Psalms 4

See prefatory note on Psalm iii.

TITLE. To the chief Musician. Fifty-five Psalms have this inscription: all but two (lxvi., lxvii.) being ascribed to David, Asaph, or the sons of Korah. The meaning undoubtedly is, “for the use of the Precentor,” or leader of the Sanctuary choir.

Neginoth. That is, “stringed instruments”: see Habakkuk iii. 19.

1. O God of my righteousness; that is, “Vindicator of my righteous cause.”

enlarged. i.e., “set me at large,” R.V.

2 my glory. This probably refers to David’s royal dignity, which God had given him, and of which his foes were seeking to deprive him.

leasing. An old English word for “falsehood.”

3 him that is godly. Rather, “pious”; one who lives under the influence of Divine love. The psalmist describes himself.

4. Stand in awe, and sin not. This clause is rendered in the Septuagint, “Be ye angry, and sin not”; and is so used by the Apostle Paul in Eph.

iv. 26. Whether this translation or that of the text is adopted, the verse seems to have been addressed to David’s comrades, exhorting them to restrain their just indignation.

upon your bed. That is, during the silence of the night.

6. The light of Thy countenance. See Numb. vi. 24-26.

7 their corn and their wine increased. Corn, wine, and oil, being the principal products of Canaan, are often used to represent all earthly good: see Deut. xxxiii. 28; Hos. ii. 8.

8. For Thou, Lord, only, etc. Some render this, “Thou, Lord, makest me to dwell alone in safety”; supposing the words to allude to Numb. xxiii. 9; Deut. xxxiii. 28. “The expression of confidence gains much if ‘alone’ be taken as referring to the Psalmist” (Alexander Maclaren).