Post by Lee on Jan 4, 2015 16:50:53 GMT
Psa 9:16 The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.
"Four occurrences; AV translates as “Higgaion” once, “meditation” once, “solemn sound” once, and “device” once.
1 meditation, resounding music, musing.
1A resounding music.
1B meditation, plotting."
-Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
HIGGAION and SELAH though not titles, are yet untranslated words occurring in the body of certain Psalms, and to them it is desirable to attach a definite significance as we read. They are found together in Psalm 9:16. The margin renders Higgaion “meditation;” but the probability is that it was used in connection with Selah, to indicate a change in the character of the musical performance. Gesenius is quoted as affirming that the expression Higgaion Selah means instrumental music-pause; that is, “Let the instruments strike up a symphony, and let the singers pause.” One of the joys which await the faithful in the kingdom of God will, doubtless, consist in the perfectly exquisite and intelligent manner in which all musical sounds will be regulated and employed. There will be no Gentile vacuity about such sounds when that time comes. The diabolism of the present dark and dreary night has managed to make a huge misappropriation in this department, and it is very depressing to find “the Chief Musician” absent from all their thoughts who now command the greatest luxuries of the ear. This will be put right by and bye, and all men will learn to praise the Giver of every good and perfect gift with the spirit and with the understanding also. Mankind will be interesting in those days, and society will not be such a perfect Sahara as every true saint must needs feel it now to be.
1888 Christadelphian, 17(electronic ed.), 202.