The term "Michtam" appears in the titles of six Psalms in the Hebrew Bible: Psalms 16, 56, 57, 58, 59, and 60. These Psalms are attributed to David and are often associated with times of distress and deliverance. The exact meaning of "Michtam" is uncertain, and various interpretations have been proposed by scholars and theologians.

Etymology and Meaning

The Hebrew word "Michtam" (מִכְתָּם) is of uncertain origin. Some suggest it may derive from a root meaning "to cover" or "to hide," implying a sense of mystery or secrecy. Others propose it could mean "golden" or "precious," indicating the value or significance of the psalm. The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, translates "Michtam" as "stelographia," which means "inscription," suggesting a written or engraved message.

Usage in the Psalms

1. Psalm 16: This is a "Michtam of David," expressing trust in God and the joy of His presence. It includes the well-known verse, "You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11). The psalm is often seen as prophetic, pointing to the resurrection of Christ, as referenced by Peter in Acts 2:25-28.

2. Psalm 56: Another "Michtam of David," written when the Philistines seized him in Gath. It is a plea for God's mercy and protection, emphasizing trust in God despite fear. "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You" (Psalm 56:3) captures the essence of David's reliance on God.

3. Psalm 57: This "Michtam of David" was composed when he fled from Saul into the cave. It is a prayer for mercy and deliverance, highlighting God's steadfast love and faithfulness. The refrain, "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory cover all the earth" (Psalm 57:5), underscores the psalm's theme of divine exaltation.

4. Psalm 58: A "Michtam of David," this psalm is an imprecatory prayer against unjust rulers. It calls for divine justice and vindication, expressing confidence that "Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges the earth" (Psalm 58:11).

5. Psalm 59: This "Michtam of David" was written when Saul sent men to watch David's house in order to kill him. It is a plea for deliverance from enemies, affirming God's strength and protection. David declares, "But I will sing of Your strength and proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning" (Psalm 59:16).

6. Psalm 60: A "Michtam of David" for instruction, written during his battles with Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah. It reflects on national defeat and divine restoration, with a confident assertion of God's sovereignty: "With God we will perform with valor, and He will trample our enemies" (Psalm 60:12).

Theological Significance

The Michtam Psalms are significant for their deep expressions of faith and reliance on God during times of trouble. They reflect a profound trust in God's protection, justice, and ultimate deliverance. These psalms also highlight the personal relationship between David and God, serving as a model for believers seeking refuge and strength in the Lord amidst life's challenges. The prophetic elements, particularly in Psalm 16, underscore the messianic hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ, affirming the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture.Michtam

golden psalm

Michtam

(golden psalm). This word occurs in the titles of six psalms (16,56-60), all of which are ascribed to David. The marginal reading of our Authorized Version is "a golden psalm," while in the Geneva version it is described as "a certain tune." From the position which it occupies in the title we may infer that michtam is a term applied to these psalms to denote their musical character, but beyond this everything is obscure.

Michtam

Prefixed to Psalm 16:11, and meaning golden, profound, or as some think, a writing or song, as in Isaiah 38:9.

Writing; i.e., a poem or song found in the titles of Psalm 16; 56-60. Some translate the word "golden", i.e., precious. It is rendered in the LXX. by a word meaning "tablet inscription" or a "stelograph." The root of the word means to stamp or grave, and hence it is regarded as denoting a composition so precious as to be worthy to be engraven on a durable tablet for preservation; or, as others render, "a psalm precious as stamped gold," from the word kethem, "fine or stamped gold." MICHTAM

mik'-tam.

See PSALMS.

