30 GreGOrY T.K. WOnG 28 (which begin respectively with $a and hnh-yk), the four remaining sections would begin respectively with yk (v. 4), $a (v. 13), $a (v. 18), yk (v. 21) — a chiastic arrangement. Given these observations, a strong case can be made to regard not just $a alone but also the pairing of yk with $a as complementary structural markers that signal the beginning of new sections 51. returning to where all this discussion started, if the yk in v. 3 does not function primarily as a structural marker but merely to connect v. 3 with what precedes by providing cause, while it is the yk in v. 4 that functions as a structural marker signalling section division, then the introductory section of the psalm should comprise vv. 1-3 and not just vv. 1-2. now that the introductory and concluding sections of the psalm have been set at vv. 1-3 and vv. 27-28 respectively, in what ways do the two sections join up to form a ring composition? Other than the first and last clauses merging into a continuous circle and the presence of an inclusio involving bwj and ynaw in vv. 1-2 and v. 28, one can also discern a further structural parallel between the two sections. In the earlier discussion of the division of the psalm into six major sections based on the use of $a and yk as structural markers, it was pointed out that vv. 1-3 and vv. 27-28 both feature an emphatic con- trast, the former between the psalmist and God, and the latter between the psalmist and the wicked. But closer examination reveals that, be- sides the two main characters involved in each pair of contrasts, the remaining character in the God-psalmist-wicked trio is also promi- nently featured and similarly introduced in the two sections. In fact, of the six major sections of the psalm, the introductory and concluding sections are the only two where all three characters are prominently featured 52. In the introductory section where the contrast between God and the psalmist is featured in vv. 1-2, the wicked are introduced through yk in v. 3 as the cause behind the psalmist’s ynaw. similarly, in the con- cluding section where the contrast is between the wicked and the 51 In this, I am in basic agreement with ILLMAn, “Til tolkningen”, 123-124, except that he attaches more rhetorical significance to the yk in v. 3 instead of the one in v. 4. I am, however, skeptical about his attempt to add ynaw into the mix as ynaw does not occur in conjunction with either particle in every instance. his use of yhaw in v. 14 to make up for the absence of ynaw and his equating of $ya in v. 19 with $a also seem insufficiently justified. 52 Actually, in v. 17 all three characters are also mentioned. This will receive further treatment in the subsequent discussion of the turning point.