One feature of the psalms is the notation that precedes the text. These titles and the instructions given for their use are part of the psalm itself and worth reading and considering.

Some of the more common notes are these:

1. "For the Chief Musician"
   This note is attached to fifty-five psalms. It refers to the leaders of the temple singers and offers directions as to how the psalm was to be sung.
2. "Song of Degrees" or "Song of Ascents" (Ps. 120-134)
   This notation refers to a group of psalms that were sung by the Jews on their way UP to Jerusalem to keep the annual feasts.
3. "Maskil"
   This term is found at the top of thirteen psalms. The word means "instructions" and denotes these psalms as didactic or teaching in nature.
4. "Michtam" (Ps. 16, 56-60)
   The meaning of this term is unknown. In rabbinical writings it is taken to mean "a golden poem."
5. "On Neginoth"
   This word appears with six psalms and means "with stringed instruments."
6. "Upon Nehiloth"
   This means "on wind instruments," probably flutes.

There are other notes, such as "Selah," that, though they occur frequently, have no context for meaning. What a loss to not know what these notes mean!

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"The Holy Scriptures require a humble reader who shows reverence and fear toward the Word of God, and constantly says, 'Teach me, teach me, teach me.'"
- Martin Luther, Luther's Works, vol.54, 379; Table Talk, 5017

God bless you in your reading this week and may your learning be transforming.