Topical Bible: Maschil

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Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Meaning:
The term "Maschil" is derived from the Hebrew word "מַשְׂכִּיל" (maskil), which is generally understood to mean "instruction" or "contemplation." It is a designation found in the titles of certain Psalms, indicating that these compositions are meant to impart wisdom or provide insight. The term suggests a didactic purpose, encouraging the reader or listener to ponder the deeper meanings and teachings contained within the Psalm.

Occurrences in the Psalms:
The word "Maschil" appears in the titles of thirteen Psalms: Psalm 32, 42, 44, 45, 52, 53, 54, 55, 74, 78, 88, 89, and 142. Each of these Psalms carries a unique message or lesson, often reflecting on themes such as repentance, the nature of God, the struggles of the righteous, and the importance of trusting in the Lord.

1. Psalm 32: A Maschil of David, this Psalm emphasizes the joy of forgiveness and the blessedness of those whose transgressions are forgiven. It serves as a meditation on the importance of confession and the relief that comes from divine pardon. "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered" (Psalm 32:1).

2. Psalm 42: Often attributed to the sons of Korah, this Maschil expresses a deep longing for God amidst distress. It reflects the soul's thirst for the divine presence and the hope in God's salvation. "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God" (Psalm 42:1).

3. Psalm 44: This communal lament, also attributed to the sons of Korah, recalls God's past deliverances and questions His apparent absence in times of trouble. It is a Maschil that encourages trust in God's ultimate justice and faithfulness.

4. Psalm 45: A royal wedding song, this Maschil celebrates the king's majesty and the beauty of the bride. It is often interpreted as a messianic Psalm, pointing to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. "Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom" (Psalm 45:6).

5. Psalm 52: A Maschil of David, this Psalm contrasts the fate of the wicked with the security of the righteous who trust in God's steadfast love. It serves as a warning against pride and deceit.

6. Psalm 53: Similar to Psalm 14, this Maschil reflects on the folly of denying God and the corruption of humanity. It underscores the need for divine intervention and salvation.

7. Psalm 54: Another Maschil of David, this Psalm is a plea for deliverance from enemies. It highlights God's role as a helper and sustainer in times of trouble.

8. Psalm 55: This Maschil captures David's anguish over betrayal by a close friend, yet it also reaffirms his trust in God's justice and protection. "Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken" (Psalm 55:22).

9. Psalm 74: A Maschil of Asaph, this Psalm laments the destruction of the sanctuary and calls upon God to remember His covenant. It is a cry for divine intervention and restoration.

10. Psalm 78: This historical Maschil recounts the history of Israel, emphasizing the importance of remembering God's works and teaching them to future generations. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness.

11. Psalm 88: A Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite, this is one of the most somber Psalms, expressing deep despair and a sense of abandonment. Yet, it is a testament to persistent faith in God amidst suffering.

12. Psalm 89: A Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite, this Psalm praises God's covenant with David and laments the apparent failure of that promise. It is a reflection on God's faithfulness and the hope for its fulfillment.

13. Psalm 142: A Maschil of David, this is a prayer for deliverance when he was in the cave. It highlights the themes of seeking refuge in God and trusting in His deliverance.

Theological Significance:
The Maschil Psalms are rich in theological insight, offering instruction on the nature of God, human sinfulness, the need for repentance, and the assurance of divine faithfulness. They encourage believers to seek wisdom and understanding through contemplation and reflection on God's Word. These Psalms serve as a guide for personal and communal worship, providing a framework for expressing a range of emotions and experiences in the context of faith.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Maschil

(song of wisdom), the title of thirteen Psalms 32,45,44,45,52-55,74,78,68,69,142 Ewald regards (Psalms 47:7) (Authorized Version, "sing ye praises with understanding; " Heb. maschil) as the key to the meaning of maschil, which in his opinion is a musical term denoting a melody requiring great skill in its execution.

ATS Bible Dictionary

Maschil

Is a term found as a title of thirteen Psalms, and imports one that instructs or makes to understand. Some interpreters think it means an instrument of music; but it more probably signifies an instructive song.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Instructing, occurs in the title of thirteen Psalms (32, 42, 44, etc.). It denotes a song enforcing some lesson of wisdom or piety, a didactic song. In Psalm 47:7 it is rendered, Authorized Version, "with understanding;" Revised Version, marg., "in a skilful psalm."

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

MASCHIL

mas'-kil.

See PSALMS.

