Psalms 4

To the chief Musician upon Neginoth. A Psalm of David. We can learn no more from this title, but that’David was the author of this Psalm; and’ that he delivered it to the master of music in the tabernacle, to be sung to the stringed instruments. But when or upon what occasion he penned it, is not certainly known, though the matter of it makes it probable, it was in the same (or the like) distress wherein he made the foregoing Psalm.

Psalms 4:1

JljLeAR me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. O my God, the most righteous judge, who knowest the justice of my cause, and art the protector of oppressed innocence, vouchsafe to give me a gracious answer now that I cry unto thee for help against my enemies. Thou hast heretofore made an open way for my escape out of the sorest straits and greatest dangers; which makes me hope thou wilt still take pity upon me, and hear the humble petition which I put up unto thee.

Psalms 4:2

O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah. I am confident my desire is granted; and therefore do you hearken unto me, O ye rulers of the people, by whose authority such multitudes are drawn into this conspiracy: cease to defame my government, (2 Sam. xv. 3,&c.) and break off your vain endeavours to dethrone me. Why do you delight to weary yourselves in the pursuit of such fallacious counsels, and to employ so much industry in inventing calumnies, and spreading lies to draw the people from me?

Psalms 4:3

But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him. Know that it is not in your power by all these arts to depose me; for I did not come to my kingdom by chance, nor by your choice, but by the special appointment of God; who, having so highly favoured me, that he hath selected me out of all other men, and in a wonderful manner advanced me to be his vicegerent; he will no doubt maintain me in my place, and graciously preserve me when I implore his help from all the enemies that can assault me.

Psalms 4:4

Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Dread his displeasure, I beseech you, though you fear not my power; and let not your anger at me make you any longer offend him, by persisting in this rebellion, into which you have run rashly: but if you will debate the matter calmly within yourselves, and, when all the bustle and tumult of the day are over, ask yourselves at night what ground there is for it; I doubt not you will find reason to lay down your arms and be quiet.

Psalms 4:5

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. As for you, my friends, that adhere still to me, though you are driven with me from God’s holy place, yet fear nothing; but only take care to observe strictly all the rules of righteousness, which are the most acceptable sacrifices you can offer to the Lord; and then Microsoft® [psalm v. confide in him; and though your forces be few, doubt not of the victory.

Psalms 4:6

There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? ford, lift thou tip the light of thy countenance upon us. You arc desirous, I know, to see peace and settlement restored; of which many are apt to despair, saying, Who shall make us so happy? But do thou, O Lord, look favourably upon us and bless us, and then I am surer of it, than if I saw the most powerful armies appear, with banners displayed, for my succour..

Psalms 4:7

Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their com and their wine increased. The very thoughts of it, this small glimpse of thy love, hath already filled my heart with such joy, that it far exceeds all the pleasure my enemies can take in seeing their barns full of corn, and their presses overflow with wine.

Psalms 4:8

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou. Lord, only makest me dwell in safety^. Nor can they take their rest more securely than I; for though encompassed with these dangers, I no sooner lay me down, but I fall asleep; because when I have no other guard about me, thou, Lord, alone art a sufficient defence unto me.