A psalm
The Hebrew verb “zimmer,” which means to sing, to sing about, to praise, to glorify, to sing praise, and especially to sing with musical accompaniment, to make music, is the root of the word “mizmor.” This word, which is mostly found in the psalms, usually relates to singing with strings and is used to signify singing praises along with a psalm.[1]
“Sing praises to God, sing praises!” expresses the primary meaning of the verb “zimmer.” Praise the King, O God, praise the King! Because God is the Almighty, let your praises be expressed through a psalm! (Psalm 47: 6–7). This verb “zimmer” (to sing praise with a psalm) is the root of the noun “mizmor” (song of praise, hymn, psalm[2]). A psalm of any kind and subject matter, including songs of praise, prayers, supplications, complaints, and testimonies, is referred to as a “mizmor.”
Mizmor in the book of Psalms
Only in the Psalms does the word “mizmor”/psalm appear, particularly in the titles. Take “A “mizmor”/psalm of the Sons of Korah,” for instance. A melody… (Psalm 87:1). This suggests that music, particularly string music, was used to accompany the singing of these psalms. Singing and song in praise of God is the focus. 35 of the 73 Davidic psalms are referred to be “mizmor” or psalms in the title. The titles of the twelve Asaf psalms (Psalms 50, 73–83) also designate them as “mizmor” or psalms.[3]
The term “mizmor” or “psalm” appears in the titles of the 11 Korahites’ psalms (Psalm 42; 44-49; 84-85; 87-88). It is stated in the preface of these psalms that they are meant to be sung and used as music, or “mizmor.” It should be evident to us from the meaning of the stem from which the word “mizmor”/psalm is derived that this word denotes a hymn of praise, intended to exalt and [respect the Lord God] with voice and strings. This was done with the intention of glorifying the Lord God and joyfully announcing all of His blessings. The ability to announce and sing of the Lord’s gracious mercies will also belong to those who know Him personally.
Praise and “mizmor”/psalm
Firstly, the ministry of voices and music was praised by distinct and accomplished ministers. These ministers included the children of Jeduthun and Heman, who “were trained in singing to the Lord, all who were skillful.” 25:3–7 in Chronicles. These were extremely talented musicians and vocalists who were dedicated to studying music in order to use it to serve God. It is, after all, an homage to the Most High! Giving one’s all for His honor rather than the honor of the performers is appropriate in this situation. However, it is evident that the believers joined in on a “mizmor” or psalm—and frequently several sung in succession.
For instance, the Levitical singers and musicians accompanied the psalm, or “mizmor,” as it was performed in the temple. This also held true during the challenging time of reconstruction following the exile in Babylon. “Praising and giving thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever toward Israel,” they responded with fervor in their singing (Ezra 3:10-11). However, a “mizmor” or psalm was specifically sung by the individual believer in all situations: not only in happy and prosperous times but also, frequently, in difficult times of grief, anguish, and loneliness. David, being a psalmist, was all too familiar with this. He, in great sadness and distress, penned a perceptive “mizmor” or song of praise.
“In You, o Lord, do I take refuge…” (Psalm 31:1-2).
Song of praise in joy and misery
We learn from the Psalms that in times of joy, calm, and quiet, one can sing or say a “mizmor,” or song of praise. Who is unfamiliar with David’s Shepherd Psalm, which extols the virtues of serenity and trust in the Shepherd? (Psalm 23). This assurance is further expressed in the Psalm 84 hymn to God’s House, where even the little sparrow, which is me (Luke 12:7), finds a place. A testimony that starts and concludes with the prayer, “Give ear, o Shepherd of Israel,” may be referred to as a “mizmor” (Psalm 80:1; 80:19).
Nonetheless, it is significant that a “mizmor” or song of praise is primarily associated with tears and grief. So, it might have been a prayer of extreme sorrow, something like this: “O Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out before You day and night.” (Psalm 88:1). A “mizmor” can also refer to a strong grievance that foretells the Messiah’s vicarious suffering. (Psalm 22). The psalms invite us to honor the Lord with a timeless song in both happiness and sorrow: “O sing to the Lord a new song.” (Psalm 98:1).
Notes
[1] The Hebrew verb “zimmer” is primarily rendered with “psallo” (strumming, playing a stringed instrument, singing praise) in the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Old Testament that dates back to the third century BC. It is from this term that the well-known name “Psalterium” (Psalter/Psalms) is derived.
[2] The resulting term “mizmor” has a resemblance to the root letters zmr of the verb “zimmer” or singing psalms.
[3] The Greek version of this term “mizmor” was “psalmos,” which gave rise to the English “psalm.”
© Copyright dr. Annechiena Sneller-Vrolijk
