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

Chapter 4: Analysis of Psalms 3-84; see Mays 1994a:55-56). 44 Although he is undergoing severe opposition, thepsalmist’s heart is secure in the knowledge that Yahweh has given him relief(v. 2b). He continues to find joy and strength in his relationship with the Lord(v. 8); resting securely in his belief that he will keep him safe (v. 9).The Lord is portrayed as a faithful covenant keeper who listens to his people’sprayers (v. 4), gives them relief in distress (v. 2), brings them joy though hisrelationship with them (v. 8) and leads them safely through the dark watchesof the night (v. 9). In his role as a covenant keeper, Yahweh is the “God of myrighteousness”, the God who defends the righteous and their just cause.The psalmist’s intimacy with Yahweh and the security that results from itoverflows in his concern for the wellbeing of his enemies. The petitions (v. 2)and instructions (vv. 3-6) he addresses to them appear to flow from ashepherd’s concern for his sheep. He seems sad and perplexed at theirfoolish rejection of Yahweh and his anointed. He desires to persuade them toreturn to the Lord (see Richard 2002:52-55; Goldingay 2006:119).44 See the discussion of חָ‏ סִ‏ יד in the section dealing with the terminology of the psalm.120