1 Chronicles 6:5

Played before the Lord. The transfer of the ark to Jerusalem was to be made a joyous as well as impressive occasion. There was instrumental music as well as singing by the accompanying throngs. The ark represented to the people the presence of God, and they rejoiced in His presence (see 1 Chron. 13:8).

On harps. The listing of various types of musical instruments is an indication that there was much musical skill at the time of David. There is evidence from both Egypt and Mesopotamia of a high development of music at least 1,000 years before this time.