Definition and Meaning:
Shoshannim-Eduth is a term found in the titles of certain Psalms within the Hebrew Bible. The term is a compound of two Hebrew words: "Shoshannim," which means "lilies," and "Eduth," which means "testimony" or "witness." The exact meaning and significance of the term are subjects of scholarly debate, but it is generally understood to be a musical or liturgical notation.

Biblical References:
The term "Shoshannim-Eduth" appears in the title of Psalm 60 and Psalm 80. These Psalms are attributed to Asaph and are part of the collection of Psalms that deal with themes of national distress and divine deliverance.

· Psalm 60:1 : "For the choirmaster. To the tune of 'The Lily of the Covenant.' A Miktam of David for instruction. When he fought Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab returned and struck down twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt."

· Psalm 80:1 : "For the choirmaster. To the tune of 'The Lilies of the Covenant.' A Psalm of Asaph."

Musical and Liturgical Context:
The term "Shoshannim-Eduth" is believed to indicate a specific melody or musical style to which these Psalms were to be sung. The use of "lilies" in the title may suggest a tune that is gentle or beautiful, while "Eduth" implies that the content of the Psalm serves as a testimony or witness, possibly of God's covenantal faithfulness or the people's experiences.

Theological Significance:
In the context of the Psalms, "Shoshannim-Eduth" underscores the importance of music and song in the worship and liturgical practices of ancient Israel. The Psalms associated with this term often reflect themes of divine intervention, covenant, and the communal experience of God's people. The use of specific tunes or musical notations highlights the role of music in conveying theological truths and communal memory.

Historical and Cultural Insights:
The Psalms bearing the title "Shoshannim-Eduth" are set against historical backdrops of conflict and divine deliverance. Psalm 60, for instance, references historical battles and victories, while Psalm 80 is a communal lament seeking restoration. These contexts provide insight into the historical circumstances of Israel and the role of the Psalms in expressing collective hopes and fears.

Interpretative Challenges:
The precise meaning of "Shoshannim-Eduth" remains uncertain due to the lack of detailed historical records on ancient Hebrew musical practices. Interpretations vary, with some scholars suggesting it refers to a specific musical instrument, while others propose it denotes a particular melody or liturgical function. Despite these uncertainties, the term's presence in the Psalms underscores the rich musical heritage of the biblical text and its role in worship.

Conclusion:
While the exact nature of "Shoshannim-Eduth" may be elusive, its inclusion in the Psalms highlights the integral role of music in the spiritual life of Israel. The term invites readers to consider the beauty and testimony of God's covenantal relationship with His people, as expressed through the medium of sacred song.Shoshannim-Eduth

Lilies of testimony, Psalm 60:12. See SHUSHAN.

In title of Psalm 80R.V. marg., "lilies, a testimony"), probably the name of the melody to which the psalm was to be sung. 7802. Shushan Eduth -- Shoshannim-Eduth, Shushan-eduth
Shushan Eduth or Shoshannim Eduth. 7801, 7802. Shushan Eduth or Shoshannim
Eduth. 7803 . Shoshannim-Eduth, Shushan-eduth. Transliteration ...
/hebrew/7802.htm - 6k

Psalm 80
... Psalm 80. To the chief musician upon Shoshannim, Eduth, A Psalm of Asaph.
8,6,8,6. ^1Hear, Isr'el's Shepherd! like a flock. thou that dost Joseph guide; ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 80.htm

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
... or a melody used in treading the wine-press; Shoshannim, lilies (Psa.45, 69);
Shushan-eduth, lily of the testimony (Psa.60); Shoshannim-eduth, lilies of the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxi the poetical books.htm

ShoshannimEduth

/s/shoshannimeduth.htm - 6k

Shoshannim-Eduth
Shoshannim-Eduth. ShoshannimEduth, Shoshannim-Eduth. Shot . Easton's Bible
Dictionary ... ShoshannimEduth, Shoshannim-Eduth. Shot . Reference Bible.
/s/shoshannim-eduth.htm - 6k

Eduth (3 Occurrences)
... or for the Law): In Psalm 60 title, "set to Shushan Eduth" (literally, "a lily
(is) the testimony"); 80 title, "set to ShoshannimEduth" (literally, "lilies (is ...
/e/eduth.htm - 8k

Shoshannim (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHOSHANNIMEDUTH. sho-shan'-im e'-duth. See SONG;
PSALMS. Multi-Version Concordance Shoshannim (3 Occurrences). ...
/s/shoshannim.htm - 7k

Shot (25 Occurrences)

/s/shot.htm - 15k

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