Psalm 4:2-3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 4:1-8

Quieting thoughts for a time of trouble. It is a mark of man's greatness that he can go out of himself. Some commune with nature, some with the great minds of the past, some with prophets and teachers of their own time. But the grandest thing is to commune with God. The evening is a fit time. Then we have rest; then we can retire from the stress and turmoil of the world, and in the secrecy of our hearts hold converse with God. Here we have some quieting thoughts for a time of trouble. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 4:2

O ye sons of men . "Sons of men "— beney ish —is not a mere periphrasis for "men." It is a title of some honour and dignity. Kay translates, "sons of the brave;" but that is scarcely the meaning. The phrase is rather equivalent to our "sirs" ('Speaker's Commentary.'). How long will ye turn my glory into shame? By your misconduct. See the clause which follows. The appeal is, perhaps, to Joab, Abishai, and others of David s own party, whoso proceedings were a disgrace to his reign, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 4:3

But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself. The best order of the words would be, "Know that the Lord hath set apart for himself the man that is godly." The godly man is not contaminated by the evil doings of those who associate with him, and profess to act in his interest, if he neither authorizes nor condones their conduct. David had protested against Joab's proceedings on one occasion ( 2 Samuel 3:28 ), and never at any time pardoned them ( 1 Kings 2:5 , 1... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 4:3

God's care for the righteous. "But know … for himself." A tone of solemn calm, like summer twilight, pervades this evening psalm, which naturally follows Psalms 3:1-8 ; a morning psalm. But here is no sound of war or peril from foes. The psalmist speaks, not as king to rebels, but as prophet to the "sons of men"—the unbelieving world. "My glory" ( Psalms 3:2 ) may be taken as in Psalms 3:3 . Idolatry tams worship from man's most glorious to his most debasing act ( Psalms 106:20 ; ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 4:2

O ye sons of men - Turning from God to men; from Him in whom he hoped for protection to those who were engaged in persecuting him. We are not, of course, to suppose that they were present with him, but this is an earnest, poetic remonstrance, “as if” they were with him. The reference is doubtless to Absalom and his followers; and he calls them “sons of men,” as having human feelings, passions, and purposes, in strong distinction from that righteous God to whom he had just made his solemn... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 4:3

But know - This is addressed to those whom, in the previous verse, he had called the “sons of men;” that is, his foes. This is designed to show them that their opposition to him must be vain, since God had determined to set him apart for his own service, and would, therefore, hear his prayer for relief and protection.That the Lord hath set apart - That Yahweh had done this; that is, that he had designated him to accomplish a certain work, or that he regarded him as an instrument to perform it.... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 4:2

Psalms 4:2. Ye sons of men David is considered here by many commentators as addressing not mankind in general, but only princes, potentates, and persons of high degree. And perhaps, the phrase, sons of men, may often bear that sense in the Old Testament. But it must be observed, the Hebrew here, בני אישׁ , benee ish, signifies, sons of man, and not sons of men, and seems evidently to be of the same import as the phrase, sons of Adam, and if so, must include all mankind. Nor is... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 4:3

Psalms 4:3. Know that the Lord Hebrew, Jehovah, the supreme, the everlasting God, whose favour is an infinite blessing, and whose wrath is a boundless evil; hath set apart Hath chosen; to himself And taken under his peculiar care and protection; him that is godly The man that truly fears, loves, and serves him. It is generally supposed that David spoke here primarily of himself, and of his own designation to the throne; that he is meant by the godly man, whom God had set apart for... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 4:1-8

Psalms 3 -4 Morning and evening psalmsThe title that introduces Psalms 3:0 indicates that David wrote the psalm after his son Absalom rose up in rebellion against him and seized the throne of Israel (2 Samuel 15:1-17:29). In much distress David fled Jerusalem, but he still trusted in God.Absalom’s rebellion appears to be so successful that many people think David has no chance of escape. He seems to have little hope of saving his life (3:1-2). But David’s faith in God is unshakable. He lies... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 4:2

how long = until when. Ellipsis correctly supplied. leasing = falsehood. Anglo-Saxon = leasung ; Mid. Eng. = lesing. Selah. Connecting and contrasting his enemies' acts with his own sure defence. See App-66 . read more

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