Definition and Meaning:
The term "Leannoth" is found in the superscription of Psalm 88 in the Berean Standard Bible . It is part of the phrase "A song. A psalm of the sons of Korah. For the choir director. According to Mahalath Leannoth. A Maskil of Heman the Ezrahite." The word "Leannoth" is often understood to mean "for singing" or "for affliction," indicating the nature or purpose of the psalm. The exact meaning is debated among scholars, but it is generally associated with a musical or liturgical instruction.

Biblical Context:
Psalm 88 is one of the more somber and lamenting psalms in the Psalter. It is attributed to Heman the Ezrahite, a member of the Levitical family and one of the sons of Korah, who were known for their musical contributions to temple worship. The psalm is characterized by its deep expression of sorrow and a sense of abandonment, making the term "Leannoth" particularly fitting if understood as "for affliction."

Musical and Liturgical Use:
The phrase "According to Mahalath Leannoth" suggests a specific tune or style to which the psalm was to be sung. "Mahalath" is another term whose meaning is uncertain, but it is often linked with a particular melody or mode. The use of such terms indicates the structured and intentional nature of worship in ancient Israel, where specific psalms were designated for particular occasions or emotional expressions.

Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, the inclusion of terms like "Leannoth" in the psalm's superscription highlights the importance of music and lament in the worship life of Israel. It acknowledges the reality of human suffering and the appropriateness of bringing such experiences before God in worship. Psalm 88, with its raw and unrelenting depiction of despair, serves as a reminder of the depth of human emotion that can be expressed in prayer and song.

Interpretation and Application:
For believers, the term "Leannoth" and its association with Psalm 88 can serve as an encouragement to bring all aspects of life, including pain and suffering, into the presence of God. It underscores the belief that God is sovereign over all circumstances and that He hears the cries of His people, even when they feel overwhelmed by darkness. The psalm, and by extension the term "Leannoth," invites worshippers to engage with God honestly and authentically, trusting in His ultimate faithfulness and compassion.For answering; i.e., in singing, occurs in the title to Psalm 88. The title "Mahalath (q.v.) Leannoth" may be rendered "concerning sickness, to be sung" i.e., perhaps, to be sung in sickness. LEANNOTH

le-an'-oth (Psalm 88, title).

See PSALMS.

6030. anah -- to answer, respond
... shout, testify, announce -- give account, afflict (by mistake for anah), (cause
to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for anah), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up ...
/hebrew/6030.htm - 6k

Psalm 88
... Psalm 88. A Song or Psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief Musician upon
Mahalath Leannoth, Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. 8,6,8,6. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 88.htm

Leannoth (2 Occurrences)
... The title "Mahalath (qv) Leannoth" may be rendered "concerning sickness, to
be sung" ie, perhaps, to be sung in sickness. Int. ...LEANNOTH. ...
/l/leannoth.htm - 7k

Mahalath (6 Occurrences)
... 11:18). Mahalath Leannoth Maschil. This word leannoth seems to point to some
kind of instrument unknown (Psalm 88, title). The whole ...
/m/mahalath.htm - 11k

Maschil (26 Occurrences)
... Psalm 88 A Song, a Psalm of the sons of Korah; for the Chief Musician; set to Mahalath
Leannoth. ... To the chief music-maker; put to Mahalath Leannoth. Maschil. ...
/m/maschil.htm - 15k

Leans (7 Occurrences)

/l/leans.htm - 8k

Leanness (4 Occurrences)

/l/leanness.htm - 7k

Fountains (29 Occurrences)
... Psalm 88 A Song, a Psalm of the sons of Korah; for the Chief Musician; set to
Mahalath Leannoth. Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. (ASV YLT NIV). ...
/f/fountains.htm - 15k

Ezrahite (5 Occurrences)
... Psalm 88 A Song, a Psalm of the sons of Korah; for the Chief Musician; set to Mahalath
Leannoth. Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. (ASV). Psalms 88:1 A Song. ...
/e/ezrahite.htm - 9k

Maskil (13 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). Psalms 88:1 A Song, a Psalm of the sons of Korah; for the Leader;
upon Mahalath Leannoth. Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. (88:2) (See RSV NIV). ...
/m/maskil.htm - 8k

Instruction (117 Occurrences)
... (DBY YLT NAS). Psalms 88:1 {A Song, a Psalm for the sons of Korah. To the
chief Musician. Upon Mahalath Leannoth. An instruction. ...
/i/instruction.htm - 35k

Music-maker (55 Occurrences)
... Jacob. (BBE). Psalms 88:1 <A Song. A Psalm. Of the sons of Korah. To the
chief music-maker; put to Mahalath Leannoth. Maschil. Of ...
/m/music-maker.htm - 23k

Who was Heman the Ezrahite in the Psalms? | GotQuestions.org

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