Lectionary Calendar
Saturday, October 12th, 2024
the Week of Proper 22 / Ordinary 27
the Week of Proper 22 / Ordinary 27
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Bible Commentaries
Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible Dummelow on the Bible
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Bibliographical Information
Dummelow, John. "Commentary on Psalms 4". "Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dcb/psalms-4.html. 1909.
Dummelow, John. "Commentary on Psalms 4". "Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible". https://www.studylight.org/
Whole Bible (48)Old Testament (1)Individual Books (6)
Verses 1-8
This is an evening hymn, and though no occasion is mentioned it may perhaps be referred, like Psalms 3 (its natural companion), to the time of Absalom’s revolt, but to a somewhat later stage in the course of events, when the peril had largely passed away. It contains David’s appeal to God (Psalms 4:1), his appeal to his enemies (Psalms 4:2-5), and his own resolve (Psalms 4:6-8).
Title.—(RV) ’For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments (Neginoth).’
1. God of my righteousness] The God who is on the side of the Psalmist’s righteous cause.
Enlarged me] RV ’set me at large.’
2. Sons of men] in contrast with God, who is addressed in v.
1. How long will ye turn, etc.] RV ’how long shall my glory be turned,’ etc. Leasing] RV ’falsehood.’
3. Butknow] introduces the truth which the Psalmist’s enemies ignored.
4. Stand in awe] LXX renders, ’Be ye angry,’ and is followed by St. Paul in Ephesians 4:26. Be still] cease your striving after vanity. Selah] see on Psalms 3:4.
5. Sacrifices of righteousness] sacrifices accompanied by right conduct, offered in a right spirit, and so acceptable to God. Perhaps there may be a reference to the insincere sacrifices of 2 Samuel 15:12.
6. There be many] possibly in allusion to the discontented people whom Absalom sought to win by fair promises (2 Samuel 15:4). Lord, lift thou up] a striking transition from the vain quests of men to the one source of the chief good. The light of thy countenance] favour, such as earthly kings express by a smiling face: see Numbers 6:26; Psalms 80:3, Psalms 80:7, Psalms 80:19.
7. More than in the time] RV ’more than they have when,’ etc. ’They’ seems to refer to the enemies of the writer. He in his hardships is happier than they in their plenty: the peace of God is better than the mirth of harvest.
8. The note of evensong. Read, ’In peace will I both lay me down and sleep.’ The whole night’s rest is peaceful, because God, the only source of protection, is on the Psalmist’s side.