from יוֹנָה and אֵלֶם and the plural of רָחוֹק; dove of (the) silence (i.e. dumb Israel) of (i.e. among) distances (i.e. strangers); the title of a ditty (used for a name of its melody); Jonath-elem-rechokim.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase **yôwnath ʼêlem rᵉchôqîym**, represented by `{{H3128}}`, is found only once in scripture. Its literal components mean "dove of (the) silence... of... distances." It is not a common word but rather the title of a ditty, understood to be the name of a melody. It appears a single time in one verse.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H3128}}` is in the superscription of a psalm by **Dâvid** `{{H1732}}`, setting the stage for its content [[Psalms 56:1]]. The full title reads, "To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath." The melody title, suggesting a silent dove among strangers, frames David's plea to **ʼĕlôhîym** `{{H430}}` while in peril: "Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me" [[Psalms 56:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H3128}}` is clarified by several words within the same verse:
* `{{H4387}}` **miktâm**: This term, meaning "an engraving, i.e. (techn.) a poem," classifies the psalm as a specific type of writing by David [[Psalms 56:1]].
* `{{H6430}}` **Pᵉlishtîy**: The psalm is set during David's encounter with the **Philistines**, the inhabitants of Pelesheth who were his adversaries [[Psalms 56:1]].
* `{{H270}}` **ʼâchaz**: This primitive root means "to seize" or "take hold." It describes the action of the Philistines who **took** David in the city of Gath `{{H1661}}` [[Psalms 56:1]].
* `{{H3905}}` **lâchats**: Meaning "to press, i.e. (figuratively) to distress," this word captures the essence of David's suffering, as he feels he is daily **oppressed** [[Psalms 56:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3128}}` is derived entirely from its unique contextual use. It sets a powerful thematic tone for the psalm it introduces.
* **A Metaphor for Persecution:** The title "dove of the silence of distances" serves as a metaphor for David's state. He is like a vulnerable dove, silenced and far from home among strangers, the **Philistines** `{{H6430}}`.
* **A Cry for Divine Mercy:** The situation described by the title prompts a direct appeal for mercy. David's response to being taken `{{H270}}` and oppressed `{{H3905}}` is to call upon **God** `{{H430}}`, highlighting reliance on divine intervention rather than human strength [[Psalms 56:1]].
* **Juxtaposing Vulnerability and Faith:** The psalm's title establishes a feeling of helplessness, but the body of the psalm (beginning in verse 1) transforms this into an expression of faith. The distress caused by **man** `{{H582}}` is met with a plea to God, who is the ultimate source of deliverance.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3128}}` **yôwnath ʼêlem rᵉchôqîym** is a highly specific term, functioning as a musical or thematic direction for Psalms 56. Though it appears only once, its meaning—"dove of (the) silence... of... distances"—profoundly illuminates the psalm's setting: David's capture in **Gath** `{{H1661}}`. It is a poignant example of how even a technical note in the biblical text can carry deep theological significance, framing a narrative of human vulnerability and the corresponding necessity of divine mercy.
TRV