Lexical Summary maskiyl: Insightful, instructive, a contemplative poem or song Original Word: מַשְׂכִּיל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Maschil From sakal; instructive, i.e. A didactic poem -- Maschil. see HEBREW sakal Brown-Driver-Briggs מַשְׂכִּיל noun masculine contemplative poem (Hiph`il 2. De and others); — in titles of Psalm 32; Psalm 42; Psalm 44; Psalm 45; Psalm 52; Psalm 53; Psalm 54; Psalm 55; Psalm 74; Psalm 78; Psalm 88; Psalm 89; Psalm 142; also Psalm 47:8 ׳זַמְּרוּ מ: > Ges and others didactic poem (√ 4); Ew Ri Pe and others skilful, artistic song (√ 3); √ 2 alone fits all cases. Topical Lexicon Definition and Literary Function מַשְׂכִּיל (mashkil) designates a Psalm composed for the purpose of imparting insight. The heading signals that the composition is meant to lead worshippers beyond mere emotion into understanding—shaping the mind as well as the heart. While the poetry may be lyrical or lamenting, its primary intention is didactic, inviting the listener to ponder the ways of God, the perils of sin, and the path of covenant faithfulness. Distribution within the Psalms Thirteen psalms bear the superscription מַשְׂכִּיל: Psalm 32; Psalm 42; Psalm 44; Psalm 45; Psalm 52; Psalm 53; Psalm 54; Psalm 55; Psalm 74; Psalm 78; Psalm 88; Psalm 89; Psalm 142. Authorship varies—David (Psalms 32; 52–55; 142), the Sons of Korah (Psalms 42; 44; 45), Asaph (Psalm 74), Ezra-era Levitical tradition (Psalm 78), Heman the Ezrahite (Psalm 88), and Ethan the Ezrahite (Psalm 89). This range underscores the heading’s literary rather than personal significance: multiple generations recognized the value of instructional worship. Link with Israel’s Wisdom Tradition The root שׂכל (“to act wisely”) aligns the מַשְׂכִּיל psalms with Proverbs and Job. Psalm 78:1 explicitly bridges psalmody and wisdom: “Give ear, O my people, to my instruction; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.” These poems therefore join proclamation to reflection, carrying out the Deuteronomic mandate to teach the statutes diligently to the next generation. Historical Setting and Community Memory Several מַשְׂכִּיל psalms rehearse Israel’s account to shape present faith. In each case history becomes doxology, calling worshippers to situate their crisis within God’s larger narrative. Key Theological Themes 1. Forgiveness and Blessedness: “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” (Psalm 32:1) Instruction centers on repentance leading to joy. Liturgical and Devotional Use Temple musicians (e.g., Heman, Ethan, the Korahites) labeled these psalms מַשְׂכִּיל to guide performance—perhaps calling for antiphonal singing or reflective pauses so the congregation could “consider.” In synagogue and church alike, the heading signals meditative pacing. Public reading benefits from explanatory introduction, private devotion from lingering on the imperatives: remember, confess, listen, hope. Pastoral and Educational Application • Spiritual Formation: Psalm 32 models confession, useful in counseling believers burdened by guilt. Christological Significance New Testament writers allude to several מַשְׂכִּיל psalms. Romans 4 cites Psalm 32 to establish justification by faith. Hebrews 1 echoes Psalm 45’s royal address to affirm the deity and eternal reign of the Son. Jesus fulfils Psalm 69 (another Davidic lament) in His passion; in like manner the laments among the מַשְׂכִּיל psalms foreshadow the Man of Sorrows who perfectly entrusted Himself to the Father. Summary מַשְׂכִּיל marks psalms that wed worship and wisdom. Through history-rehearsal, confession, lament, and royal praise, they cultivate informed devotion, directing believers to know God’s character, remember His works, and live wisely in covenant relationship. Forms and Transliterations מַ֝שְׂכִּ֗יל מַ֫שְׂכִּ֥יל מַשְׂכִּ֗יל מַשְׂכִּ֥יל מַשְׂכִּֽיל׃ משכיל משכיל׃ maś·kîl masKil maśkîlLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 32:1 HEB: לְדָוִ֗ד מַ֫שְׂכִּ֥יל אַשְׁרֵ֥י נְֽשׂוּי־ KJV: <<[A Psalm] of David, Maschil.>> INT: David Maschil blessed is forgiven Psalm 42:1 Psalm 44:1 Psalm 45:1 Psalm 52:1 Psalm 53:1 Psalm 54:1 Psalm 55:1 Psalm 74:1 Psalm 78:1 Psalm 88:1 Psalm 89:1 Psalm 142:1 13 Occurrences |
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