Ark of the Covenant - Bible History Online
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shoshannim Summary and Overview

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shoshannim in Easton's Bible Dictionary

lilies, the name of some musical instrument, probably like a lily in shape (Ps. 45; 69, title). Some think that an instrument of six strings is meant.

shoshannim in Smith's Bible Dictionary

(lilies). "To the chief musician upon Shoshannim" is a musical direction to the leader of the temple choir which occurs in #Ps 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 #Ps 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.

shoshannim in Schaff's Bible Dictionary

SHOSHAN'NIM (lily), Ps 45; Ps 69, title, HOSHAN'NIM - E'DUTH (lily, a testimony), Ps 80, title, probably signifies the melody to which the Psalm was sung. Some have regarded it as the title of a bridal-song, while others think it means a musical instrument.

shoshannim in Fausset's Bible Dictionary

Shoshannim (plural.) Titles of Psalm 45; Psalm 69; Psalm 80. The "upon" expresses the object of the psalm. In Psalm 60 the singular SHUSHAN occurs. Shoshannim means "lilies," i.e. beautiful virgins. The beauty of the innocent, pure, lily like "virgins" (Psalm 45:9; Psalm 45:14) is spiritual; for the other psalms of the authors of Psalm 45, namely, "the sons of Korah," are all spiritual. In Psalm 80 SHOSHANNIM EDUTH is the "testimony" (Psalm 78:5; Psalm 81:5) which points out the lovely ("lily like") salvation of the Lord. Hence, thrice is repeated "we shall be saved," Psalm 80:3; Psalm 80:6; Psalm 80:19, and Psalm 80:2, "save us." The lily is the enigmatic expression for loveliness. David delighted in enigmatic titles. SHUSHAN EDUTH (Psalm 60) is "the lily of testimony"; God's promise (Genesis 49; Deuteronomy 33; Numbers 24:17-19) of Canaan to Israel (Numbers 24:6) is His lovely testimony, of which the assurance was already given in a partial deliverance (Numbers 24:4-5).