Look again at the title of this article and you will see a Biblical word, but one few would understand. Who or what is this Shigionoth that was part of the worship instructions given to the Jews. It is found in the introductory words of the seventh psalm in the King James Version—Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the Lord concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite. My immediate response in reading this is, “That’s Greek to me,” when actually, it is Hebrew. No one is sure where or when these introductory words have their origin. The only other time the word is found in the Bible is in Habakkuk chapter three. It is in this passage where the fullness of the meaning of this word is found. Look at the context of the only time this word is found in the actual text of the Bible.
The last verse of Habakkuk chapter two says, “The Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” Some have used this verse to prove we should not talk to each other in worship or to prove that boisterous children should be kept quiet in worship, but this ignores the context. The prophet, in the first chapter, questions why God has not acted immediately to the evil that is around him. In chapter two, God answers him and shows that God is sovereign and does things in His way and according to His schedule. God always reacts to evil; He just does not use man’s “timeline” to do it. The chapter ends with the words, “Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” He is God; He is just; He is sovereign. Our responsibility is to stand in awe of Him, to see Him on His throne and to honor Him.
Then, the very next verse begins with the words, “A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, on Shigionoth.” This chapter is filled with affirmation of the majesty and power of God and how He has His way in the all of His creation. He governs lightening, the mountains, the hills and the rivers. Then, the prophet shows that He governs the nations and brings righteous judgment on them. Habakkuk’s reaction is found in verse 16. “When I heard, my body trembled; my lips quivered at His voice.” How can one see the Lord in His holy temple, silently think about it, and not be moved!
So what is the meaning of Shigionoth? Evidently, it is an instruction about praising God and means that this prayer/song of Habakkuk was to be sung with vigor and excitement! This is the natural response when we see His greatness, and Habakkuk, “the song leader,” urges God’s people to worship with vigor and excitement!
What about you? Let me suggest that when you sing “There is a God, He is alive . . . The great I Am,” that you do it with Shigionoth. Worship God with all of your heart! “Selah.”