This week marks a point of interest in the collection of Psalms.

As we read through Psalms 41-42, we enter Book 2! As we looked at in an earlier reflection, there is, at least, thematic groupings in these books. Some go on to suggest that the different books of Psalms reflect different books of the Pentateuch. I wonder if you’ve noticed a shift in theme or imagery this week?

In this post, I’m going to pull out some of those themes as they’ve popped up in our daily readings, look at one superscription that reoccurred this week and see what a ‘Maskil’ is and who the ‘Korahites’ were, and answer the question ‘What does Selah mean?’

1 – Exodus in the Psalms

2 – Maskil of the Korahites

3 – Selah

Exodus in the Psalms

I’m grateful that I read about the correlating themes between the first five books of the bible and the five books of the Psalms, as I’ve been able to notice new things in these ancient poems whilst reading through now.

Last week, we looked at some of the natural language used in Psalm 29 to describe God – echoes of creation and it’s power as is also found in Genesis.

This week as we entered book 2, we read Psalm 43, which really stood out as reflecting the essence of the Exodus story.

“Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people; from those who are deceitful and unjust, deliver me! For you are the God in whom I take refuge; why have you cast me off? Why must I walk about mournfully because of the oppression of the enemy? O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.” Psalm 43: 1-4

A cry for help from God, in the midst of those who are ungodly and who oppress them, and feeling like God has left them to their suffering. Then, a request for someone or something to lead them out of that place and to the place where they will worship God, on God’s ‘Holy Hill’. That is a close mirroring to the early chapters of the Exodus account – God hears the cries of Their people and sends Moses to liberate them from oppression. And their plan is to ask Pharoah to let them go to worship, and the end point is a free people worshipping at Mount Sinai.

Now, the ‘holy hill’ mentioned is Mount Zion, not Sinai, but both are significant places of divine revelation and divine presence.

These comparisons can be helpful to us – without thinking of Exodus, we just see one angle on this Psalm, and that is without any wider context or application. It is vague and broad. With the Exodus comparison, there is richer colour added to our understanding and we have an opportunity to apply the Psalm against a backdrop we’re already familiar with. These words can come to a new light and speak new meaning to us with a framework to place them in.

Maskil of the Korahites

I couldn’t help but notice that this superscription (description line at the top of many of the Psalms) pops up again and again this week. Certainly, almost all of the Psalms in the 40s are ‘of the Korahites’. Three are ‘maskils’, others songs or just psalms.

So let’s clear up what that means and see if there’s anything to be learned through that knowledge.

The Korahites were a prominent Levitical family associated with temple worship in ancient Israel. They are mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as singers, gatekeepers, and custodians of the temple (1 Chronicles 9:19; 1 Chronicles 26:1-19). The Korahites played a significant role in the musical and liturgical life of Israel, particularly during the time of King David and King Solomon.

The term "Maskil" likely refers to a type or genre of Psalm. While its exact meaning is not entirely clear, it is often understood to denote a Psalm of instruction or wisdom. Maskil Psalms are thought to provide moral or theological instruction for the reader or listener. They may offer guidance on righteous living, praise for God's wisdom, or reflections on the consequences of actions.

A maskil of the Korahites, then, is a particular type of Psalm from a particular type of people in a particular context. Is that to say that they don’t apply to us? NO. Instead, the context just adds a layer of understanding to deepen our experience of these Psalms.

A respected, significant group of people whose life centred around the temple and the worship of God. That feels like a good place to draw wisdom and encouragement from in our own lives. These Maskils are intended to be offering advice and wisdom; that is their purpose. Knowing that allows us to view these Psalms from a new angle and also offers the potential for fresh insight.

 Selah

The term "Selah" appears frequently in the Psalms, but its meaning remains uncertain. Scholars have different ideas about what it means, but its exact significance is still debated. Here are some of the proposed meanings and interpretations:

Musical Instruction: One interpretation suggests that "Selah" may have served as a musical notation or instruction for the singers or musicians. It could indicate a pause or interlude in the music, allowing for reflection or emphasis on the preceding words. In this sense, "Selah" may function similarly to a modern-day musical notation, signalling a change in tempo or mood.

Liturgical Use: Another interpretation views "Selah" as a liturgical or religious marker, indicating a pause for meditation or prayer. It may have been used in worship settings to prompt a moment of silent reflection or to emphasize the importance of the preceding words. In this context, "Selah" serves as a cue for the worshipers to respond inwardly to the psalmist's words.

Emphasis or Amplification: Some scholars suggest that "Selah" may indicate a point of emphasis or amplification in the text, drawing attention to the significance of the words that precede it.

Unknown Meaning: Despite various interpretations, the precise meaning of "Selah" remains uncertain, and its function in the Psalms continues to be a subject of scholarly debate. It is possible that the meaning of "Selah" was widely understood in the context of ancient Israelite worship but has been lost over time.

Overall, while the exact meaning of "Selah" in the Psalms remains elusive, it is generally understood to signal a pause or point of emphasis in the text, inviting the reader or listener to reflect on the words and themes of the Psalm. Its presence adds to the poetic and rhythmic beauty of the Psalms, enhancing their impact and significance in worship and meditation.

So, next time you read a Psalm and it says ‘Selah’, try and pause, reflect on what was just said and sit in that moment of rest before carrying on. See what happens!