RRB notes on Psalm 4

Psalms 4 KJV

To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David

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

[1] Notice that David appeals to his own righteousness. Salvation in the Old Testament, under the Law, was a combination of faith and works (see Neh. 13:22, 31; Psa. 24:3-5).

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?[a] Selah.

[a] “Leasing” (כָּזָב), archaic English for “lying” or “acting deceitfully.”

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

4. Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

5. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD. [b]

[b] The verse deals with the attitude of the man bringing the sacrifice (Prov. 15:8, 21, 21:27; Isa. 1:10-15).

6. There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. [2]

[2] A Second Advent passage (Psa. 37:6, 43:3-4, 89:15) which deals with the restoration of Israel (Psa.  51:18). That is when “the sacrifices of righteousness” (vs. 5 cf. Psa. 51:19) will be offered. The verse deals with an appearance of the Lord near the end of the Tribulation (Num. 6:26, 10:35; Psa. 7:6, 10:12, 12:5, 17:13, 80:7, 118:27; Isa. 60:1).

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

8. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.