Psalms 4

David prayeth for a gracious hearing; rebuketh his Enemies, and exhorteth them to repentance, he is cheared, contented, and at rest in the grace of God.

1. A Psalm of David for the chief song-master, [i.e. given to the chief song-master, for to be played and sung in the house of the LORD. The Hebrew word doth signify, an overcommer, conqueror, and withal an exciter; instigator, stirring up, and driving on, i.e. one that overcometh and excelleth in skill and ability, such as are commited unto and under his inspection and government; driving on and urging the work, till it be as were overcome and consummated, and consequently in matter of singing, or music, a Master, Insepector, Director and Leader of those that sing and play on musical Instruments. Compare Psa.13.on v.2. and see 2 Chron.2.1,18. And 34.12,13. Ezra 3:8, 9. Touching these Ordinances in the music of the public worship, see 1 Chron.6.31. &c.and 15. 16, 17. &c. And 16.4,5,7. And 25.1,2, &c.] on Neginoth. [or, in with, Neg: Hereby some understand the string-play, or the instruments of music, which are touched or struck, or played upon with fingers, in manner as with us now, the Lute, the Harp, the Gittern, the Viol, the Virginals, &c. Others hold it to imply a certain tune or air of music.]

2. When I do call, [viz. Unto thee, as v.4. i.e. pray servently; see Job 36.on v.13. and thus frequently] hear me, O God of righteousness, [i.e. that doest maintain my righteous cause] In distress hast made me room: be gracious unto me, and hear my payer.

3. Yee men [Heb. sons; (or children) of the man (Viri). Thus the great ones are called, such as are eminent in honour and authority; as the meaner sort, in opposition are teamed, children (or sons) of man, (homiminis:) Psa.49.3. and 62.10. Prov.8.4. compare also Isa.2.9.] how long shall mine honour [that God caused me to be anointed King by Samuel] be (put) to shame? (how long) shall ye love vanity, seek the ly? [to charge me with false imputation, or rely on that which shall deceive you at last, and fail and foil your expectation. In this sense the Hebrew word may conveniently be taken likewise, by comparing 2 Kings 4:16. Job 40.28. Psa.89.36. Isa.58.11. Compare moreover Psa.7.15. and 60.17.] Sela. [See above 3.on v.3.]

4. Know ye that the LORD hath separated him, [viz. For the Kingdom, the Hebrew word signifieth to deal wonderfully, and likewise to separate; therefore some render it, wonderfully separated. See Exod.9.4. and 11.7. and 33.16. Item Psa.17.7, &c.] a Favourite: [viz. My self, to whom God sheweth undeserved kindness, favour and bounty; the Enjoying and experience whereof, maketh me also disposed and heartily enclined, to shew favour and kindness unto others, even to my haters themselves, according to the nature and duty of Gods children. See Matth.5.44, 45. 1 John 4 11. And further of the Hebrew word, 2 Chron.6.on v.41.] the LORD shall hear when I call unto him.

5. Be troubled and sin not, [As if he said, if it do anger and vex, or trouble you, that I am chosen to the Kingdom; or that things go cross, or amiss in the it; but rather turn your selves and be reconciled to God, or be ye troubled, viz. With the apprehension of the heavy wrath of God, which you do draw upon your selves, and go not on in sinning] speak (or commune) in your heart, [i.e. consider, ponder by your selves, (Compare Psalms 14:1. and 35.25. Matth.24.48. Rom.10.6. Rev.18.7.) weighing and sifting your practices; and judging your selves.] upon your Couch, and be fill, [i.e. cease and give over to persecute me.] Sela! [see above Psalm 3.verse 3.]

6. Offer offerings of righteousness, [i.e. Lawful ones and warrantable, accompanied with an upright faith and conversion of the heart, and so below Psal.5.ver. 20.] and trust in the LORD.

7. Many say; who shall make us see the good? [See for enjoy. See Job 7.on verse 7. Or, O, that any would make us see the good, or; would shew us the good, in a wishing expression. See Deut.5.on verse 29. As if they should say: how shall we get once out of these troubles, and distractions? Or; O that we might enjoy a plentiful and peaceable year!] do thou, O LORD, lift over us [as if the Prophet said; But I say; all shall be well, if but thou, O God, do lift, &c.] the light of thy countenance, [See Numb.6.on verse 25,26.]

8. Thou [viz. O God] hast given joy in my heart, more then at the time, when their corn, and their must [or new Wine] are multiplied. [i.e. thou hast by the light of thy countenance, filled me with spiritual Joy, which much exceedeth theirs at best, which is, when they have a plentiful harvest and vintage. Compare Cant.1.2,4. And Hosea 9:1. with the annotation.]

9. I shall ly down and sleep together, in peace; [i.e. in safety and quiet, not with standing all the plots and practices of mine Enemies and Persecutors. See Psalm 3.on v.6.] For thou, O LORD, alone shalt make me dwell in safety. [Oth. for thou (art) LORD alone, thou shalt make me to dwell in safety.]