Psalms 4

King James Version (KJV) · English

1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. 2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah. 3 But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him. 4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. 5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. 6 There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. 7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. 8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

Commentary — not Bible text

Psalms 4:1

PSALM 4

Psa 4:1-8. On Neginoth, that is, stringed instruments, as the kind of musical accompaniment. On other parts of title, see Introduction., The historical occasion was probably the same as that of the foregoing [see on Psa 3:1]. The writer, praying for further relief, admonishes his enemies of the vanity of attacking God's servant, exhorts them to repentance, and avows his confidence and peace in God's favor.

1. Hear--as in Psa 3:4.

God of my righteousness--or, "my righteous God, as my holy hill" (Psa 2:6), who will act towards me on righteous principles.

thou hast enlarged--expresses relief afforded in opposition to "distress," which is expressed by a word denoting straits or pressure. Past favor is a ground of hope for the future.

Psalms 4:2

2. sons of men--men of note or prominence (compare 2Ch 21:9).

turn my glory--or, "royal dignity."

into shame--or, "reproach."

vanity--a foolish and hopeless enterprise (Psa 2:1).

leasing--a lie.

Psalms 4:3

3. godly--an object as well as subject of divine favor (compare Psa 105:14, 15).

Psalms 4:4

4. Stand in awe--(Ep 4:26), from Septuagint, "be angry." Both clauses are qualified by "not."

Psalms 4:5

5. Not only repent, but manifest penitence by sacrifices or righteousness or righteous sacrifices, &c.

Psalms 4:6-7

6-7. Contrast true with vain confidence.

light of thy countenance upon us--figure for favor (Nu 6:26; Psa 44:3; 81:16).

Psalms 4:8

8. both lay me down, &c.--or, will lie down at once, and sleep in sure confidence and quiet repose (Psa 3:5).

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