or (plural of former) שׁוֹשַׁנִּים עֵדוּתlemma שׁוֹשַׁנִּיס עֵדוּת samekh, corrected to שׁוֹשַׁנִּים עֵדוּת; from שׁוּשַׁן and עֵדוּת; lily (or trumpet) of assemblage; Shushan-Eduth or Shoshannim-Eduth, the title of a popular song; Shoshannim-Eduth, Shushan-eduth.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase H7802, transliterated as *Shûwshan ʻÊdûwth* (שׁוּשַׁן עֵדוּת) or its plural form *Shôshannîm ʻÊdûwth* (שׁוֹשַׁנִּים עֵדוּת), is a complex musical superscription found in the book of Psalms. It is a compound term derived from שׁוּשַׁן (shushan, `{{H7799}}` or `{{H7800}}`) and עֵדוּת (eduth, `{{H5715}}`).
The first component, שׁוּשַׁן, literally means "lily." This beautiful flower is often associated with purity, beauty, and spring. However, in a musical context, it is widely understood by scholars to refer to a specific melody, a musical instrument (perhaps a trumpet or a lily-shaped wind instrument), or a particular musical style or tune, possibly one that was well-known and popular at the time. The alternative interpretation as a "trumpet" arises from the shape of some ancient trumpets resembling a lily, or the association of lilies with festive occasions.
The second component, עֵדוּת, translates as "testimony," "witness," "ordinance," or "decree." This term carries significant theological weight, often referring to God's divine Law, the tablets of the covenant (e.g., the "Ark of the Testimony"), or a divine declaration. It speaks to that which bears witness to God's character, will, and covenant faithfulness.
Combining these elements, *Shûwshan ʻÊdûwth* can be interpreted as "Lily of Testimony" or "Trumpet of Testimony." As a musical direction, it most likely instructed the choirmaster to perform the psalm according to a melody or instrumental style associated with "the Testimony," perhaps a tune traditionally used for songs related to God's covenant, law, or divine witness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The phrase H7802 appears in the superscriptions of two Psalms:
* שׁוּשַׁן עֵדוּת (Shushan Eduth) is found in [[Psalm 60:1]]. The full superscription reads: "To the choirmaster: according to Shushan Eduth. A Miktam of David; for teaching; when he strove with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, and when Joab returned and struck down twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt." Psalm 60 is a lament and a prayer for divine restoration after a military defeat. It recounts Israel's brokenness and pleads for God's help, recalling His past promises. The "Testimony" aspect could relate to God's covenant promises that Israel appeals to, or the psalm itself serving as a witness to their distress and God's ultimate faithfulness. The "lily" or "trumpet" melody would set the tone for this plea and declaration.
* שׁוֹשַׁנִּים עֵדוּת (Shoshannim Eduth), the plural form, is found in [[Psalm 80:1]]. Here, the superscription states: "To the choirmaster: according to Shoshannim Eduth. A Psalm of Asaph." Psalm 80 is a fervent prayer for the restoration of Israel, depicted as a vine brought out of Egypt. It repeatedly calls upon God to "restore us; let your face shine, that we may be saved." The plural "lilies/trumpets of testimony" might suggest a more elaborate or communal musical performance. The "Testimony" here powerfully underscores the plea for God to act according to His covenant character and promises, which serve as a perpetual witness to His people.
In both instances, the musical instruction seems to set a tone appropriate for a psalm that grapples with national distress, appeals to God's covenant faithfulness, and seeks His intervention. The "Testimony" element imbues the musical setting with a sense of solemnity and a focus on divine truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of H7802 are שׁוּשַׁן (shushan, `{{H7799}}` / `{{H7800}}`) and עֵדוּת (eduth, `{{H5715}}`).
* שׁוּשַׁן / שׁוֹשַׁנִּים (lily/lilies) also appears in other Psalm superscriptions, such as שׁוֹשַׁנִּים in [[Psalm 45:1]] and [[Psalm 69:1]]. These psalms also contain themes of beauty (Psalm 45, a royal wedding song) and suffering/lament (Psalm 69). This reinforces the idea that "lily" might denote a specific, perhaps melancholic or beautiful, melody.
* עֵדוּת (testimony) is a foundational concept in the Old Testament, referring to God's Law, commandments, and the covenant itself. It is often associated with the Tabernacle (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, "tent of meeting" or "tent of testimony") and the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the tablets of the Law, serving as a constant witness to God's covenant with Israel.
* Other musical notations in Psalms provide context for the nature of H7802. These include terms like לַמְנַצֵּחַ (Lamnatseach, `{{H5329}}`, "To the choirmaster"), עַל־אַיֶּלֶת הַשַּׁחַר (Al-Ayyeleth ha-Shahar, `{{H365}}`, "according to The Doe of the Dawn" in [[Psalm 22:1]]), and מַחֲלַת (Mahalath, `{{H4257}}`, perhaps "sickness" or a specific instrument/tune in [[Psalm 53:1]] and [[Psalm 88:1]]). These diverse superscriptions highlight the sophisticated musical culture of ancient Israel and the specific instructions given for the performance of sacred texts.
### Theological Significance
The combination of "lily/trumpet" and "testimony" in *Shûwshan ʻÊdûwth* points to a profound integration of aesthetics, worship, and divine revelation.
1. **Music as a Vehicle for Divine Truth:** The phrase underscores the belief that music is not merely an aesthetic embellishment but a powerful medium for conveying and internalizing God's עֵדוּת. The melody (lily/trumpet) serves to amplify the "testimony" of the psalm, whether it is a lament, a prayer, or a declaration of faith.
2. **The Enduring Nature of God's Testimony:** While the "lily" can symbolize beauty and fragility, perhaps even the fleeting nature of human life or suffering, it is juxtaposed with the enduring, immutable "testimony" of God. This contrast can highlight the stability of God's covenant and promises amidst human turmoil. If interpreted as a "trumpet," it signifies a powerful, authoritative proclamation of God's truth, a call to attention, or a declaration of His presence and judgment.
3. **Worship Rooted in Covenant:** The phrase connects the act of worship directly to God's covenant and His revealed will. Singing "according to the Testimony" means performing these sacred texts in a manner that honors and reflects the very essence of God's relationship with His people—a relationship built on His faithful witness and their response.
4. **Lament and Hope within God's Framework:** In both Psalms 60 and 80, the "Testimony" provides the theological framework for the lament. The people appeal to God's character and past acts (His testimony) as the basis for their hope for future deliverance. The musical setting, therefore, would have reinforced this theological grounding.
### Summary
*Shûwshan ʻÊdûwth* (H7802) is a musical superscription in the Psalms, meaning "Lily/Trumpet of Testimony." It combines שׁוּשַׁן (lily, possibly a melody or instrument) with עֵדוּת (testimony, divine law or witness). Found in [[Psalm 60:1]] and [[Psalm 80:1]], it instructs the choirmaster to perform the psalm using a specific tune or style associated with God's covenant and revealed truth. This phrase highlights the profound connection between ancient Israelite music, the communication of divine עֵדוּת, and the theological depth of the Psalms. It signifies that worship, even in lament and distress, is to be performed in a manner that honors and reflects God's enduring testimony and covenant faithfulness.
TRV