Smith DTh Thesis (final).pdf - South African Theological Seminary

Chapter 4: Analysis of Psalms 3-8experience of life and death. The psalm possesses an accent ofimmediate conviction that suggests authenticity rather thanprofessional work and favors the value of the editorialsuperscriptions (Terrien 2003:93).Craigie (1998:71) adds, “It should be added that the military language is alsoentirely in harmony with the superscription linking the psalm with David’s flightfrom Absalom.” It seems reasonable to conclude that it was written in a royalmilitary crisis comparable to the one King David faced during Absalom’srevolt.4.1.3 Setting in lifeThe terms “psalm” זְ‏ מוש)‏ ‏(מִ‏ in the superscription and “selah” לָ‏ ה)‏ ‏(סֶ‏ in verses 3, 5and 9 indicate that this was a song set to music (Lane 2006:33). Theemotional tone of the psalm argues against it being a professionalcomposition for liturgical use (cf. Terrien 2003:93). However, the insertion of“selah” would suggest that it was later used in corporate worship. 2222 For “selah” probably being a late musical addition, see Durham (1969).91