Psalm Four

by Dr. Henry M. Morris

(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)

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

chief Musician. The “chief musician” was evidently someone appointed to lead in the singing of the psalms in worship services in the temple and in connection with the great festivals of Israel. This notation appears in the title of fifty-five of the psalms.

Neginoth. “Stringed instruments” is neginoth in Hebrews. This Hebrew word is left untranslated in many editions of the Bible. Six of the psalms (Psalms 4, 6, 54, 55, 67, 76) include this notation in their titles.

Psalm 4:1 Hear 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.

God of my righteousness. This is the only place in the Bible where God is addressed by this name. It stresses fittingly the great fact that Christ Himself is our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Psalm 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

sons of men. Note that David calls first upon God (Psalm 4:1) before he speaks to men. This is surely the proper route when believers are being oppressed by men.

leasing. That is, “deceit.”

Psalm 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.

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

Psalm 4:5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

Psalm 4:6 There be many that say, Who will show us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

Psalm 4:7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.

gladness in my heart. Christ in the heart is better than corn in the barn!

Psalm 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.