Strong's Hebrew

4905. maskiyl -- a hedge
... a hedge. Transliteration: maskiyl Phonetic Spelling: (mas-keel') Short Definition:
Maschil. Maschil From sakal; instructive, ie A didactic poem -- Maschil. ...
/hebrew/4905.htm - 5k

Library

Psalm 32
... Psalm 32. A Psalm of David, Maschil. 8,6,8,6. ^1O blessed is the man to whom. is
freely pardoned. All the transgression he hath done,. whose sin is covered. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 32.htm

Psalm 142
... Psalm 142. Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave. 8,6,8,6. ^1I
with my voice cry'd to the Lord,. with it made my request: ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 142.htm

Psalm 74
... Psalm 74. Maschil of Asaph. 8,6,8,6. ^1O God, why hast thou cast us off? is it for
evermore? Against thy pasture-sheep why doth. thine anger smoke so sore? ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 74.htm

Psalm 44
... Psalm 44. To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. 8,6,8,6. ^1O
God, we with our ears have heard,. our fathers have us told,. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 44.htm

Psalm 89
... Psalm 89. Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite. 8,6,8,6. ^1God's mercies I will ever sing;
and with my mouth I shall. Thy faithfulness make to be known. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 89.htm

Psalm 78
... Psalm 78. Maschil of Asaph. 8,6,8,6. ^1Attend, my people, to my law; thereto give
thou an ear; The words that from my mouth proceed. attentively do hear. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 78.htm

Psalm 52
... To the chief Musician, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and
told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. 8,6,8,6. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 52.htm

Psalm 55
... Psalm 55. To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. 8,6,8,6.
^1Lord, hear my pray'r, hide not thyself. from my entreating voice: ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 55.htm

Psalm 88
... Psalm 88. A Song or Psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief Musician upon
Mahalath Leannoth, Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. 8,6,8,6. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 88.htm

Psalm 53
... Psalm 53. To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, A Psalm of David.
8,6,8,6. ^1That there is not a God, the fool. doth in his heart conclude: ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 53.htm

Thesaurus

Maschil (26 Occurrences)
... psalm.". Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MASCHIL. mas'-kil. See PSALMS.
Multi-Version Concordance Maschil (26 Occurrences). Psalms ...
/m/maschil.htm - 15k

Maskil (13 Occurrences)
... Maskil (13 Occurrences). Psalms 32:1 A Psalm of David. Maschil. ... (See RSV NIV). Psalms
42:1 For the Leader; Maschil of the sons of Korah. (42:2) (See RSV NIV). ...
/m/maskil.htm - 8k

Mahalath (6 Occurrences)
... Mahalath Leannoth Maschil. This word leannoth seems to point to some kind
of instrument unknown (Psalm 88, title). ... Mahalath Maschil. ...
/m/mahalath.htm - 11k

Music-maker (55 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Psalms 42:1 <To the chief music-maker. Maschil. ... Psalms 45:1 <To the chief
music-maker; put to Shoshannim. Of the sons of Korah. Maschil. ...
/m/music-maker.htm - 23k

Musician (112 Occurrences)
... Amen, and Amen. Psalm 42 For the Chief Musician. Maschil of the sons of Korah.
(ASV). ... 'A Psalm' of the sons of Korah. Maschil. (ASV). ...
/m/musician.htm - 39k

Psalm (213 Occurrences)
... Psalm 32 'A Psalm' of David. Maschil. (ASV). Psalms 32:1 By David. ... Amen, and Amen.
Psalm 42 For the Chief Musician. Maschil of the sons of Korah. (ASV). ...
/p/psalm.htm - 37k

Neginoth (6 Occurrences)
... (WBS). Psalms 54:1 <To the chief music-maker; on Neginoth. Maschil. Of David. ... (BBE
WBS). Psalms 55:1 <To the chief music-maker, on Neginoth. Maschil. ...
/n/neginoth.htm - 9k

Leannoth (2 Occurrences)
... Psalm 88 A Song, a Psalm of the sons of Korah; for the Chief Musician; set to
Mahalath Leannoth. Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. (ASV). ...Maschil. ...
/l/leannoth.htm - 7k

Ezrahite (5 Occurrences)
...Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. (ASV). Psalms 88:1 A Song. ... Psalm 89 Maschil of Ethan
the Ezrahite. (ASV). Psalms 89:1 A contemplation by Ethan, the Ezrahite. ...
/e/ezrahite.htm - 9k

Stringed (34 Occurrences)
... instruments. Maschil of David; when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, Doth not
David hide himself with us? (ASV). ... instruments. Maschil of David. (ASV). ...
/s/stringed.htm - 18k

Resources

How many psalms did David write? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Maschil (26 Occurrences)

Psalms 31:24
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, All ye that hope in Jehovah. Psalm 32 'A Psalm' of David. Maschil.
(ASV)

Psalms 32:1
<Of David. Maschil.> Happy is he who has forgiveness for his wrongdoing, and whose sin is covered.
(BBE JPS WBS)

Psalms 41:13
Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, From everlasting and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen. Psalm 42 For the Chief Musician. Maschil of the sons of Korah.
(ASV)

Psalms 42:1
<To the chief music-maker. Maschil. Of the sons of Korah.> Like the desire of the roe for the water-streams, so is my soul's desire for you, O God.
(BBE JPS WBS)

