The Poetic and Canonical Functions of Psalm 3 and 4

Psalms 3 and 4 have their poetic and canonical functions. These functions include the lexical, semantic, syntactic and other links between the verses in a single psalm and their links with the previous and neighboring psalms. In reading Psalms 3-4, several verbs and words appears with significant regularity in a single psalm or shared by both and with the previous psalm. After the verbal and thematic links with previous psalms are discussed, the poetic analysis for each psalm will be examined. Psalms 3-4 are clearly related. The question is the nature and message of that relationship. In its canonical shape, these links suggest a significant implication and theology.