The Bible: Psalms Chapter 4: with Audio and Commentary.

Version: World English Bible.

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Psalms Chapter 4 For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm by David.

1 Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. Give me relief from my distress. Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

2 You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonour? Will you love vanity and seek after falsehood? Selah.

3 But know that the LORD has set apart for himself him who is godly: The LORD will hear when I call to him.

4 Stand in awe, and don't sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.

5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Put your trust in the LORD.

6 Many say, "Who will show us any good?" LORD, let the light of your face shine on us.

7 You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and their new wine are increased.

8 In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you, the LORD alone, make me live in safety.

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Version: World English Bible

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Psalms Chapter 4 For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm by David. Guide

This is a song of the evening. The general circumstances out of which it rises are the same as those of the previous psalm. Now, however, the day into which the singer marched with confidence is over. The evidences of strain are apparent, and yet the dominant thought is of victory won and confidence increased.

The opening words constitute a petition in the midst of which the singer declares that God has delivered him. He appeals to the "sons of men," to those who, according to his morning psalm, declared, There is no help for him in God.

He now asks them how long they will turn His glory into dishonour, "love vanity," and "seek after falsehood." The experiences of another day enable him to declare that Jehovah is great. He warns them to "stand in awe," to think of it, and 'be still."

The testimony merges into an appeal to those who do not know Jehovah. They are pessimists, dissatisfied in the midst of life, and asking, Who will show us any good?

Out of his experience of Jehovah's goodness, he affirms that he has found gladness more than the men who have been in circumstances of material prosperity. The song ends with words that breathe his deep content, In peace will I both lay me down and sleep ... and the reason is that though he is alone, or in solitude, Jehovah makes him dwell safely.

From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.

Psalms Chapter 4 Commentary

Chapter Outline

  1. The children of men proved, and the happiness of godly people. -- (1-5)
  2. God's favour is happiness. -- (6-8)

Verses 1-5

Hear me for thy mercy-sake, is our best plea. He who will not ask such blessings as pardon, and justifying righteousness, and eternal life, must perish for the want of them. Alas! that so many should make so fearful a choice. The psalmist warns against sin. Keep up holy reverence of the glory and majesty of God. You have a great deal to say to your hearts, they may be spoken with, let it not be unsaid. Examine them by serious self-reflection; let your thoughts fasten upon that which is good, and keep close to it. Consider your ways, and before you turn to sleep at night, examine your consciences with respect to what you have done in the day; particularly what you have done amiss, that you may repent of it. when you awake in the night, meditate upon God, and the things that belong to your peace. Upon a sick-bed, particularly, we should consider our ways. Be still. when you have asked conscience a question, be serious, be silent, wait for an answer. Open not the mouth to excuse sin. All confidence must be pan answer. Open not the mouth to excuse sin. All confidence only: therefore, after commanding the sacrifices of righteousness, the psalmist says, Put your trust in the Lord.

Verses 6-8

Wordly people inquire for good, not for the chief good; all they want is outward good, present good, partial good, good meat, good drink, a good trade, and a good estate; but what are all these worth? Any good will serve the turn of most men, but a gracious soul will not be put off so. Lord, let us have thy favour, and let us know that we have it, we desire no more; let us be satisfied of thy loving-kindness, and will be satisfied with it. Many inquire after happiness, but David had found it. When God puts grace in the heart, he puts gladness in the heart. Thus comforted, he pitied, but neither envied nor feared the most prosperous sinner. He commits all his affairs to God, and is prepared to welcome his holy will. But salvation is in Christ alone; where will those appear who despise him as their Mediator, and revile him in his disciples? May they stand in awe, and no longer sin against the only remedy.

From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.