psalm-4:6,psalm-4:7

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 4:1-8

This is an evening hymn, and though no occasion is mentioned it may perhaps be referred, like Psalms 3 (its natural companion), to the time of Absalom’s revolt, but to a somewhat later stage in the course of events, when the peril had largely passed away. It contains David’s appeal to God (Psalms 4:1), his appeal to his enemies (Psalms 4:2-5), and his own resolve (Psalms 4:6-8).Title.—(RV) ’For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments (Neginoth).’1. God of my righteousness] The God who is on... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 4:6

(6) There be many.—Around the fugitive king were many whose courage was not so high, nor their faith so firm, as his. He hears their expressions of despair—“Talking like this world’s brood.”—MILTON.It is better to translate the words of these faint-hearted ones by the future, as in Authorised Version; not by the optative, as Ewald and others.Lift thou up . . .—This is an echo of the priestly benediction (Numbers 6:24, et seq.), which must so often have inspired the children of Israel with hope... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Psalms 4:1-8

Psalms 4:0 Augustine quotes this Psalm as of special value, and worthy to be sung aloud before the whole world for an expression of Christian courage, and a testimony of the peace God can give in outward and inward trouble ( Conf. IX. 4). 'I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety'. James Melville quoted it, among others, when he was dying, 'This being done, he comforteth himself with sundrie speeches out of the Psalms, quhilk he rehearsit in... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Psalms 4:1-8

Psalms 4:1-8Psalms 3:1-8; Psalms 4:1-8 are a pair. They are similar in expression (my glory, there be many which say, I laid me down and slept) in the psalmist’s situation, and in structure (as indicated by the Selahs). But they need not be contemporaneous, nor need the superscription of Psalms 3:1-8 be extended to Psalms 4:1-8. Their tone is different, the fourth having little reference to the personal danger so acutely felt in Psalms 3:1-8 and being mainly a gentle, earnest remonstrance with... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Psalms 4:1-8

Psalms 4:0 1. The cry to Jehovah (Psalms 4:1-3 ) 2. The warning to the enemies (Psalms 4:4-5 ) 3. The assurance of faith (Psalms 4:6-8 ) Psalms 4:1-3 . The fourth Psalm is closely connected with the third; the third is “a Morning Psalm” and the fourth “an Evening Hymn.” He calls God “God of my righteousness” and He knows that He will act in righteousness toward him, be gracious and hear prayer. Then the appeal to the sons of men, who love emptiness and seek after a lie. They should know... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Psalms 4:6

4:6 [There be] many that say, Who will shew us [any] {k} good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.(k) The multitude seeks worldly wealth, but David sets his happiness in God’s favour. read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Psalms 4:1-8

Psalms 1:0 True happiness is the theme of this psalm, whose author is unnamed. The negative side of true happiness is stated (Psalms 1:1 ), and then the positive (Psalms 1:2 ). Its reward follows (Psalms 1:3 ). Its nature and value are emphasized by a sharp contrast. Such a man is godly, his opposite ungodly (Psalms 1:4 ). The first is marked by stability, the second by instability (Psalms 1:4 ). The first has endless fruitfulness and blessing, the second has nothing and worse than nothing... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - Psalms 4:1-8

Psalms 4:0 [Note. This is the Evening Psalm, and probably it was composed at the same period as the preceding psalm. It is supposed that some of the expressions point to the period of the persecution of David by Saul; on the other hand, it is asserted that they are quite compatible with that of David's flight from Absalom. There are no imprecations upon his foes, a circumstance which is considered to point to Absalom rather than to Saul. This was one of the psalms repeated by Augustine at his... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 4:6

Is not this exhibited in the world every day? While some are sending out their thoughts, and wishes, and expectations, to invite any vanity, any folly; the people of God are looking up to Jesus, and asking for a view of him who is the light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of his people Israel. Precious Jesus! be thou my light, my life, my portion, and I shall need no other. read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Psalms 4:6

Justice. External devotion will not suffice. (St. Chrysostom) --- No sacrifice will please God as long as people take part with rebels. (Calmet) --- Besides external sacrifices, which have always been required, and those of praise and contrition, (Psalm xlix., and l.) we must offer to God the sacrifice of justice, by complying with our duties to him, ourselves, and neighbours, and by hating sin, and also the world, the flesh, and the devil, which prompt us to offend, and thus to give the... read more