Copyright StatementThese files are a derivative of an electronic edition prepared from text scanned by Woodside Bible Fellowship.
This expanded edition of the Jameison-Faussett-Brown Commentary is in the public domain and may be freely used and distributed.
Bibliographical InformationJamieson, Robert, D.D.; Fausset, A. R.; Brown, David. "Commentary on Psalms 4". "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/
commentaries/eng/jfb/psalms-4.html. 1871-8.
Introduction
PSALM 4
:-. On Neginoth, that is, stringed instruments, as the kind of musical accompaniment. On other parts of title, see :-, The historical occasion was probably the same as that of the foregoing [see on :-]. The writer, praying for further relief, admonishes his enemies of the vanity of attacking God's servant, exhorts them to repentance, and avows his confidence and peace in God's favor.
Verse 1
1. Hear—as in :-.
God of my righteousness—or, "my righteous God, as my holy hill" ( :-), who will act towards me on righteous principles.
thou hast enlarged—expresses relief afforded in opposition to "distress," which is expressed by a word denoting straits or pressure. Past favor is a ground of hope for the future.
Verse 2
2. sons of men—men of note or prominence (compare 2 Chronicles 21:9).
turn my glory—or, "royal dignity."
into shame—or, "reproach."
vanity—a foolish and hopeless enterprise (Psalms 2:1).
leasing—a lie.
Verse 3
3. godly—an object as well as subject of divine favor (compare Psalms 105:14; Psalms 105:15).
Verse 4
4. Stand in awe— ( :-), from Septuagint, "be angry." Both clauses are qualified by "not."
Verse 5
5. Not only repent, but manifest penitence by sacrifices or righteousness or righteous sacrifices, &c.
Verse 6
6, 7. Contrast true with vain confidence.
light of thy countenance upon us—figure for favor (Numbers 6:26; Psalms 44:3; Psalms 81:16).
Verse 7
7. corn and wine—literally, "new corn and wine."
increased—an abundant harvest giving great joy (Isaiah 9:3).
Verse 8
8. both lay me down, &c.—or, will lie down at once, and sleep in sure confidence and quiet repose (Psalms 3:5).