For the choir director; for flute accompaniment.
A Psalm of David.–TITLE: Psalm 5
When I first read that the Psalms have “Titles,” I didn’t know what it meant. And after reading the explanation, I realized I had never really paid attention to them.
This is understandable because we use the psalm titles differently than ancient Israel did. The titles are not as useful for us.
Instead, we find the psalms themselves relatable to our lives and turn to them for encouragement, hope, and comfort.
The Psalms help us focus our attention back on God and find fresh ways of looking at our own problems and pain.
We care less about who the author was (wrongly assuming David wrote them all) or the instruments used.
Still, the title of a psalm can provide us with some valuable information and give brief glimpses of the worship practices of ancient Israel and the Temple.
It can help us connect to the people of the day in a small way.
So, what is the title of a Psalm?
Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
What is the Title of a Psalm?
The title is the superscription at the head of the psalm. The little notice at the top contains information needed for the recipient, often the choir director. Sometimes there is a lot (Ps. 6 & 18), and other times a little or nothing at all. Interestingly, the title was considered the first verse in the Hebrew Psalter. However, the titles were added later by an editor, which is why most Bible scholars don’t emphasize them. Additionally, some of the information is difficult to understand. But you can still learn some interesting tidbits.
What You Might Find in a Title
All but 34 psalms have titles. But not all of them give you the same amount of information. But what you might find is:
What type it is
- Psalm – a sacred song or hymn, most frequent
- A Psalm of Praise – Psalm 145
- Psalm for Thanksgiving – Psalm 100
- Maskil – contemplative or didactic poem, Psalm 32, 42, 44-45, 52-55, 74, 88-89, 142
- Mikhtam – uncertain, but apparently derived from a verb meaning “to cover,” and may indicate psalms dealing with protection (covering) from one’s enemies or psalms recited silently (lips covering the mouth), Psalm 16, 56-60
- Shiggayon – uncertain, but perhaps refers to an ecstatic song, Psalm 7
- Song – Psalm 65-68, 75, 87-88, 108
- Song of Love – Psalm 45; Ascents – Psalm 120-134
- Song for – the Sabbath day, Psalm 92
- Prayer – Psalm 17, 86, 90, 142
- Higgaion – uncertain, but may mean “meditation” or the use of quieter instruments, Psalm 9:16
- Eduth – testimony
What instruments to use
- With stringed instruments – Psalm 4, 6, 54-55, 67, 76
- With stringed instrument – Psalm 61
- Flute accompaniment – Psalm 5
- Gittith – Psalm 8, 81, 84
- Eight-stringed lyre – Psalm 12
What the occasion was
Psalm 3, 7, 18, 30, 34, 38, 51-52, 54, 59-60, 63, 70, 92, 102, and 142 all add the purpose for which the psalm was written.
For example, Psalm 34 was written when David feigned madness before Abimelech, who drove him away and he departed.
Who the author was
- David – (75 psalms, maybe more)
- Sons of Korah – Psalm 42, 44-49, 84-85, 87-88
- Asaph – Psalm 50, 73-83
- Solomon – Psalm 72, 127
- Heman – Psalm 88
- Ethan – Psalm 89
- Moses – Psalm 90
Who the psalm was for
- The choir director – 55 psalms, possibly to use on special occasions
- Jeduthun – Psalm 39, one of the choir directors appointed by David to lead public worship (1 Chronicles 16:41). Two other psalm titles say, “according to Jeduthun” (Psalm 62, 77).
Possible meanings of Terms
- Upon Aijeleth – literally, “Upon the hind of dawn” and probably the name of a tune, Psalm 22
- According to Shoshannim – means “lilies” and perhaps a wedding tune, Psalm 45, 69, 80
- Set to Alamoth – literally, “maidens” and probably refers to soprano voices, Psalm 46
- According to Mahalath – a term meaning “sickness” and possibly the first word of a well-known tune, Psalm 53
- According to Jonath elem rehokim – probably means “To the tune of the silent dove in far-off lands,” Psalm 56
- Set to Al-tashheth – literally “do not destroy” and possibly a tune, Psalm 57-59, 75
- According to Shushan Eduth – literally “the lily of the testimony” and probably a tune, Psalm 60
- According to Mahalath Leannoth – means “sickness, to humble or afflict,” Psalm 88
Titles Are Not Inspired
The titles were added by editors after the psalm was written and collected.
Therefore, they are not inspired.
However, they are considered historically accurate.
RELATED > > > > > What Is a Psalm? – 3 Things to Know
Title Examples: Psalm 1-10
Psalm 1-2 – No Titles
Psalm 3 – A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son
Psalm 4 – For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
Psalm 5 – For the choir director; for flute accompaniment. A Psalm of David.
Psalm 6 – For the choir director; with stringed instruments, upon an eight-stringed lyre. A Psalm of David.
Psalm 7 – A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning Cush, a Benjamite.
Psalm 8 – For the choir director; on the Gittith. A Psalm of David.
Psalm 9 – For the choir director; on Muth-labben. A Psalm of David.
Psalm 10 – No Title
Final Thoughts
When reading the psalms, you may overlook the titles. It’s understandable, considering why most people read them.
In your mind, the title might not add much. But it does give you a better historical understanding of the Israelite worship in the Temple. Or help clarify the meaning of the psalm as you read it.
For example, you might learn what type of psalm it is, what instruments it used, who wrote it, and why it was written.
Each psalm is part of the inspired word of God, but the titles were added after the psalms were written and are not inspired.
I’m convinced I will never look at the Psalms again without noticing the title.
Is there anything interesting you learned while reading “What Is the Title of a Psalm?”