### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **miktâm**, represented by `{{H4387}}`, is a technical term understood to mean an **engraving** or a **poem**. It is a rare term, appearing only **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. Its usage suggests it designates a specific category or style of psalmic literature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In every instance, `{{H4387}}` appears in the superscription of a psalm, identifying it as a "Michtam of David" `{{H1732}}`. These poems are consistently linked to moments of intense personal crisis and danger in David's life. They serve as prefaces to prayers composed when he fled `{{H1272}}` from Saul `{{H7586}}` into a cave `{{H4631}}` [[Psalms 57:1]], when Saul sent men to watch his house `{{H1004}}` to kill `{{H4191}}` him [[Psalms 59:1]], and during a time of military conflict and national distress [[Psalms 60:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the context and themes of the Michtam psalms:
* `{{H1732}}` **Dâvid** (loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse): The author to whom all six Michtams are attributed. These psalms are deeply personal expressions from **David** during times of trial, such as when he fled from Saul `{{H7586}}` [[Psalms 57:1]].
* `{{H2620}}` **châçâh** (to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in): This word captures the essence of the Michtam as a prayer of refuge. David's soul `{{H5315}}` **trusteth** in God, and he declares "in thee do I put my trust" [[Psalms 16:1]].
* `{{H2603}}` **chânan** (to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow): The plea for mercy is central to these psalms. David’s cry "**Be merciful** unto me, O God" `{{H430}}` is a hallmark of these compositions, demonstrating reliance on God's grace in times of oppression ([[Psalms 56:1]], [[Psalms 57:1]]).
* `{{H5337}}` **nâtsal** (to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense): This appeal for rescue underscores the dire circumstances of the Michtams. David implores God, "**Deliver** me from mine enemies" `{{H341}}`, seeking to be snatched away from those who want to kill `{{H4191}}` him [[Psalms 59:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4387}}` is found in the content it describes:
* **An Engraved Record of Faith:** The base definition of `{{H4387}}` as an **engraving** suggests these psalms are monumental, intended as a lasting record. They capture timeless truths about God's faithfulness, such as his promise to **preserve** `{{H8104}}` those who take refuge `{{H2620}}` in Him [[Psalms 16:1]].
* **A Prayer of Refuge in Distress:** The Michtams theologically frame suffering as an occasion for deeper trust. Faced with calamities `{{H1942}}` and enemies `{{H341}}`, David models a response of fleeing to God for protection, seeking shelter in the "shadow of thy wings" `{{H3671}}` [[Psalms 57:1]].
* **An Appeal to God's Righteous Judgment:** These poems affirm God's role as the ultimate judge. When human leaders fail to **speak** `{{H1696}}` righteousness `{{H6664}}` or **judge** `{{H8199}}` uprightly `{{H4339}}`, the Michtam turns to God as the one who will act justly [[Psalms 58:1]].
### Summary
In summary, **miktâm** `{{H4387}}` is a specific designation for six psalms of **David** `{{H1732}}`, likely referring to a type of **poem** or **engraving**. Each Michtam is a raw and personal cry to God from a context of extreme danger, oppression, or conflict. They are characterized by pleas for mercy `{{H2603}}` and deliverance `{{H5337}}`, and an unwavering declaration of trust `{{H2620}}` in God as a refuge. As "engraved" works, they stand as enduring testimonies of faith in the midst of trial, modeling a relationship with God that depends on His protection and righteousness when all other help fails.
TRV