THE *BOOK OF
PSALMS.

Psalm 4

1David prayeth God to hear him: 2he reproveth his enemies, and exhorteth them. 6Man's happiness consisteth in the favour of God.


0To the chief 1Musician on 2Neginoth, A Psalm of David.

1 That is, given to the chief song-master to be played and sung in the house of the Lord. The Hebrew word signifies conqueror, and further, inciter, prompter, one, who in vigorousness conquers or excels others who have been placed under his supervision, and incites the work until, as it were, it is conquered and brought to an end; and consequently in the matter of singing a master, supervisor, leader of those who sing and play. Compare Psalm 13:1, and see 2 Chron. 2:2, 18; 34:12, 13; Ezra 3:8, 9. Touching these ordinances in the music of the public worship see 1 Chron. 6:31, etc.; 15:16, 17, etc.; 16:4, 5, 7; 25:1, 2, etc.

2 Or, in, with Neginoth. Hereby some understand the string instrument, or the instruments of music which are touched, struck or played upon with fingers, in manner as with us now, the lute, the harp, the cither, the violin, the harpsichord, etc. Others hold it to imply a certain tone of music.

1HEAR me when I 3call, O God of my 4righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

3 Namely, unto Thee, as verse 3. That is, pray fervently. See Job 36 on verse 13, and thus frequently.

4 That is, Who does maintain my righteous cause.

25O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my 6glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after 7leasing?a8Selah.

5 Hebr. man’s sons, or man’s children. Thus are called the great or respectable people and gentlemen, as the common simple folks are called in opposition children or sons of men, Psalm 49:2; 62:9; Prov. 8:4. Compare also Isa. 2:9.

6 That God caused me to be anointed king by Samuel.

7 To charge me with false accusation, or, rely on that which shall deceive you at last, and fail and foil your expectation. In this sense the Hebrew word may likewise conveniently be taken, by comparing 2 Kings 4:16; Job 41:9; Psalm 89:35; Isa. 58:11. Compare moreover Psalm 7:14; 60:11.

a lying, falsehood

8 See of this word Psalm 3 on verse 2.

3But know that the LORD 9hath set apart 10him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

9 Namely, for the kingdom. The Hebrew word signifies to deal wonderfully, and likewise to separate. Therefore some render it: wonderfully separated. See Exod. 9:4; 11:7; 33:16. Likewise Psalm 17:7, etc.

10 Namely, myself, to whom God shows undeserved kindness, favor and benevolence, which I, while enjoying and experiencing the same, am also heartily inclined to show to others favor and benevolence, even to my haters according to the nature and duty of God’s children. See Mat. 5:44, 45; 1 John 4:11, and further of the Hebrew word, 2 Chron. 6 on verse 41.

411Standb in awe, and sin not: 12commune with your own heart upon your bed, and 13be still. Selah.

11 As if he said: If it does anger or vex, or trouble you, either my appointment to the kingdom, or that things go amiss in the land, do not therefore lay dishonest hands upon me, but rather repent and be reconciled to God; or be ye troubled, namely, with the apprehension of the heavy wrath of God, which you do draw upon yourselves, and do not continue in sinning.

b Eph. 4:26.

12 That is, think, ponder by yourselves (compare Psalm 14:1; 35:25; Mat. 24:48; Rom. 10:6; Rev. 18:7) considering your practices and judging yourselves.

13 Cease to persecute me.

5Offerc the 14sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

c Deut. 33:19; Psalm 51:19.

14 That is, lawful sacrifices, accompanied with an upright faith and conversion of the heart. Also Psalm 51:19.

6There be many that say, 15Who will 16shew us any good? LORD, 17lift thou up the 18light of thy countenance upon us.

15 Or, O, that any would make us see the good! It is a wishing expression. See Deut. 5 on verse 29. As if they said: How shall we get once out of these troubles, and vexations? Or, O, that we might enjoy a plentiful and a peaceful year!

16 That is, to enjoy. See Job 7 on verse 7.

17 As if the prophet said: But I say, all shall be well, if but Thou, O God, do lift, etc.

18 See Num. 6 on verse 25; Num. 6 on verse 26.

719Thou hast put 20gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.

19 O God.

20 That is, Thou hast by the light of Thy countenance filled me with spiritual joy, which exceeds much their joy, when they have a plentiful harvest and vintage. Compare Cant. 1:2, 4 and Hosea 9:1 with the annotations.

8 Id will both lay me down in 21peace, and sleep: 22for thou, LORD, only makest me dwelle in safety.

dPsalm 3:6.

21 That is, in safety and quietness, notwithstanding all the plots of my persecutors. See Psalm 3 on verse 5.

22 Other, for thou art Lord alone; thou shalt make me to dwell in safety.

eLev. 26:5; Deut. 12:10; 33:28.