2 You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor? Will you love vanity, and seek after falsehood? Selah.
As they were multiplied, so they sinned against me. I will change their glory into shame.
You will destroy those who speak lies. Yahweh abhors the blood-thirsty and deceitful man.
Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor. For we are members one of another.
and don't turn aside; for [then would you go] after vain things which can't profit nor deliver, for they are vain.
that, according as it is written, "He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord."
Has a nation changed [its] gods, which yet are no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit.
thus says Yahweh, What unrighteousness have your fathers found in me, that they have gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?
[But] Israel shall be saved by Yahweh with an everlasting salvation: you shall not be disappointed nor confounded world without end.
They shall be dismayed and confounded, because of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.
Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
"How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery, And fools hate knowledge?
He will judge your people with righteousness, And your poor with justice.
But the king shall rejoice in God. Everyone who swears by him will praise him, For the mouth of those who speak lies shall be silenced.
> Do you indeed speak righteousness, silent ones? Do you judge blamelessly, you sons of men?
My soul is among lions. I lie among those who are set on fire, Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, And their tongue a sharp sword.
You frustrate the plan of the poor, Because Yahweh is his refuge.
Why do the nations rage, And the peoples plot a vain thing?
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).