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

Chapter 4: Analysis of Psalms 3-8weight of these elements in the superscription seems to indicate that Psalm 6was sung in formal worship settings.This psalm is another individual lament (UCSSB 2002), this time probably apsalm of sickness. 61 Broyles (1999:62) suggests it may have been composednot by a sufferer, but by a liturgist for the use of those who minister tosufferers. Craigie’s (1998:91) contention that it “contains a high percentage offormulaic language” (cf. Achtemeier 1974:75), if correct, it adds weight toBroyles’ theory that Psalm 6 is a professional, liturgical composition (cf.Achtemeier 1974:77). Mays (1994a:59-60) traces its later liturgical usethrough three stages of development.1) Temple priests used it to minister to the sick. The dramatic change oftone in verses 9-11 would fit a priestly pronouncement of God’sblessing.2) Israel used it as a prayer for the restoration of the community. Thelanguage of sickness and healing was often used metaphorically of thesocial and spiritual state of the community.61 Bratcher (2006b) classifies it as a penitential psalm.139