Psalm Four
by Dr. Henry M. Morris
(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)
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.
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).
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 4:4 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.
gladness in my heart. Christ in the heart is better than corn in the barn!