strings varied, but the Old Testament specifically mentions instruments that had ten strings. (See also: [[other/harp]]) ## Bible References: ## * [1 Kings 10:11-12](en/tn/1ki/help/10/11) * [1 Samuel 10:5-6](en/tn/1sa/help/10/05) * [2 Chronicles 05:11-12](en/tn/2ch/help/05/11)