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

Chapter 4: Analysis of Psalms 3-8Lord” (v. 7b). 34 The bulk of the psalm is addressed to the psalmist’s enemies,urging them to come to their senses and turn back to the Lord (vv. 3-6). Theremainder is addressed to the Lord in quiet confidence (vv. 8-9). Thepsalmist’s lament is more over the foolish fate of his enemies than over fearfor his own wellbeing (see Goldingay 2006:119).4.2.4 Structural analysisThe most common view of the structure of Psalm 4 tends to see it followingthe stereotypical structure of a lament psalm (e.g., Leupold 1961; Ross 1985;Broyles 1999; Malick 2005). A standard layout following this line of reasoningwould be:4:2 Invocation to God The opening verse is addressed toGod as a plea for a hearing.4:3-6 Indirect complaint The next four verses are addressedto men; verse 3 states the situation;verses 4-6 offer instruction.34 Even this is questionable since these words can also be interpreted as a continuation of thequote in verse 7a (e.g., NIV).111