The Holy King and Prophet David the Psalmist

The graceful curves of the precious harp represent the image of the Old Testament holy king and prophet David the Psalmist. This melodic instrument embodies the motifs of a blooming Garden of Eden and music, where thin, different leaves form a smooth contour decorated with beaded spikes and inflorescences of lush flowers. The miniature work is crowned with the image of a royal crown, symbolically combined with the center of the product — the icon of the holy King David the Psalmist. Being the ideal ruler from whom Jesus Christ came, the holy king is also revered as the heavenly patron saint of singing and music, who turned the gift of music to the service of God, praising the goodness of the Heavenly King. The saint thanked God for His mercies and prophesied of the times to come. All the biblical poetry and church hymnography goes back to the songs composed by David. Since childhood, Saint David tended his father's flock and played many musical instruments, composing prayer hymns addressed to God. Having shown himself to be a reliable and courageous man, God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint David in the presence of his father and brothers, indicating his future reign. With the anointing, the Spirit of God descended upon David and rested on him (1 Sam.16:1-13). "And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him, for it is he" (Ps 88:21). In his youth, Saint David was invited to the court of King Saul, where, playing the harp (kinor), he calmed the severe attacks of melancholy that tormented the king. "And when the spirit of God was upon Saul, David took up the harp and played, and Saul became more joyful and better, and the evil spirit departed from him" (1 Samuel 16:23). After Saul's reign, David became king of the state of Israel. Wisely governing the country, he took care of pleasing God and the benefit of the people. Israel was becoming a majestic state. He used his gift as a singer to foster in his people the spirit of faith and piety, love for the motherland and other virtues. During the years of trial, delving into the ways of Providence with special consideration, he poured out deep sorrow before God and asked for His help. David's inspired narratives were subsequently compiled into a book of Psalms or a Psalter, which is still heard in worship services. On the reverse side of the icon are the words of prayers: Psalm 150 "Praise God in His saints, praise Him in the confirmation of His power. Praise Him according to His strength, praise Him according to the multitude of His majesty. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet, praise Him with the psalter and the harp. Praise Him in the tympanum and the face, praise Him in the strings and the organ. Praise Him in the cymbals of the well-spoken, praise Him in the cymbals of the shouting. Let every breath praise the Lord." "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, through the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother, through the power of the Precious and Life-giving Cross and the holy Heavenly bodiless powers, and of our venerable and God-bearing fathers, and of the holy prophet David, and of all the saints, have mercy and save me, a sinner, for you are Good and love mankind."