### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shîyr**, represented by `{{H7892}}`, is a primary term for a **song**. It appears 90 times across 87 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from the root `{{H7891}}` which means to sing, `{{H7892}}` can refer to the act of singing or the musical composition itself, and is foundational to biblical expressions of worship, commemoration, and instruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7892}}` is used in several key contexts. It is integral to liturgical worship, frequently appearing in the titles of psalms, such as "A **Song** of degrees" [[Psalms 121:1]] and "A **Song** and Psalm for the sons of Korah" [[Psalms 48:1]]. It marks moments of national celebration and dedication, from the "song at the dedication of the house of David" [[Psalms 30:1]] to the music at the dedication of Jerusalem's wall [[Nehemiah 12:27]]. A **song** also serves as a historical record of God's mighty acts, such as the deliverance at the Red Sea [[Exodus 15:1]] and David's victory over his enemies [[2 Samuel 22:1]]. Conversely, the absence of song signifies judgment, as when the LORD declares that songs will be turned into lamentation [[Amos 8:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of song and praise:
* `{{H7891}}` **shîyr** (to sing): This is the primitive root from which `{{H7892}}` is derived, representing the action of singing. It is often used in direct command, such as "O **sing** unto the LORD a new song" [[Psalms 96:1]].
* `{{H4210}}` **mizmôwr** (psalm): This term, meaning a poem set to notes, is frequently paired with `{{H7892}}` in the titles of the Psalms, as seen in "A Psalm or **Song** of David" [[Psalms 68:1]].
* `{{H2167}}` **zâmar** (to make music, sing forth praises): This word often implies musical accompaniment with the voice and is used alongside `{{H7892}}` to describe worship, such as "to give thanks unto the LORD, and to **sing praises** unto thy name" [[Psalms 92:1]].
* `{{H1984}}` **hâlal** (to praise, celebrate): This term for praise describes the content of many songs. David's resolution was, "I will **praise** the name of God with a **song**" [[Psalms 69:30]].
* `{{H3627}}` **kᵉlîy** (instrument): This word refers to the musical instruments that often accompanied singing. David ordained Levites with "**instruments** of musick" `{{H7892}}` for service in the house of the LORD [[2 Chronicles 7:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7892}}` is significant, highlighting its role in the life of faith.
* **A Response to Redemption:** Song is a primary response to God's salvation. After deliverance, God puts "a new **song**" in the mouth of his people [[Psalms 40:3]]. The command to "sing unto the LORD a new **song**" is explicitly tied to the "marvellous things" He has done [[Psalms 98:1]].
* **Organized Worship:** Song was an ordained and structured part of worship in Israel. David set Levites "over the service of **song** in the house of the LORD" [[1 Chronicles 6:31]], and this ministry continued with "instruments of musick" as an established office ([[2 Chronicles 23:13]], [[2 Chronicles 29:27]]).
* **A Covenantal Witness:** God commands Moses to write a **song** and teach it to the children of Israel, so that it "may be a witness for me against" them if they should turn away from the covenant [[Deuteronomy 31:19]]. This establishes song as a tool for teaching and preserving divine truth.
* **Prophetic Hope:** Songs are not only about past deliverance but also declare future hope. Isaiah calls for a new **song** of praise that reaches "from the end of the earth" in anticipation of God's ultimate salvation [[Isaiah 42:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7892}}` is far more than a simple word for a melody. It is a cornerstone of biblical worship, an institution for remembrance, and a vehicle for prophecy. From spontaneous praise after a miracle to the organized liturgy of the temple, the **song** serves as a vital connection between God and His people, expressing the full range of their history, sorrow, and unfailing hope in Him.
TRV