# lute, lyre #

## Definition: ##

The lute and the lyre are small, stringed, musical instruments that were used by the Israelites to worship God.

* A lyre looks like a small harp, with an open frame that the strings are strung across.
* A lute is very similar to a modern day acoustic guitar, having a wooden sound box and an extended neck on which the strings are strung.
* To play a lute or a lyre, certain strings are held down with the fingers of one hand while 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: [harp](../other/harp.md))

## Bible References: ##

* [1 Kings 10:11-12](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/1ki/10/11)
* [1 Samuel 10:5-6](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/1sa/10/05)
* [2 Chronicles 05:11-12](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/2ch/05/11)