"Who Will Show Us Happiness?": Psalm 4 and the Significance of Its Allusion to the Aaronic Blessing

Psalm 4 ranks among the more interpretatively challenging biblical texts, whose meaning remains disputed despite the sustained attention of numerous scholars over many years. The difficulties are compounded by divergences between the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint. Modern exegesis spans awide spectrum: some read the psalm as arebuke to idolaters, others as the psalmist’s defence against slander; some view it as the protest of the poor against wealthy exploiters, while others interpret it as aroyal attempt to enforce obedience among subjects. Astriking illustration of these challenges is found in the “righteous sacrifices” of verse 6, where there is little agreement on whether actual offerings are intended or on why precisely they should be described as “righteous.” This study therefore seeks to contribute to the ongoing debate by analysing problematic expressions, their literary context and the structure of the psalm, evaluating existing interpretations, and finally offering some conclusions of its own. Particular attention is paid to the allusion to the Aaronic blessing contained in the psalm and to its significance.