Definition and Meaning:
The term "Al-taschith" is a Hebrew phrase that translates to "Do not destroy" or "Destroy not." It is used as a musical or liturgical term in the titles of several Psalms, indicating a specific tune or style to which these Psalms were to be sung. The phrase is traditionally understood to be a directive or a plea, possibly reflecting the content or the emotional tone of the Psalms it introduces.

Biblical References:
The phrase "Al-taschith" appears in the titles of four Psalms in the Book of Psalms: Psalm 57, Psalm 58, Psalm 59, and Psalm 75. Each of these Psalms is attributed to David and is associated with a particular historical or spiritual context.

1. Psalm 57: The title reads, "For the choirmaster. To the tune of 'Do Not Destroy.' A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave." This Psalm is a prayer for deliverance and protection, reflecting David's trust in God's mercy amidst persecution.

2. Psalm 58: The title states, "For the choirmaster. To the tune of 'Do Not Destroy.' A Miktam of David." This Psalm is an imprecatory prayer, calling for divine justice against wicked rulers and judges.

3. Psalm 59: The title reads, "For the choirmaster. To the tune of 'Do Not Destroy.' A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him." This Psalm is a plea for deliverance from enemies, expressing confidence in God's protection and justice.

4. Psalm 75: The title states, "For the choirmaster: To the tune of 'Do Not Destroy.' A Psalm of Asaph. A song." This Psalm is a song of thanksgiving and praise, acknowledging God's righteous judgment and sovereignty.

Historical and Theological Context:
The use of "Al-taschith" in these Psalms suggests a common theme of seeking God's intervention and protection in times of distress. The historical context of these Psalms often involves David's experiences of persecution and his reliance on God for deliverance. Theologically, the phrase underscores the belief in God's power to save and the importance of trusting in His providence.

Musical and Liturgical Significance:
"Al-taschith" likely served as a musical instruction, indicating a specific melody or style familiar to the ancient Israelite worship community. The repetition of this phrase in the titles of multiple Psalms suggests its significance in the liturgical practices of the time, possibly evoking a particular mood or setting for worship.

Interpretation and Application:
From a conservative Christian perspective, the use of "Al-taschith" in these Psalms can be seen as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's protection and justice in the face of adversity. It reflects a deep trust in God's ability to preserve and deliver His people, encouraging believers to turn to Him in prayer and worship during challenging times. The phrase also highlights the enduring relevance of the Psalms as expressions of faith and reliance on God's unchanging character.AL-TASHHETH; AL-TASCHITH

al-tash'-heth, al-tas'-kith. See PSALMS; SONG.

516. al-tashcheth -- "destroy not," a phrase in Psalm titles.
... "destroy not," a phrase in Psalm titles. Transliteration: al-tashcheth Phonetic
Spelling: (al tash-kayth') Short Definition: Al-taschith. ... Al-taschith ...
/hebrew/516.htm - 6k

Index of Subjects.
... Allegories; their interpretation, 558, seq. Altar, of incense, 589; of
burnt-offering, 590. Al-taschith, 288. Ammonian sections, 375. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barrows/companion to the bible/index of subjects.htm

Psalm 75
... Psalm 75. To the chief Musician, Al-taschith, A Psalm or Song of Asaph. 8,6,8,6.
^1To thee, O God, do we give thanks,. we do give thanks to thee; ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 75.htm

Psalm 59
... Psalm 59. To the chief Musician, Al-taschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent,
and they watched the house to kill him. 8,6,8,6. ^1My God, deliver me from those ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 59.htm

Psalm 57
... Psalm 57. To the chief Musician, Al-taschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from
Saul in the cave. 8,6,8,6. ^1Be merciful to me, O God; thy mercy unto me. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 57.htm

Psalm 58
... Psalm 58. To the chief Musician, Al-taschith, Michtam of David. 8,6,8,6. ^1Do ye,
O congregation,. indeed speak righteousness? O ye that are the sons of men,. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 58.htm

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
... (73-83); eight of the sons of Korah (42-49); eight of David (139-145 separated from
his other psalms); three psalms inscribed Al-taschith (57-59); the fifteen ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxi the poetical books.htm

Altaschith
... psalms were to be chanted. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. AL-TASHHETH;
AL-TASCHITH. al-tash'-heth, al-tas'-kith. See PSALMS; SONG. ...
/a/altaschith.htm - 6k

Al-taschith (4 Occurrences)
Al-taschith. Altaschith, Al-taschith. Altashheth . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia ... (WBS). Altaschith, Al-taschith. Altashheth . Reference Bible.
/a/al-taschith.htm - 8k

Altashheth
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia AL-TASHHETH; AL-TASCHITH.
al-tash'-heth, al-tas'-kith. See PSALMS; SONG. ...
/a/altashheth.htm - 6k

Al-tashheth (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia AL-TASHHETH; AL-TASCHITH. al-tash'-heth,
al-tas'-kith. See PSALMS; SONG. Multi-Version Concordance Al-tashheth (4 Occurrences). ...
/a/al-tashheth.htm - 8k

Song (207 Occurrences)
... See HIND OF THE MORNING. (2) Al-taschith (the King James Version), Al-tashheth
(Revised Version), 'al-tashcheth, ie "Destroy not," Psalms 57-59; 75, is ...
/s/song.htm - 78k

Altars (55 Occurrences)

/a/altars.htm - 25k

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