Background Material On The Psalms
Having examined some of unique characteristics of Hebrew poetry in general, let's now focus on the book of Psalms itself...
The Origin Of The Word "Psalm"
a.)‘Mizmor’  is the  Hebrew word for PSALMS & means melody (music), or songs (words –poetry with/without Music)…Ps. 67 & 68…used 57 times…used in Praise & Worship..From a root  word meaning to ‘prune or cut off’ ..thus speaks of a composition that cuts off all else, is simple & to the point
The Greek word is "psalmos", from the Hebrew word "zmr" meaning "to pluck"; i.e., taking hold of the strings of an instrument with the fingers. It implies that the psalms were originally composed to be accompanied by a stringed instrument. "Psalms are songs for the lyre, and therefore lyric poems in the strictest sense."(Delitzsch, Psalms, Vol. I, p. 7) David and others therefore originally wrote the Psalms to be sung to the accompaniment of the harp.

In New Testament worship, we are told to sing the psalms to the accompaniment of the heart:
"...in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ep 5:19)
The phrase, "making melody," comes from the Greek word "psallontes" (literally, plucking the strings of). Therefore, we are to "pluck the strings of our heart" as we sing the psalms (i.e., to sing with emotion).
b)Tehillium  There is NOT a Hebrew Title for the Book of Psalms that encompasses all of the Psalms…Many Psalms (2 out of 3) had individual Titles. Probably the most common Title was ‘Tehillium’ ( used of Ps. 96 + 30 other Psalms) …The root  of Tehillium is ‘Hallal’(Hallelujah) or ‘Praise’…literally means to show, be brilliant, be clear(SHINE)……Point: As we Praise God we begin to see things more clearly than any other timeJ!
 
There is NOT a Normal TITLE For the Book of Psalms in its entirety, about a 116 of the 150 Psalms were given each an individual ‘TITLE’ or inscription showing it was intended for a specific Instrument or Chief Musician
‘UPON’ means theme ,occasion, object of attention, could also mean the type of instrument used
‘OF’ = Author
‘FOR’ = Whom the Psalm was directed to for use or attention(Ps.72,84)
BREAKDOWN of Titles: 52 had simple title of ‘A Psalm of David’, 14 had Historical Titles( ex. When David fled from His enemies) 4 Tiles listed a specific purpose like for Sabbath day,15 Had a Degree , 31 had special & unique inscriptions
No paragraphs in Hebrew so had to decide beginning of next Psalm
Some TITLES…
MICHTAM(Mik-tam)  Meaning “To Teach”,also suggests engraving on tablets, alluding to the 12 tribes engraved on precious stones on the breast plate of the High Priest, signifying Israel was His special Treasure engraved upon  God’s Heart… Psalm 16,56,57,58,59,60
SHIGGAION,SHIGIONOTH Means Obscure, wild , rhythmic song & dance, ‘Moffatt’ says of this title, means a song of irregular form; wild & vehement in character,’ they were beside themselves as they danced’, A reaction to a heavy anointing of the Spirit of the Lord, dancing , praising , shouting, singing with unrestraint… see David in II Sam. 6:16..Psalm 7, Hab. 3:1
Shoshannim Means ‘Lilies or Choice Ones’ 45,69,80
MASCHIL (Mas-kil) Means Instruction & also alludes to skillful singing & playing  Psalm32,42,44,45,52,53,54,55,74,78,88,89,142
JEDUTHUN Means ‘A Choir of Praise’ Jeduthun was formerly Ethan..A Levite  one of the three masters of music appointed by David. (1 Chr. 16:41, 42; 25:1-6) His office was generally to preside over the music of the temple service. They set up a perpetual order of praise & worship in the Temple…Through their singing & playing of instruments God was glorified & spoke prophetically to His...

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