Topical Encyclopedia Aijeleth is a term found in the superscription of Psalm 22 in the Hebrew Bible. The full phrase is "Aijeleth Shahar," which is often translated as "The Doe of the Dawn" or "The Hind of the Morning." This phrase is understood to be a musical or liturgical term, possibly indicating the tune to which the psalm was to be sung or the style in which it was to be performed. The exact meaning and origin of the term remain uncertain, but it is traditionally associated with themes of suffering and deliverance.Biblical Context Psalm 22 is a poignant and prophetic psalm attributed to King David. It begins with a cry of anguish and abandonment, famously quoted by Jesus Christ on the cross: "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1). The psalm vividly describes the suffering of the psalmist, which Christians interpret as a foreshadowing of the crucifixion of Jesus. The psalm transitions from despair to a declaration of trust in God and ends with a note of triumph and praise. Interpretation and Significance The term "Aijeleth Shahar" has intrigued scholars and theologians due to its enigmatic nature. Some suggest that it may refer to a specific melody known to the ancient Israelites, while others propose it could symbolize the dawning of hope after a period of darkness, aligning with the psalm's movement from lament to praise. In a broader theological context, the imagery of a "doe" or "hind" is often associated with grace, beauty, and swiftness in the Bible. The dawn signifies new beginnings and the breaking of light after night, which can be seen as a metaphor for divine intervention and salvation. Thus, "Aijeleth Shahar" may encapsulate the theme of divine deliverance and the hope of resurrection, resonating with the Christian understanding of Christ's victory over death. Messianic Implications Psalm 22 holds significant messianic implications within Christian theology. The vivid descriptions of suffering, such as being "pierced" and having garments divided (Psalm 22:16-18), are seen as direct prophecies of the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion. The psalm's progression from suffering to praise mirrors the narrative of Christ's death and resurrection, reinforcing the belief in Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Liturgical Use In Jewish and Christian traditions, Psalm 22 has been used in liturgical settings, particularly during times of reflection on suffering and redemption. The term "Aijeleth Shahar" may have guided the musical rendition of the psalm in ancient worship, though its exact application remains speculative. Conclusion While the precise meaning of "Aijeleth Shahar" is not definitively known, its presence in the superscription of Psalm 22 adds a layer of depth to the psalm's rich tapestry of lament and hope. For believers, it serves as a reminder of the enduring promise of God's deliverance and the ultimate triumph of light over darkness. Easton's Bible Dictionary Aijeleth Shahar: Hind of the dawn, a name found in the title of Psalm 22. It is probably the name of some song or tune to the measure of which the psalm was to be chanted. Some, however, understand by the name some instrument of music, or an allegorical allusion to the subject of the psalm. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AIJELETH HASH-SHAHARa'-je-leth hash-sha'-har. See PSALMS; SONG. Strong's Hebrew 365. ayeleth -- "lofty tree," a city and harbor on the Red Sea... hind. hind, Aijeleth The same as 'ayalah; a doe -- hind, Aijeleth. see HEBREW 'ayalah. 364, 365. ayeleth. 365a . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/365.htm - 5k Library The Twenty-Second Psalm. Psalm 22 The Poetical Books. Thesaurus Aijeleth (1 Occurrence)... Easton's Bible Dictionary Aijeleth Shahar: Hind of the dawn, a name found in the title of Psalm 22. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. AIJELETH HASH-SHAHAR. ... /a/aijeleth.htm - 7k Aijeleth-shahar (1 Occurrence) Aijeleth-hash-shahar (1 Occurrence) Song (207 Occurrences) Ai'jalon (10 Occurrences) Morning (264 Occurrences) Music-maker (55 Occurrences) Ail Hind (4 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Aijeleth (1 Occurrence)Psalms 22:1 Subtopics Related Terms Aijeleth-shahar (1 Occurrence) |
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