"AL...." in the Superscriptions of the Psalms

Abstract

The variety of interpretations given to this rubric is some indication of the complexity of the problems involved and the difficulty of reaching a completely satisfactory conclusion.' It is hoped that this study will bring us at least one step closer to such a conclusion. It is evident to most recent commentators that this and other rubrics in the psalm superscriptions bear some sort of relation to the use of the Psalms in the temple; unanimity may perhaps be reached on the interpretation of ,:=Z2 as a reference to stringed instruments, but even the familiar MY ub, "to the director" (?), is a subject of controversy.3 We may assume that the significance of " cal .... " was known in at least the early part of the post-Exilic period, for we find it attached to postExilic psalms;4 but by the time of the Septuagint and later versions there appears to be confusion with regard to its interpretation and sig-