Psalm 4/Sections/Invitation
The psalm divides into three parts based on shifts in the addressee.[1] Whereas v. 2 (or, at least, the central part of it) was addressed to YHWH ("you gave me relief"), vv. 3-6 are addressed to "mortal humans," i.e., to the mass of humanity who love and seek worthless and false gods (v. 3).
YHWH's blessing on Israel has implications for these people. Israel was meant to be an example, showing others what it looks like to live under YHWH's blessing (cf. Deut 4:6–7; 1 Kgs 8:41–43; Zech 8:20–23; cf. Gen 12:1–3). In this sense, YHWH's blessing on Israel was like a "banner" (נֵס), which is "used to identify a particular group" (SDBH) and point the way to a place of security and rest (cf. Isa 11:10–12; Jer 4:6; Ps 60:6).[2] If idol-worshippers repent and trust in YHWH (v. 6), then they can enjoy his blessing, too. The psalmist's speech to humanity in vv. 3–6 is rhetorically harsh (see esp. v. 3), but it is ultimately aimed at their repentance and flourishing.
The poetic structure groups the address to humanity into three parts.
- Initial rebuke in the form of a question (v. 3)
- Call to fearful, silent reflection (vv. 4–5)
- Call to repentance and trust (v. 6)
The exhortation to "sacrifice right sacrifices" in v. 6 is especially noteworthy. The phrase comes from Moses' blessing in Deut 33, to which Psalm 4 has many connections. In this blessing, Moses prophesied that Israel would be blessed with abundant harvests in the land (Deut 33:28), and that they would "invite foreigners to their mountain and offer the right sacrifices there" (Deut 33:19, GNT). In vv. 3–6, the psalmist does exactly that: invite foreigners to "offer right sacrifices" to YHWH (v. 6).
The following visual summarizes the relationships among the characters, or participants, in this psalm, including the relationship between the psalmist and the "mortal humans."
