PSAL. 4. To the chief Musitian on Niginoth, a Psalm of David.
The meaning is this, The Kingly Prophet David composed this Psalm, and delivered it to be sung and played in the Congre∣gation, to him that was the chief Overseer, Master, and set over the rest of that musick or consort, upon the instrument called Niginoth, which sounded by playing on with the hand: To un∣derstand this the better, we may observe, that some instruments used in the Jewish Temple, were 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 windy, such as sounded by breath, and motion of the fingers; as Organs, that are blown with bellows, and all hollow instruments, as Trum∣pets, Rams horns, Cornets, &c. such as the Priests and Levites used in the holy Ordinances, from the Hebrew word Nechiloth, which signifies bored through or hollow.
Others were pulsatilia, such as were played upon with the fingers onely, either by a quill or otherwise; as the Harp, Dul∣cimer, &c. and had strings; and of this sort was the instrument in the Title of this Psalm, called Niginoth; now to every one of these several kindes of instruments, there was one who ex∣celled therein, appointed Overseer, or chief of the consort, and to direct those under him in the song, as there was of such as were the singers also for the song: Hence it is, that the Psalm being committed to be sung to the master of that Order, its said, To the chief Musitian, or to him that excelleth: A Psalm of David.