Psalm 4:2-4 Niv
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 4:1-8
An evening song in perilous times, showing us the secret of happiness. It is not difficult to be cheerful when we have everything we desire. But when life seems to be a series of catastrophes, disappointments, and vexations, buoyancy of spirit is not so easily attained. If our lives were in peril every moment through rebellion at home and plots and snares around, few of us would be found capable, under such circumstances, of writing morning and evening hymns. Yet such were the... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
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
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 4:4
Stand in awe, and sin not . The LXX . render, ὀργίζεσθε καὶ μὴ ἀμαρτάνετε , "Be ye angry, and sin not;" and this meaning is preferred by Dr. Kay, Hengstenberg, and ethers. It may also seem to have the sanction of St. Paul in Ephesians 4:26 . If we adopt it, we must suppose the exhortation to be addressed mainly to David's own followers, who are warned against excessive anger and its natural result, undue violence . Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still ... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 4:4
Fear of sin. "Stand in awe, and sin not." There is no cowardice in being afraid of sin; no true courage in daring to break God's Law and defy God's anger, Joseph was no coward, but a brave man, when he said, "How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" "Perfect love," St. John tells us, "casteth out fear, because fear hath torment." Here slavish fear is meant—the fear that drives men from God, makes them hypocrites, hating God all the more because they make believe to love... 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
Subscribe
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Most Searched
Group of Brands
© 2024 Bibleportal.com All rights reserved.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 4:1-5
A cry for deliverance. This psalm refers (according to some) to the same event as the previous psalm—that composed probably in the morning, and this in the evening, of the same day. We have in it— I. A CRY FOR DELIVERANCE FROM THE UPRIGHTEOUS PLOTS OF HIS ENEMIES . The appeal is based upon two facts. 1 . His relation and fellowship with the righteous God. Thou art my God, and the God of my righteous cause, and therefore thou wilt not leave me to the wicked... read more