Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:The term "Shoshannim" is a Hebrew word that translates to "lilies" or "lilies of the field." It is used in the context of biblical poetry and music, particularly in the Psalms. The word is often associated with beauty, purity, and the natural splendor of God's creation.
Biblical References:Shoshannim appears in the titles of several Psalms, specifically Psalms 45, 60, 69, and 80. These titles are part of the superscriptions that provide musical or liturgical instructions, indicating the tune or style to which the Psalm was to be sung. For example,
Psalm 45 is introduced with the phrase "For the choirmaster: according to 'Lilies' (Shoshannim). A Maskil of the sons of Korah. A love song." . Similarly,
Psalm 69 begins with "For the choirmaster: to the tune of 'Lilies.' Of David."
Musical and Liturgical Use:The use of Shoshannim in the titles of these Psalms suggests that it was a well-known melody or musical style during the time of their composition. The exact nature of this tune is not known today, but it likely evoked the beauty and elegance associated with lilies. The Psalms that reference Shoshannim are diverse in theme, ranging from royal weddings (Psalm 45) to cries for deliverance (Psalm 69), indicating that the melody was versatile and widely used in worship.
Symbolism and Imagery:In biblical literature, lilies are often symbols of beauty, purity, and divine provision. This symbolism is consistent with other scriptural references to lilies, such as in the Song of Solomon, where the beloved is compared to a lily among thorns (
Song of Solomon 2:2), and in the teachings of Jesus, who pointed to the lilies of the field as examples of God's provision and care (
Matthew 6:28-29). The use of Shoshannim in the Psalms may thus evoke these themes, enhancing the worship experience by drawing attention to God's beauty and faithfulness.
Theological Significance:From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Shoshannim in the Psalms underscores the importance of music and poetry in the worship of God. It reflects the rich tradition of using artistic expression to convey spiritual truths and to facilitate communal and personal devotion. The Psalms associated with Shoshannim cover a range of human emotions and experiences, from joy and celebration to lament and supplication, illustrating the comprehensive nature of worship that encompasses all aspects of life.
Conclusion:While the precise musical characteristics of Shoshannim remain a mystery, its presence in the Psalms highlights the enduring role of music in the spiritual life of the faithful. The imagery of lilies, with their connotations of beauty and divine care, enriches the worship experience, inviting believers to reflect on the majesty and providence of God.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Shoshannimthose that shall be changed
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Shoshannim(lilies). "To the chief musician upon Shoshannim" is a musical direction to the leader of the temple choir which occurs in (Psalms 45:1;69:1) and most probably indicates the melody "after" or "in the manner of" (Authorized Version upon") which the psalms were to be sung. Shoshannim-eduth occurs in the same way in the title of (Psalms 80:1) ... As the words now stand they signify "lilies, a testimony," and the two are separated by a large distinctive accent. In themselves they have no meaning in the present text, and must therefore be regarded as probably a fragment of the beginning of an older psalm with which the choir were familiar.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Lilies, the name of some musical instrument, probably like a lily in shape (
Psalm 45; 69, title). Some think that an instrument of six strings is meant.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SHOSHANNIM EDUTHsho-shan'-im e'-duth.
SeeSONG;PSALMS.
Strong's Hebrew
7802. Shushan Eduth --Shoshannim-Eduth, Shushan-eduthShushan Eduth or
Shoshannim Eduth. 7801, 7802. Shushan Eduth or
Shoshannim Eduth. 7803 .
Shoshannim-Eduth, Shushan-eduth. Transliteration
...7799. shushan -- probably lily (or any lily-like flower)
... Ornament; also a (straight) trumpet (from the tubular shape): lily,Shoshannim.
see HEBREW suws. 7798, 7799. shushan or shoshan or shoshannah. 7800 ....
Library
Psalm 80
... Psalm 80. To the chief musician uponShoshannim, Eduth, A Psalm of Asaph.
8,6,8,6. ^1Hear, Isr'el's Shepherd! like a flock. thou that dost Joseph guide;...
Psalm 69
... Psalm 69. To the chief Musician uponShoshannim, A Psalm of David. 8,6,8,6. ^1Save
me, O God, because the floods. do so environ me,. That ev'n unto my very soul...
Psalm 45
... Psalm 45. To the chief Musician uponShoshannim, for the sons of Korah,
Maschil, A Song of loves. First Version (CM). 8,6,8,6. ^1My...
The Best of the Best
... But the lily"what is that? That is the emblem of love. The psalmist hints at this
in the title of the forty-fifth Psalm. "UponShoshannim, a Song of love...
The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
... or a melody brought from Gath; (2) a musical instrument in the form of a winepress,
or a melody used in treading the wine-press;Shoshannim, lilies (Psa.45, 69...
The Memorable Hymn. "And when they had Sung an Hymn, they Went Out...
... Certain Psalms in the Old Testament are entitled, "UponShoshannim," that is, "Upon
the lilies." O ye virgin souls, whose hearts have been washed in blood, and...
Index of Subjects.
... Shalmaneser, 334. Sheminith, 288. Shemitic languages, 175.Shoshannim, Shushan,
and Shushaneduth, 287, seq. Show-bread, 589. Signification of words, 527....
Thesaurus
Shoshannim (3 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
SHOSHANNIM EDUTH. sho-shan'-im e'-duth. See SONG;
PSALMS. Multi-Version Concordance
Shoshannim (3 Occurrences).
...Shoshannim-Eduth
Shoshannim-Eduth. ShoshannimEduth,Shoshannim-Eduth. Shot . Easton's Bible
Dictionary... ShoshannimEduth,Shoshannim-Eduth. Shot . Reference Bible.
Eduth (3 Occurrences)
... Commandments or for the Law): In Psalm 60 title, "set to Shushan Eduth" (literally,
"a lily (is) the testimony"); 80 title, "set toShoshannim Eduth" (literally...
Maschil (26 Occurrences)
... Psalm 45 For the Chief Musician; set toShoshannim. 'A Psalm' of the sons of Korah.
Maschil.... (ASV). Psalms 45:1 <To the chief music-maker; put toShoshannim....
Music-maker (55 Occurrences)
... Psalms 45:1 <To the chief music-maker; put toShoshannim. Of the sons of Korah.
Maschil.... (BBE). Psalms 69:1 <To the chief music-maker; put toShoshannim....
Loves (97 Occurrences)
... Psalm 45 For the Chief Musician; set toShoshannim. 'A Psalm' of the sons of Korah.
Maschil.... (ASV). Psalms 45:1 <To the chief music-maker; put toShoshannim....
Shot (25 Occurrences)
Marble (5 Occurrences)
... the King James Version margin "silk" or the Revised Version (British and American)
"fine linen" (Genesis 41:42 Exodus 25:4, etc.);shoshannim, "lilies" (Songs 2...
Maskil (13 Occurrences)
... Maschil. (44:2) (See RSV NIV). Psalms 45:1 For the Leader; uponShoshannim; a Psalm
of the sons of Korah. Maschil. A Song of loves. (45:2) (See RSV NIV)....
Composed (8 Occurrences)
... in the lamentations. (See NIV). Psalms 45:1 {To the chief Musician. Upon
Shoshannim. Of the sons of Korah. An instruction; a song...
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