Psalm 4:4 NIV

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 4:4

(4) Stand in awe.—Literally, tremble, whether with fear or anger. But the rendering of the LXX., “be angry,” quoted in Ephesians 4:26, though etymologically correct, is plainly inadmissible here. “(See New Testament Commentary.)Commune—i.e., reflect on your conduct, let the still hours of the night bring calmer and wiser thoughts with them. The LXX. and Vulg. translate “repent” instead of “be still.” This supposes the words to be addressed to the enemies. But the next verse makes this doubtful.... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Psalms 4:1-8

Psalms 4:0 Augustine quotes this Psalm as of special value, and worthy to be sung aloud before the whole world for an expression of Christian courage, and a testimony of the peace God can give in outward and inward trouble ( Conf. IX. 4). 'I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety'. James Melville quoted it, among others, when he was dying, 'This being done, he comforteth himself with sundrie speeches out of the Psalms, quhilk he rehearsit in... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Psalms 4:1-8

Psalms 4:1-8Psalms 3:1-8; Psalms 4:1-8 are a pair. They are similar in expression (my glory, there be many which say, I laid me down and slept) in the psalmist’s situation, and in structure (as indicated by the Selahs). But they need not be contemporaneous, nor need the superscription of Psalms 3:1-8 be extended to Psalms 4:1-8. Their tone is different, the fourth having little reference to the personal danger so acutely felt in Psalms 3:1-8 and being mainly a gentle, earnest remonstrance with... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Psalms 4:1-8

Psalms 4:0 1. The cry to Jehovah (Psalms 4:1-3 ) 2. The warning to the enemies (Psalms 4:4-5 ) 3. The assurance of faith (Psalms 4:6-8 ) Psalms 4:1-3 . The fourth Psalm is closely connected with the third; the third is “a Morning Psalm” and the fourth “an Evening Hymn.” He calls God “God of my righteousness” and He knows that He will act in righteousness toward him, be gracious and hear prayer. Then the appeal to the sons of men, who love emptiness and seek after a lie. They should know... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Psalms 4:4

4:4 {g} Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be {h} still. Selah.(g) For fear of God’s judgment.(h) Cease your rage. read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Psalms 4:1-8

Psalms 1:0 True happiness is the theme of this psalm, whose author is unnamed. The negative side of true happiness is stated (Psalms 1:1 ), and then the positive (Psalms 1:2 ). Its reward follows (Psalms 1:3 ). Its nature and value are emphasized by a sharp contrast. Such a man is godly, his opposite ungodly (Psalms 1:4 ). The first is marked by stability, the second by instability (Psalms 1:4 ). The first has endless fruitfulness and blessing, the second has nothing and worse than nothing... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - Psalms 4:1-8

Psalms 4:0 [Note. This is the Evening Psalm, and probably it was composed at the same period as the preceding psalm. It is supposed that some of the expressions point to the period of the persecution of David by Saul; on the other hand, it is asserted that they are quite compatible with that of David's flight from Absalom. There are no imprecations upon his foes, a circumstance which is considered to point to Absalom rather than to Saul. This was one of the psalms repeated by Augustine at his... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 4:4-5

Nothing can be more gracious than what is here recommended. It is as if the Holy Ghost commanded the sinner to pause over the view of his own nothingness, and then to come by faith, with Jesus and his righteousness in his arms, and to say, Lord, here is my sole trust and dependence. read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Psalms 4:4

Wonderful, ( mirificavit ) according to the Hebrew means also has chosen in a striking manner his appointed ruler, or holy person. (Berthier) --- Holy, often means one set aside, (Luke ii.) or commissioned, though the person be a pagan, Isaias xiii. 3. Chasid, (Haydock) particularly signifies a "clement" character, such as a king ought to be. (Calmet) --- "The Lord has set aside for himself the pious." (Pagnin) --- I am ready to pardon you, but know that if you continue rebellious, you go... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 4:1-5

1-5 Hear me for thy mercy-sake, is our best plea. He who will not ask such blessings as pardon, and justifying righteousness, and eternal life, must perish for the want of them. Alas! that so many should make so fearful a choice. The psalmist warns against sin. Keep up holy reverence of the glory and majesty of God. You have a great deal to say to your hearts, they may be spoken with, let it not be unsaid. Examine them by serious self-reflection; let your thoughts fasten upon that which is... read more