Citazione Commento su I Re 1:40

Hyperbole
As discussed above, Chazal (Chullin 90b and Tammid 29a) as well as Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:47), discuss the Tanach’s use of hyperbole, including city walls which reach the heavens (Devarim 1:28) and the earth cracking from the noise of a party (Melachim I 1:40). While these passages are obvious exaggerations, they are by no means lies since their hyperbolic nature is easily discerned.

Precedents for Interpreting Tanach in a Non-Literal Manner
Undoubtedly certain phrases in the Torah are not to be taken literally. Chazal (Chullin 90b and Tammid 29a) explicitly state that the Torah occasionally uses hyperbole. Devarim 1:28 refers to cities surrounded by walls which reach the heavens, a clear example of hyperbole. Melachim I 1:40 speaks of the earth cracking from the noise made by the party of Adoniyahu, another obvious exaggeration. These are by no means lies, since it is clear to any intelligent reader that these descriptions are obvious exaggerations.

The number of Levites (of whom Scripture tells specifically as singing hymns) is eight. They were: אסף, הימן, ידותן ,איתן האזרחי,; this makes four. Add Levi, who is referred to here as בן “son;” this makes five; then there is the one called על הגיתית, a reference to the family of Gattit a song offered by that family who hosted the Holy Ark. (compare Chronicles I 13,13). This gives us six. Add the sons of Korach; this makes seven. Finally, there are the “sons” of Moses giving us a grand total of eight such “singers,” or better: “composers of songs and hymns” who were all Levites. These eight people between them used eight musical instruments. The instruments are known as:
1) נגינות (Psalms. 4,1).
2) מחלת, (Psalms. 53,1).
3) עלמות שיר (Psalms. 46,1).
4) משאת (Chronicles I 15,22).
5) נחילות (Psalms .5,1).
6) שושנים, (Psalms. 45,1).
7) גתית, (Psalms. 8,1).
8) שמינית, (Psalms 6,1).