I was recently drawn to the word “Maskil (maschil)” while listening to a podcast.
Maschil means a song of wisdom. It denotes a song enforcing some lesson of wisdom or piety; a didactic song.
This Hebrew word occurs in the headings of 13 Psalms: 32, 42, 44, 45, 52-55, 74, 78, 88, 89, and 142. The word signifies “instruction, and these Psalms convey instruction to the remnant, which they will understand. The same word in the plural (maschilim) signifies the wise or the instructed ones”
While reading the quoted portion of the defined word, I became curious about the word remnant. It is the grace of the Holy Spirit that “keeps” us faithful and illuminates our understanding of the Father’s will even while we are persecuted for loving Jesus.
“And that is but one example of what God is doing in this age of fulfillment, for God’s grace empowers his chosen remnant. And since it is by God’s grace, it can’t be a matter of their good works; otherwise, it wouldn’t be a gift of grace, but earned by human effort.”
Romans 11:5-6 TPT
Let’s meditate on the first of 13 “Maschil” Psalms this week:
“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night, your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you. Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!”
Psalm 32:1-11 ESV
Father, by the power of your grace, illuminate our minds with understanding. We surrender our will and desire. We open ourselves up for a fresh impartation of wisdom. Give us eyes to see You. In Jesus' name amen.