Psalm 4

Many students of the psalms have recognized that Psalm 4 is very closely akin to Psalm 3 in both subject matter and structure. David may have written it on the same occasion as the previous one or near then. Perhaps it occurs after Psalm 3 in the Psalter because of these similarities.

Many of the psalms begin with instructions concerning how the Israelites were to use the psalm in public worship, as this one does. As mentioned previously, these notations are very old. They usually constitute the first verse of the psalm in the Hebrew Bible. This authority argues for their divine inspiration.

In this psalm David warned his enemies not to sin against God by opposing His anointed king.

 1. Prayer to God 4:1

David called on God to hear and answer his prayer. He appealed to God as the One responsible for his righteousness and former deliverance. The terms used to describe relief from distress picture moving out of a tight corner into an open space.³⁰

 2. Warning for enemies 4:2-5

4:2 David's enemies stand in contrast to God; they were sinners, but He was righteous. If they were Absalom and his followers, or whoever they were, they were trying to turn David's honor as a godly king into a bad reputation with their lies (cf. 2 Sam. 15:3). "Deception"(NASB) refers to their lies and is preferable to the NIV translation "false gods."David's questions reflect his amazement at their foolishness.

4:3 David was godly (Heb. hasid) because he was the object of God's election for a special purpose. His godliness was the result of God's calling, not the reason for it. Because the Lord had set him aside for a special purpose of His own (i.e., sanctified, "set apart,"him) David was confident God would hear his prayer.

4:4 David urged his enemies on the basis of his calling by God (v. 3) not to give way to sin in their anger against the king (cf. Eph. 4:26). They would be wise to remain still as they meditated on their opposition to David while lying in bed at night rather than getting up and opposing him. Opposing the Lord's anointed would constitute sin. It would be better for them to submit to God by submitting to His agent, King David.

4:5 Righteous sacrifices are those offered with a proper spirit of submission to God and His king (cf. 2 Sam. 15:12). Rather than opposing, David's adversaries should trust.

 3. Confidence in God 4:6-8

4:6 The comment of many people David quoted reflects the spirit of discontent with present conditions that had led them to oppose the king. Their desire for good was legitimate. David asked God to show them good by blessing them. Causing God's face to shine on His people is a figure of speech for bestowing His favor on them (cf. 31:16; 44:3; 67:1; 80:3, 7, 19; 119:135).

4:7 Knowing he was God's chosen servant and that those who sought to overthrow him were acting contrary to the will of God brought great joy to David's heart. He said he felt more joy than he experienced during Israel's harvest festivals that were some to the happiest occasions in the year.

4:8 He could rest and sleep peacefully with this knowledge (cf. 3:5). Even though many sinners opposed him he was right with his righteous God. He knew God would protect him.

The elect of God can experience true joy and peace even thought the ungodly may oppose them because He will protect and provide for them (cf. Gal. 5:22; Rom. 14:17).