Shoshannim

Shoshannim is a term that appears in the superscriptions of four Psalms, marking them as set to a particular tune or instrument. Two of those superscriptions carry a fuller form, Shoshannim Eduth or Shushan Eduth.

In the Psalm titles

The simple form Shoshannim heads the title of two Psalms. The first is a royal-wedding song among the Korahite collection: "For the Chief Musician; set to Shoshannim. [A Psalm] of the sons of Korah. Maschil. A Song of love" (Ps 45:1). The second is a Davidic lament: "For the Chief Musician; set to Shoshannim. [A Psalm] of David" (Ps 69:1).

With Eduth

Two further Psalms carry an extended form. The Davidic war-psalm against Aram bears the title Shushan Eduth: "For the Chief Musician; set to Shushan Eduth. Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, and Joab returned, and struck of Edom in the Valley of Salt twelve thousand" (Ps 60:1). The Asaphite plea for the restoration of Israel uses the parallel form Shoshannim Eduth: "For the Chief Musician, set to Shoshannim Eduth. A Psalm of Asaph" (Ps 80:1).