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

Chapter 5: Concatenation in Psalms 3-8a) They begin with reference to the rejoicing ‏(שמח)‏ of the righteous,expressed in the clauses “you have put more joy in my heart” (4:8a)and “let all who take refuge in you rejoice” (5:12a).b) The Lord’s protection of the righteous emerges in statements such as“in peace I shall both lie down and sleep” (4:9a), “you make me dwell insafety” (4:9b), “all who take refuge in you” (5:12a), “spread yourprotection over them” (5:12c) and “you cover him with favour as with ashield” (5:13b).c) The psalmists’ joy and security is rooted in their relationship withYahweh. Allusions to Yahweh Himself as the source of joy (4:8) andכִ‏ י אַ‏ ָ ה blessing (5:13) point in this direction, while the use of the phrase(“but you, O Lord”) in the final verse (see 4:9 and 5:13) of each יחוהpsalm makes the point emphatic.Thematic links. The central theme of Psalm 5 differs from that of Psalm 4.Whereas Psalm 4 is essentially about the psalmist’s confidence that Yahwehwill vindicate him against his critics, Psalm 5 is primarily about who mayapproach the Lord in worship. Yet they share several subordinate themes.The following thematic similarities were noted.202