Topical Encyclopedia At-tashheth is a term found in the titles of several Psalms within the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament. The term is often translated as "Do Not Destroy" and is believed to be a musical or liturgical directive. It appears in the headings of Psalms 57, 58, 59, and 75, which are attributed to David and Asaph, respectively. These Psalms are considered Miktams, a term that suggests they are of a contemplative or inscribed nature, possibly indicating their importance or the depth of their content.Biblical References: 1. Psalm 57:1 : "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 plea for mercy and protection, reflecting David's trust in God's deliverance during a time of distress. 2. Psalm 58:1 : "For the choirmaster. To the tune of 'Do Not Destroy.' A Miktam of David." This Psalm addresses the theme of divine justice, calling for God's righteous judgment against wicked rulers. 3. Psalm 59:1 : "For the choirmaster. To the tune of 'Do Not Destroy.' A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him." This Psalm is a prayer for deliverance from enemies, emphasizing God's role as a fortress and protector. 4. Psalm 75:1 : "For the choirmaster. To the tune of 'Do Not Destroy.' A Psalm of Asaph. A song." This Psalm is a declaration of God's sovereignty and justice, celebrating His righteous judgment and the ultimate downfall of the wicked. Interpretation and Significance: The phrase "Do Not Destroy" may have served as a musical instruction, indicating a specific melody or style to be used during the performance of these Psalms. It could also reflect a thematic element, underscoring the plea for preservation and divine intervention present in these texts. The repeated use of this term in the context of these Psalms suggests a connection to themes of protection, justice, and divine sovereignty. From a theological perspective, At-tashheth highlights the believer's reliance on God's protection and justice. The Psalms associated with this term often depict situations of peril and opposition, yet they consistently affirm faith in God's ability to save and vindicate His people. This reflects a broader biblical theme of trusting in God's providence and righteousness, even amidst adversity. Historical and Cultural Context: The use of musical terms and instructions in the Psalms indicates the importance of music in ancient Israelite worship. The Psalms were integral to the liturgical life of Israel, serving as hymns, prayers, and meditations. The specific mention of tunes or styles, such as At-tashheth, suggests a rich tradition of musical worship that was both structured and expressive. In the context of David's life, the Psalms bearing the At-tashheth title often relate to specific historical events, such as his flight from King Saul. These historical connections provide insight into the personal and communal experiences of the Israelites, as well as the enduring nature of their faith in God's deliverance. Overall, At-tashheth serves as a reminder of the power of music and prayer in expressing the deepest cries of the human heart to God, affirming His role as protector and judge. Concordance At-tashheth (1 Occurrence)Psalms 59:1 Thesaurus At-tashheth (1 Occurrence)At-tashheth. Attalus, At-tashheth. Attempt . Multi-Version Concordance At-tashheth (1 Occurrence). Psalms 59:1 <To the chief music-maker; put to At-tashheth... /a/at-tashheth.htm - 6k Attempt (23 Occurrences) Michtam (12 Occurrences) Attalus Music-maker (55 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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