Topical Encyclopedia Al-Taschith is a term found in the titles of several Psalms within the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Psalms. The phrase "Al-Taschith" is traditionally understood to mean "Do Not Destroy" and is thought to be a musical or liturgical directive, possibly indicating the tune to which the Psalm was to be sung or the manner in which it was to be performed. This term appears in the titles of Psalms 57, 58, 59, and 75.Psalms 57, 58, and 59: These Psalms are attributed to David and are set against the backdrop of his life experiences, particularly during times of distress and persecution. The use of "Al-Taschith" in these titles may suggest a plea for preservation and deliverance, aligning with the themes of seeking God's protection and justice. · 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 cry for mercy and refuge, expressing trust in God's steadfast love and faithfulness. David writes, "Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful, for in You my soul takes refuge" (Psalm 57:1). · Psalm 58: The title states, "For the choirmaster. To the tune of 'Do Not Destroy.' A Miktam of David." This Psalm addresses the corruption and injustice of earthly judges, calling upon God to enact divine justice. It begins with a rhetorical question, "Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men?" (Psalm 58:1). · Psalm 59: The title is, "For the choirmaster. To the tune of 'Do Not Destroy.' A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house to kill him." This Psalm is a prayer for deliverance from enemies, emphasizing God's role as a fortress and protector. David declares, "Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me" (Psalm 59:1). Psalm 75: The title reads, "For the choirmaster. To the tune of 'Do Not Destroy.' A Psalm of Asaph. A song." Unlike the previous three, this Psalm is attributed to Asaph and focuses on God's righteous judgment and sovereignty. It opens with a declaration of praise, "We give thanks to You, O God; we give thanks, for Your Name is near. The people declare Your wondrous works" (Psalm 75:1). The use of "Al-Taschith" in these Psalms underscores a thematic connection of seeking divine intervention and protection amidst adversity. The directive "Do Not Destroy" may have served as a reminder of God's power to preserve and uphold His people, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. The musical or liturgical significance of this term, while not fully understood, highlights the integral role of music in the worship and spiritual life of ancient Israel, serving as a vehicle for expressing deep emotions and theological truths. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 57:1Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me: for my soul trusts in you: yes, in the shadow of your wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be over. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 58:1 Psalm 59:1 Psalm 75:1 Resources Is listening to Christian heavy metal music wrong? | GotQuestions.orgIs Christian country music appropriate? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about music? | GotQuestions.org Music: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Music: (Ceasing of) of Calamities Music: Alamoth: A Musical Term Which Appears In Music: Alamoth: And in the Title of Music: Al-Taschith: It Appears in the Titles of Music: Appointed to be Used in the Temple Music: Chambers for Musicians in the Temple, in Ezekiel's Vision Music: Considered Efficacious in Mental Disorders Music: Custom of Sending Away Friends With Music: Designed to Promote Joy Music: Discoursed During the offering of Sacrifices Music: Divided Into: Instrumental Music: Effects Produced on the Prophets of Old By Music: Generally Put Aside in Times of Affliction Music: Instruments of Dulcimer Music: Instruments of Dulcimer, a Double Pipe Music: Instruments of Early Invention of Music: Instruments of Gittith, a Stringed Instrument Music: Instruments of Great Diversity of Music: Instruments of Invented by David Music: Instruments of Invented by Jubal Music: Instruments of Made by Solomon Music: Instruments of Made by Tyrians Music: Instruments of Made of Almug Wood Music: Instruments of Made of Brass Music: Instruments of Made of Fir Wood Music: Instruments of Made of Horns of Animals Music: Instruments of Made of Silver Music: Instruments of Many, With Strings Music: Instruments of Often Expensively Ornamented Music: Instruments of Organ, Probably Composed of Pipes Furnishing a Number of Notes Music: Instruments of Psaltery Music: Instruments of Sackbut, a Harp Music: Instruments of The Jews Celebrated for Inventing Music: Instruments of Viol, a Lyre Music: Makalath, Maschil, Leannoth: These Terms are Found in the Titles of Music: Maschil: This Musical Sign Occurs in the Titles of Music: Micahtam: A Musical Term in the Titles of Music: Muth-Labben in the Title of Music: Neginah and Neginoth: Appear in the Titles of Music: Nehiloth: Appears in the Title of Music: Physical Effect of, on Man Music: Sheminith in the Titles of Music: Shiggaion in the Title of Music: Shiggaion: And Its Plural, Shigionoth, in the Title of Music: Shoshannim and Shushan-Eduth in the Titles To Music: Signifies the Murmuring Tone of a Harp Music: The Jews Used in Commemorating Great Men Music: The Jews Used in Dances Music: The Jews Used in Funeral Ceremonies Music: The Jews Used in Private Entertainments Music: The Jews Used in Religious Feasts Music: The Jews Used in Sacred Processions Music: The Jews Used: At Consecration of Temple Music: The Jews Used: At Coronation of Kings Music: The Jews Used: At Dedication of City Walls Music: The Jews Used: At Laying Foundation of Temple Music: The Jews Used: To Celebrate Victories Music: The Movements of Armies Regulated By Music: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Music: Vanity of all Unsanctified Related Terms Music-instruments (1 Occurrence) Women-servants (21 Occurrences) |