Psalms 43:5
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him, 'Who is' the help of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 44 For the Chief Musician. 'A Psalm' of the sons of Korah. Maschil.
(ASV)

Psalms 44:1
<To the chief music-maker. Of the sons of Korah Maschil.> It has come to our ears, O God, our fathers have given us the story, of the works which you did in their days, in the old times,
(BBE JPS WBS)

Psalms 44:26
Rise up for our help, And redeem us for thy lovingkindness' sake. Psalm 45 For the Chief Musician; set to Shoshannim. 'A Psalm' of the sons of Korah. Maschil. A Song of loves.
(ASV)

Psalms 45:1
<To the chief music-maker; put to Shoshannim. Of the sons of Korah. Maschil. A Song of loves.> My heart is flowing over with good things; my words are of that which I have made for a king; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
(BBE JPS WBS)

Psalms 51:19
Then will thou delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, In burnt-offering and in whole burnt-offering: Then will they offer bullocks upon thine altar. Psalm 52 For the Chief Musician. Maschil of David; when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Abimelech.
(ASV)

Psalms 52:1
<To the chief music-maker. Maschil. Of David. When Doeg the Edomite came to Saul saying, David has come to the house of Ahimelech.> Why do you take pride in wrongdoing, lifting yourself up against the upright man all the day?
(BBE JPS WBS)

Psalms 52:9
I will give thee thanks for ever, because thou hast done it; And I will hope in thy name, for it is good, in the presence of thy saints. Psalm 53 For the Chief Musician; set to Mahalath. Maschil of David.
(ASV)

Psalms 53:1
<To the chief music-maker; put to Mahalath. Maschil. Of David.> The foolish man has said in his heart, God will not do anything. They are unclean, they have done evil works; there is not one who does good.
(BBE JPS WBS)

Psalms 53:6
Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Then shall Jacob rejoice, 'and' Israel shall be glad. Psalm 54 For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. Maschil of David; when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us?
(ASV)

Psalms 54:1
<To the chief music-maker; on Neginoth. Maschil. Of David. When the Ziphites came and said to Saul, Is not David keeping himself secret among us?> Let your name be my salvation, O God; let my cause be judged by your strength.
(BBE JPS WBS)

Psalms 54:7
For he hath delivered me out of all trouble; And mine eye hath seen 'my desire' upon mine enemies. Psalm 55 For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. Maschil of David.
(ASV)

Psalms 55:1
<To the chief music-maker, on Neginoth. Maschil. Of David.> Give hearing to my prayer, O God; and let not your ear be shut against my request.
(BBE JPS WBS)

Psalms 73:28
But it is good for me to draw near unto God: I have made the Lord Jehovah my refuge, That I may tell of all thy works. Psalm 74 Maschil of Asaph.
(ASV)

Psalms 74:1
<Maschil. Of Asaph.> Of God, why have you put us away from you for ever? why is the fire of your wrath smoking against the sheep who are your care?
(BBE JPS WBS)

Psalms 77:20
Thou leddest thy people like a flock, By the hand of Moses and Aaron. Psalm 78 Maschil of Asaph.
(ASV)

Psalms 78:1
<Maschil. Of Asaph.> Give ear, O my people, to my law; let your ears be bent down to the words of my mouth.
(BBE JPS WBS)

Psalms 87:7
They that sing as well as they that dance 'shall say', All my fountains are in thee. Psalm 88 A Song, a Psalm of the sons of Korah; for the Chief Musician; set to Mahalath Leannoth. Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite.
(ASV)

Psalms 88:1
<A Song. A Psalm. Of the sons of Korah. To the chief music-maker; put to Mahalath Leannoth. Maschil. Of Heman the Ezrahite.> O Lord, God of my salvation, I have been crying to you for help by day and by night:
(BBE JPS WBS)

Psalms 88:18
Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, And mine acquaintance into darkness. Psalm 89 Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite.
(ASV)

Psalms 89:1
<Maschil. Of Ethan the Ezrahite.> My song will be of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make his faith clear to all generations.
(BBE JPS WBS)

Psalms 141:10
Let the wicked fall into their own nets, Whilst that I withal escape. Psalm 142 Maschil of David, when he was in the cave; a Prayer.
(ASV)

Psalms 142:1
<Maschil. Of David. A prayer when he was in the hole of the rock.> The sound of my cry went up to the Lord; with my voice I made my prayer for grace to the Lord.
(BBE JPS WBS)

Subtopics

Maschil

Related Terms

Meshech (11 Occurrences)

Maschil (26 Occurrences)

Nations (683 Occurrences)

Table (125 Occurrences)

Gether (2 Occurrences)

Michmash (10 Occurrences)

Mashal (1 Occurrence)

Mesech (1 Occurrence)

Parmashta (1 Occurrence)