A michtam is a type of psalm found in the book of Psalms in the Bible. The Hebrew word “michtam” means “engraving” or “inscription.” There are six psalms that are specifically labeled as michtams:
- Psalm 16
- Psalm 56
- Psalm 57
- Psalm 58
- Psalm 59
- Psalm 60
These psalms were written by David and have some common features that set them apart from other psalms:
Authorship
All six michtam psalms have superscriptions attributing them to David. David was known as the “sweet psalmist of Israel” (2 Samuel 23:1) because he authored so many of the psalms. The michtams capture different events and struggles in David’s life.
Musical terms
Several of the michtam psalms contain musical terms in the superscription, indicating they were written to be sung. For example, Psalm 16 is called “A Miktam of David” and the superscription also says “Michtam when he fled from Saul, in the cave.” This refers to when David was on the run from Saul who was trying to kill him (1 Samuel 22:1). The michtams were rooted in real life events for David.
Meaning of “michtam”
The precise meaning of “michtam” is debated by Bible scholars. It may mean that these psalms were engraved on a permanent medium, etched in writing, to preserve them. Or it may refer to the precious, golden nature of the psalms – like engraving in gold. Ultimately, the root meaning of “michtam” is unclear. But it was a special literary term used for these psalms.
Content
The michtam psalms cover a range of emotional ground but often have a tone of confidence and trust in God in the midst of trials. For example:
- Psalm 16 expresses trust in God as David’s sovereign refuge.
- Psalms 56-59 reflect times when David was afraid of his enemies like Saul and the Ziphites.
- Psalm 60 is a community lament when David was fighting the Arameans and Edomites.
A few themes emerge in the content of the michtams:
God’s protection
David frequently writes about trusting God for deliverance and protection, even when facing formidable obstacles:
“In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:11)
Praise for God’s character
The michtams highlight David’s confidence in aspects of God’s character like His sovereignty, lovingkindness, and faithfulness:
“I have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you” (Psalm 16:2)
Retribution for enemies
Some michtams contain imprecatory prayers, where David asks God to judge and repay his enemies:
“At evening let them return, let them howl like a dog and go around the city” (Psalm 59:14)
So in summary, the michtam psalms are Davidic psalms that seem to be engraved with themes exalting God even in the midst of personal struggles. The depth of theology and intimacy with God seen in these psalms likely led to them being marked as michtams – golden psalms.
Interpretive Insights on Specific Michtam Psalms
Now we’ll take a brief, closer look at each of the six michtam psalms individually:
Psalm 16
Psalm 16 has no specific life experience identified, just that it is michtam of David. Themes include:
- Faith in God’s protection (v. 1)
- Delight in God’s people (v. 3)
- Trust in God’s counsel (v. 7)
- Hope in eternal life (vv. 9-11)
Peter quotes Psalm 16:8-11 in his sermon on the day of Pentecost, applying it to Jesus and His resurrection (Acts 2:25-28). So this psalm has messianic connections.
Psalm 56
The superscription says this michtam was written when the Philistines seized David in Gath (1 Samuel 21:10-15). Themes include:
- Fear of enemies (vv. 1-2)
- Trust in God (vv. 3-4, 10-11)
- Prayer for deliverance (v. 13)
This psalm demonstrates David’s faith even when afraid and surrounded by enemies on every side.
Psalm 57
The setting is when David fled from Saul and hid in the cave (1 Samuel 22:1). Themes include:
- Cry for mercy (vv. 1-3)
- Praise for God’s faithfulness (vv. 3, 10)
- Confidence in God’s protection (v. 1)
- Anticipated retribution on enemies (vv. 6, 9)
This michtam shows David’s continued trust in God’s protection even while on the run from Saul’s murder attempts.
Psalm 58
There is no specific context given for Psalm 58. Themes include:
- Condemnation of unjust rulers (vv. 1-5)
- Prayer that God will intervene (vv. 6-9)
- Joy in righteous retribution (vv. 10-11)
Psalm 58 contains some of the strongest imprecatory pleas from David for God to punish evildoers.
Psalm 59
The setting is when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him (1 Samuel 19:11). Themes include:
- Prayer for deliverance (vv. 1-5)
- Confidence in God’s strength (vv. 9, 16-17)
- Retribution invoked on the wicked (vv. 11-15)
Even while trapped in his home with assassins ready to kill him, David’s faith remains steadfast in this michtam.
Psalm 60
This michtam was written when David fought against Aram and Edom (2 Samuel 8:3, 13). Themes include:
- Seeking God’s assistance in battle (vv. 1-5)
- Praise for deliverance (vv. 6-8)
- Petition for ongoing help (vv. 9-12)
Psalm 60 reflects David’s attempt to rally Israel’s trust in God on the eve of battle. This is the only michtam that is explicitly communal rather than personal.
Common Themes in the Michtam Psalms
Stepping back to look at the michtams together, we can identify some common theological themes:
Trust in God’s protection
David consistently expresses trust in God to defend and deliver him, even in seemingly desperate situations (Psalms 56:3, 57:1, 59:9-10). His faith remains strong through every trial.
God as a mountain refuge
Several michtams use mountain, lofty, or inaccessible place analogies for God being an unassailable stronghold of protection (Psalms 57:1, 59:9, 16).
God’s unfailing love
David clings to God’s loyal love and covenant faithfulness in the toughest of times (Psalms 59:10,17). He finds hope in God’s hesed when there seems to be no human help.
Retribution and vindication
While rooted in vengeance, David’s pleas for God’s judgment and retribution reflect his trust in divine justice (Psalms 56:7, 58:6-11, 59:5). David knows God will make right all that is wrong.
Praise for salvation
Each michtam contains words of praise to God for His saving acts of deliverance (Psalms 57:7-11, 60:6-8). Even in dire straits, David sees glimmers of hope in God’s salvation.
So in studying these golden psalms, we see David cling closely to his God – the rock of his salvation – during seasons of intense personal struggle.
Summary of Key Points
In summary, here are the key facts to understand about michtams in the Bible:
- Michtam means “inscription” and refers to 6 psalms (16, 56-60).
- All contain superscriptions identifying David as author.
- Most relate to specific events from David’s life like fleeing Saul.
- Common themes are trust in God’s protection, praise for salvation, and calling for divine justice.
- Michtams portray a depth of intimacy and theology from David.
The michtams showcase David’s vivid faith during times of personal distress and crisis. He clings to God as his unfailing refuge and source of protection. For David, the dark nights of the soul are enlightened by the lamp of God’s presence. Even as an outcast on the run, he finds in God his supreme haven and hope. The michtams are psalms of steadfast trust in God inset in gold – precious and engraved on the heart of David forever.