1 [[To the chief Musician H5329 on Neginoth, H5058 A Psalm H4210 of David.]] H1732 Hear H6030 me when I call, H7121 O God H430 of my righteousness: H6664 thou hast enlarged H7337 me when I was in distress; H6862 have mercy H2603 upon me, and hear H8085 my prayer. H8605
2 O ye sons H1121 of men, H376 how long H5704 will ye turn my glory H3519 into shame? H3639 how long will ye love H157 vanity, H7385 and seek H1245 after leasing? H3577 Selah. H5542
3 But know H3045 that the LORD H3068 hath set apart H6395 him that is godly H2623 for himself: the LORD H3068 will hear H8085 when I call H7121 unto him.
4 Stand in awe, H7264 and sin H2398 not: commune H559 with your own heart H3824 upon your bed, H4904 and be still. H1826 Selah. H5542
5 Offer H2076 the sacrifices H2077 of righteousness, H6664 and put your trust H982 in the LORD. H3068
6 There be many H7227 that say, H559 Who will shew H7200 us any good? H2896 LORD, H3068 lift thou up H5375 the light H216 of thy countenance H6440 upon us.
7 Thou hast put H5414 gladness H8057 in my heart, H3820 more than in the time H6256 that their corn H1715 and their wine H8492 increased. H7231
8 I will both H3162 lay me down H7901 in peace, H7965 and sleep: H3462 for thou, LORD, H3068 only H910 makest me dwell H3427 in safety. H983
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 4
Commentary on Psalms 4 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 4
Ps 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 Ps 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 Ps 3:4.
God of my righteousness—or, "my righteous God, as my holy hill" (Ps 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.
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 (Ps 2:1).
leasing—a lie.
3. godly—an object as well as subject of divine favor (compare Ps 105:14, 15).
4. Stand in awe—(Eph 4:26), from Septuagint, "be angry." Both clauses are qualified by "not."
5. Not only repent, but manifest penitence by sacrifices or righteousness or righteous sacrifices, &c.
6, 7. Contrast true with vain confidence.
light of thy countenance upon us—figure for favor (Nu 6:26; Ps 44:3; 81:16).
7. corn and wine—literally, "new corn and wine."
increased—an abundant harvest giving great joy (Isa 9:3).
8. both lay me down, &c.—or, will lie down at once, and sleep in sure confidence and quiet repose (Ps 3:5).