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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 4:5

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness ,.... Offer for sacrifice things righteously gotten, for the Lord hates robbery for burnt offering, Isaiah 61:8 . Some respect may be had to the unrighteous acquisitions of Absalom and his men, and who were now in possession of Jerusalem, and of the altars of the Lord, and were sacrificing on them; in which they gloried; and to which this may be opposed. Likewise sacrifices of righteousness are such as were according to the law, and were offered in a... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 4:5

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness - Do not attempt to offer a sacrifice to God for prosperity in your present rebellious conduct. Such a sacrifice would be a sin. Turn to God from whom you have revolted; and offer to him a righteous sacrifice, such as the law prescribes, and such as he can receive. Let all hear and consider this saying. No sacrifice - no performance of religious duty, will avail any man, if his heart be not right with God. And let all know, that under the Gospel... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 4:5

Verse 5 5.Sacrifice ye. Many are of opinion that David exhorts his enemies to give some evidence of their repentance; and I certainly admit, that sacrifices were partly enjoined for the purpose of inducing men to walk in newness of life. But when I consider the character of the men who opposed David, I am satisfied that he here censures their hypocrisy, and beats down their groundless boasting. David, when he wandered as a fugitive in deserts, or in caves, or on mountains, or in the regions... 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 4:5

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness . Sacrifices of victims are scarcely meant; certainly not, if the time of the composition is that of David's exile, since victims could be offered nowhere but at Jerusalem. We may suppose a reference to those sacrifices which are most truly "sacrifices of righteousness," vie. "a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart," which God "will not despise" ( Psalms 51:17 ). And put your trust in the Lord. Sacrifice without faith is vain. Even... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 4:5

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness - Offer righteous sacrifices; that is, sacrifices prompted by right motives, and in accordance with the prescriptions in the law of God. This appears to be addressed also to those who in Psalms 4:2 are called “sons of men;” that is, those who were arrayed against the psalmist. According to the common opinion this psalm was composed by David on occasion of his being driven from his throne and kingdom; and, of course, Zion, the ark, and the tabernacle, were... read more

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