Aijeleth-Shahar
Topical Encyclopedia
Aijeleth-shahar is a term found in the superscription of Psalm 22 in the Hebrew Bible. The phrase is often translated as "The Doe of the Morning" or "The Hind of the Dawn." This enigmatic title has intrigued scholars and theologians, as it appears to be a musical or liturgical notation, possibly indicating the tune to which the psalm was to be sung or the mood it was intended to convey.

Biblical Reference:
Psalm 22 is a poignant and prophetic psalm attributed to King David. The superscription reads: "For the choirmaster. To the tune of 'The Doe of the Morning.' A Psalm of David." (Psalm 22:1). This psalm is renowned for its vivid depiction of suffering and its messianic foreshadowing, as it is frequently associated with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The opening line, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1), is famously quoted by Jesus on the cross, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew (27:46) and Mark (15:34).

Interpretation and Significance:
The term "Aijeleth-shahar" is not explicitly explained within the biblical text, leading to various interpretations. Some scholars suggest it refers to a specific melody or musical style known to the ancient Israelites. Others propose that it symbolizes the themes of the psalm, such as the transition from darkness to light, reflecting the suffering and subsequent deliverance experienced by the psalmist.

In a messianic context, "The Doe of the Morning" may be seen as a metaphor for Christ's resurrection, with the dawn representing new life and hope following the darkness of the crucifixion. The imagery of a doe, a gentle and vulnerable creature, aligns with the portrayal of Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb, innocent and pure.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, music and poetry were integral to worship and religious expression. The use of specific tunes or musical notations, such as "Aijeleth-shahar," would have been familiar to the original audience, enhancing the emotional and spiritual impact of the psalms. The precise nature of these tunes, however, has been lost to history, leaving modern readers to speculate on their original sound and significance.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the use of "Aijeleth-shahar" in Psalm 22 underscores the depth and complexity of biblical worship. It highlights the importance of music in conveying spiritual truths and emotions, serving as a bridge between human experience and divine revelation. The psalm's messianic elements, coupled with its musical notation, invite believers to reflect on the fulfillment of prophecy in the life and work of Jesus Christ.

In summary, Aijeleth-shahar remains a mysterious yet profound element of the biblical text, inviting ongoing exploration and reflection on its meaning and significance within the broader narrative of Scripture.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Aijeleth-Shahar

the land of the morning

Library

The Twenty-Second Psalm.
... and exaltation. And we must not overlook the two Hebrew words the Holy Spirit
has put over this Psalm: Aijeleth Shahar. The margin ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/the twenty-second psalm.htm

Psalm 22
... Psalm 22. To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David.
8,6,8,6. ^1My God, my God, why hast thou me. forsaken? why so far. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 22.htm

The Poetical Books.
... meaning "Fair as lilies is thy law," apparently the name of a popular religious
air. Another, probably secular, is over Psalm 22. "Aijeleth Shahar," "The stag ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vii the poetical books.htm

Thesaurus
Aijeleth-shahar (1 Occurrence)
Aijeleth-shahar. Aijeleth-hash-shahar, Aijeleth-shahar. Ail .
Multi-Version Concordance Aijeleth-shahar (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/aijeleth-shahar.htm - 6k

Aijeleth-hash-shahar (1 Occurrence)
Aijeleth-hash-shahar. Aijeleth, Aijeleth-hash-shahar. Aijeleth-shahar .
Multi-Version Concordance ... (BBE). Aijeleth, Aijeleth-hash-shahar. Aijeleth-shahar...
/a/aijeleth-hash-shahar.htm - 6k

Aijeleth (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary AijelethShahar: Hind of the dawn, a name found
in the title of Psalm 22. It is probably the name of some ...
/a/aijeleth.htm - 7k

Ail

/a/ail.htm - 7k

Song (207 Occurrences)
... "on," in the Revised Version (British and American) with "set to," ie "to the tune
of." We give a list: (1) AijelethShahar the King James Version, the Revised ...
/s/song.htm - 78k

Resources
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Concordance
Aijeleth-shahar (1 Occurrence)

Psalms 22:1
{To the chief Musician. Upon Aijeleth-Shahar. A Psalm of David.} My ?God, my ?God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou far from my salvation, from the words of my groaning?
(DBY)

Subtopics

Aijeleth-Shahar

Related Terms

Aijeleth-shahar (1 Occurrence)

Ailed (3 Occurrences)

Ailing (20 Occurrences)

Aijeleth-hash-shahar
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