Psalm 37/Notes/Verbal.v. 3.865110

In the context, the imperatives in vv. 3b-4 are probably not moral exhortations to righteous living, but promises for the person who trusts in YHWH (cf. Baethgen 1904, 104). In other words, only the imperatives in the first line (v. 3a) function as a directives ("trust in YHWH and do good!"). The following imperatives, beginning with "dwell in the land," function (as imperatives sometimes do) "to express a distinct assurance... or promise" (GKC 110c; cf. JM114p; IBHS 34.4c). Cf. the parallel verse, Ps 37:27 ס֣וּר מֵ֭רָע וַעֲשֵׂה־ט֗וֹב וּשְׁכֹ֥ן לְעוֹלָֽם = "turn from evil and do good, and (you will) dwell forever." If this analysis is correct and רעה אמונה is not a moral exhortation to faithfulness, then the options 1, 3, and 5 discussed in phrase-level notes are less likely, and options 2 and 4 are more likely. Between these two options, option 4 has clearer semantic and syntactic parallels.