Psalm 4:4

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 4:4

Stand in awe, and sin not ,.... That is, stand in awe of God, and his righteous, judgments; be afraid of him, and tremble before him; make him your fear and your dread, and go on no longer and proceed no further in sinning against him. The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, render it, "be ye angry, and sin not": which are the words of the apostle, Ephesians 4:26 ; referring to this place; and which doubtless is the reason of these versions. There is an anger... read more

Adam Clarke

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

Stand in awe, and sin not - The Septuagint, which is copied by St. Paul, Ephesians 4:26 , translate this clause, Οργιζεσθε, και μη ἁμαρτανετε ; Be ye angry, and sin not. The Vulgate, Syriac, Ethiopic, and Arabic, give the same reading; and thus the original רגזו rigzu might be translated: If ye be angry, and if ye think ye have cause to be angry; do not let your disaffection carry you to acts of rebellion against both God and your king. Consider the subject deeply before you attempt... read more

John Calvin

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

Verse 4 4.Tremble then. Now he exhorts his enemies to repentance, if peradventure, their madness was not wholly incorrigible. In the first place, he bids them tremble, or be troubled; a word by which he rebukes their stupidity in running headlong in their wicked course, without any fear of God, or any sense of danger. And certainly the great presumption of all the ungodly in not hesitating to engage in war against God, proceeds from their being hardened through an infatuated security; and by... 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

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 4:4

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

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