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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 4:1-5

The title of the psalm acquaints us that David, having penned it by divine inspiration for the use of the church, delivered it to the chief musician, or master of the song, who (according to the divine appointment of psalmody made in his time, which he was chiefly instrumental in the establishment of) presided in that service. We have a particular account of the constitution, the modelling of the several classes of singers, each with a chief, and the share each bore in the work, 1 Chron.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 4:3

But know ,.... Take notice of it, consider it, be assured of the truth, of it; it may be depended upon as fact, that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself : which may be understood of David himself, an holy good man; a man after God's own heart; whom the Lord chose, and in a marvellous manner separated from the rest of his brethren; took him from the sheepfold, and set him upon the throne of Israel, for the glory of his great name; and therefore the attempts of his... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 4:3

The Lord hath set apart him that is godly - חסיד chasid , the pious, benevolent man. He has marked such, and put them aside as his own property. "This merciful man, this feeling, tender-hearted man, is my own property; touch not a hair of his head!" read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 4:3

Verse 3 3.Know that Jehovah hath set apart, etc This is a confirmation of the preceding verse, for it shows that the cause of David’s boldness consisted in this, that he depended upon God, the founder of his kingdom. And surely we may then safely triumph over our enemies when we are assured of having the call of God to the office which we hold, or the work in which we are engaged. Accordingly, David does not here boast of his own strength, or riches, or armies by which he obtained the kingdom.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

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 4:3

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

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