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

Chapter 6: Composition of Psalms 3-8namely, Psalms 6 and 8, each contain three strong allusions to enemies. Thevarious references to enemies also provide a framework that accounts formost of the other thematic threads running through Psalms 3-8. The psalmistslooked to Yahweh for “deliverance” and “protection” because of the threattheir enemies posed. The contrast between “the wicked” and “the righteous”takes place against the backdrop of a righteous psalmist being threatened bywicked enemies. The righteous psalmists appealed to a righteous and justGod for vindication against their enemies, confident that Yahweh’s “anger”would come upon the wicked and his “blessing” upon the righteous.(b) God’s disfavour (see Table 6.12)Psalms 3 and 5-7 all anticipate God’s anger against evildoers and his activeopposition to them. Psalms 3 and 7 portray Yahweh as a warrior fightingagainst the psalmists’ enemies (see Row 1). Psalm 5 speaks in graphic termsof his absolute abhorrence of the wicked, using words such as “hates”,“destroys” and “abhors” to describe how God detests wickedness and thosewho practice it (see Row 1). Psalms 5 and 7 indicate that Yahweh causes thewicked to reap what they sow, that is, he causes their evil schemes to recoilupon themselves (see Row 3). This is a form of divine opposition, a type ofGod’s judgement (see Hubbard 1982). Psalm 6 also contains hints of theLord’s anger at sin and his opposition to those who practice it (see Row 2). At276