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

Chapter 4: Analysis of Psalms 3-8with the non-descript ψαλμός, probably indicating uncertainty as to itsmeaning beyond the fact that it was a song. Since the word is so obscure (Hill1996:§8706.4), for the present it seems best to be content to identify שִ‏ ‏ּגָ‏ יון as“a musical composition” (NET) of an unknown kind.The heading and the use of “selah” (v. 6) indicate that it was a song, butunlike the preceding three psalms there is no indication that it belonged to thecollection of the music director for use in the cult. We can only speculateabout whether it was used in cultic worship.Turning to modern genre classifications, Psalm 7 is an individual lament(UCSSB 2002; Bratcher 2006b). The most descriptive sub-classification is “apsalm of innocence”. Craigie (1998:99) explains:Traditionally identified as an individual lament, the psalm is moreprecisely an innocent man’s prayer for protection in the face ofthe false accusations of enemies. The psalmist has beenunjustly accused of an act of treachery, including the breach ofcovenant or treaty obligations, and asks God to vindicate himand let the false accusations and their consequences reboundonto the head of the accuser.154