4387. Miktam -- a technical term in psalm titles.
... 4386, 4387. Miktam. 4388 . a technical term in psalm titles. Transliteration:
Miktam Phonetic Spelling: (mik-tawm') Short Definition: Michtam. ... Michtam ...
/hebrew/4387.htm - 5k

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 56
... Psalm 56. To the chief Musician upon Jonath-elem-rechokim, Michtam of David, when
the Philistines took him in Gath. 8,6,8,6. ^1Shew mercy, Lord, to me, for man. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 56.htm

Psalm 16
... Psalm 16. Michtam of David. 8,6,8,6. ^1Lord, keep me; for I trust in thee.
^2To God thus was my speech,. Thou art my Lord; and unto thee. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 16.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 60
... To the chief Musician upon Shushan-eduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove
with Aram-naharaim, and with Aram-zobah, when Joab returned and smote of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 60.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

Psalm XVI.
... [504] Lat. XV. [505] ["Michtam of David," which Bishop Wordsworth derives from Catham,
and illustrates by Job 19:23.--C.]. [506] Susceptionis human??. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xvi.htm

The Poetical Books.
... "A Psalm of David," "Maschil of David," "Michtam of David," or something
similar is written over seventy-three different psalms. ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vii the poetical books.htm

Index of Subjects.
... seq.; the typical view, 621. Metaphor, 551. Metonymy, 551. Micah, book
of, 340. Michtam, 287. Mosaic economy, Christ its end, 118 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barrows/companion to the bible/index of subjects.htm

The Memorable Hymn. "And when they had Sung an Hymn, they Went Out ...
... human sin! Some of David's Psalms are called, "Michtam", which means "golden
Psalm." Surely we must sing one of these. Our psalms ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the memorable hymn and when.htm

Michtam (12 Occurrences)
... gold.". Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MICHTAM. mik'-tam. See PSALMS.
Multi-Version Concordance Michtam (12 Occurrences). Psalms ...
/m/michtam.htm - 11k

Music-maker (55 Occurrences)
... Psalms 56:1 <To the chief music-maker; put to Jonath elem rehokim. Of David. Michtam. ...
(BBE). Psalms 57:1 <To the chief music-maker; put to Al-tashheth. Michtam. ...
/m/music-maker.htm - 23k

Al-taschith (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Al-taschith (4 Occurrences). Psalms 57:1 To the chief
Musician, Al-taschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. ...
/a/al-taschith.htm - 8k

Jonath (2 Occurrences)
... 'A Psalm' of David. Michtam: when the Philistines took him in Gath. (ASV). Psalms
56:1 <To the chief music-maker; put to Jonath elem rehokim. Of David. Michtam. ...
/j/jonath.htm - 7k

Eduth (3 Occurrences)
...Michtam of David, to teach; and when he strove with Aram-naharaim and with
Aram-zobah, and Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the Valley of Salt twelve ...
/e/eduth.htm - 8k

Elem (2 Occurrences)
... 'A Psalm' of David. Michtam: when the Philistines took him in Gath. (ASV). Psalms
56:1 <To the chief music-maker; put to Jonath elem rehokim. Of David. Michtam. ...
/e/elem.htm - 7k

Al-tashheth (4 Occurrences)
... Psalms 57:1 <To the chief music-maker; put to Al-tashheth. Michtam. Of David. ... (BBE
JPS). Psalms 58:1 <To the chief music-maker; put to Al-tashheth. Michtam. ...
/a/al-tashheth.htm - 8k

Aram-zobah (2 Occurrences)
...Michtam of David, to teach; and when he strove with Aram-naharaim and with
Aram-zobah, and Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the Valley of Salt twelve ...
/a/aram-zobah.htm - 7k

Strove (25 Occurrences)
...Michtam of David, to teach; and when he strove with Aram-naharaim and with
Aram-zobah, and Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the Valley of Salt twelve ...
/s/strove.htm - 14k

Musician (112 Occurrences)
... 'A Psalm' of David. Michtam: when the Philistines took him in Gath. (ASV). ... 'A Psalm'
of David. Michtam; when he fled from Saul, in the cave. (ASV). ...
/m/musician.htm - 39k

What is a michtam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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