Shoshannim
שֹׁשַׁנִּים/shoh-SHAN-nim/
“Lilies”
Summary
A Hebrew term meaning 'lilies' appearing in the titles of several Psalms, likely indicating a melody or musical instruction.
☩Musical Instruction
Shoshannim appears in the phrase 'To the chief musician upon Shoshannim' in the titles of Psalms 45 and 69. It most probably indicates the melody 'after' or 'in the manner of' which the Psalms were to be sung. Since the Hebrew word means 'lilies,' various interpretations have been proposed: lily-shaped instruments (perhaps trumpets), an instrument with six strings (from a proposed connection to 'shesh' meaning six), or a reference to the subject matter of the psalms. The related term 'Shoshannim-Eduth' (lilies, a testimony) appears in the title of Psalm 80.
Key verses:Psalm 45:1Psalm 69:1Psalm 80:1
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shoshannim," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Shoshannim," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).