1 Chronicles 15:21

“And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, etc.] These six were appointed to sound: with harps on the Sheminith to excel; which Sheminith some take to be an harp with eight strings, or the beginning of a song, or a musical tone, the bass; see the title of (<190601>Psalm 6:1).”

“Harps on the Sheminith - “Sheminith” properly means “the eighth,” and has been compared with the modern musical term “octave.” Further, “Sheminith” and “Alamoth” are regarded as contrasted, and the harps of Mattithiah and his companions are supposed to have been pitched an octave below the psalteries of Zechariah and his brethren. The word translated “to excel,” is taken as meaning “to lead,” and Mattithiah, etc., as leaders of the singers. return to 'Top of Page'”

“To excel - Which word may be added to note the excellency of that instrument, or part of musick; or that there was a greater extension or elevation of the voice than in the former. This way of praising God by musical instruments, had not hitherto been in use. But David instituted it by divine direction, and added it to the other ordinances of that dispensation. 1 Chronicles 15:22”

“15:21 lyres: Hebrew adds according to the Sheminith. Sheminith might be related to a term meaning “octave,” suggesting a lower vocal range.”

“Mattithiah: Ch1 15:18, Ch1 16:5 harps: Ch1 25:6, Ch1 25:7; Sa1 10:5; Psa 33:2, Psa 81:1, Psa 81:2, Psa 92:3, Psa 150:3 Sheminith to excel: or, eighth to oversee, Psa 6:1, Psa 12:1 \*titles 1 Chronicles 15:22”