psalm 4:1 commentary

By his praying, he testified, that when utterly deprived of all earthly succor, there yet remained for him hope in God. Thou hast enlarged me, i.e. See more on Psalms 22, 60. Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress] Heb. vol. The writer, praying for further relief, admonishes his enemies of the vanity of attacking God‘s servant, exhorts them to repentance, and avows his confidence and peace in God‘s favor. freed me from my former straits and troubles. First of all, I want to give honor to God in whose ways I am imperfectly trying to walk. "Have mercy upon me." See on Psalms 3. For while nothing is more painful to us than to be falsely condemned, and to endure, at one and the same time, wrongful violence and slander; yet to be ill spoken of for doing well, is an affliction which daily befalls the saints. We live in a fallen world that was a result of man's sin. This is another instance of David's common habit of pleading past mercies as a ground for present favour. ... Psalm 36:1-4. Audio Commentary: Psalm 4 Psalm 4 1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. In Psalms 4:1 David pleads with God for help. Alas! Book One The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked - Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. Genitive of relation or object. David prayeth for audience. Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress - That is, on some former occasion. The NASB, "Thou hast relieved me," is a better translation of the Hebrew perfect tense than the NIV, "Give me relief. He appeals his righteous cause to God for judgment jointly with his prayer for help. Answer Me When I Call - To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. God answered David and made him very happy. Surely because he looked upon the favour of God as a complexive blessing, that perfectly comprehendeth all the rest; as manna is said to have had all good tastes in it. A Psalm of David, n when he fled from Absalom his son. This is the right method. 27:7. In the Hebrew, it is neginoth, supposed by some to be a musical instrument, with which this psalm was to be sung. The versions vary extremely with respect to it. Fenwick, however, who conceives that all the psalms immediately refer to Christ, has endeavoured to prove at large, that the words would be more properly rendered, To him who giveth the victory, or causeth us to triumph in tribulations. Have mercy upon me - In my present troubles. Past favor is a ground of hope for the future. Psalm 30 7 Meaning; Psalm 31 Meaning; Psalm 32 Commentary; Psalm 33 Commentary. "Who art to do me right; to whom I apply for justice.". The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews has applied Psa 102:25-27 to our Lord, and the perpetuity of … Biblical Commentary (Bible study) Psalm 15 INTRODUCTION: This psalm addresses a question that concerns all religious people. Have mercy upon me; thou mayst justly destroy me for my many and great sins, and therefore I flee from thy justice to thy mercy, on which all my hopes are grounded. Complete Concise David was a preacher, a royal preacher, as well as Solomon; many of his psalms are doctrinal and practical as well as devotional; the greatest part of this psalm is so, in which Wisdom cries to men, to the sons of men (as Prov. » Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me [when I was] in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. The chief musician; the master or director of the sacred musicians and music of the temple; of whom see 1 Chronicles 6:31 15:16,17 25:1,2 2 Chronicles 20:21 34:12,13. That is, Pity me, and have compassion on me, as thou hast done in former times. that so many should make so fearful a choice. Ungodliness saith to the wicked in the midst of … Psalms 4:1. 4:1 Notice the imperatives used to implore God. 4:36), and in other psalms attributed to him. 4:1-5 Hear me for thy mercy-sake, is our best plea. And the other part of the motive for redress is also very sweet and important. Lord, saith Nazianzen, I am an instrument for thee to touch. The best of men need mercy as truly as the worst of men. Psalms 3:8 : Psalms 4:2 >> The Berean: Daily Verse and Comment Sign up for the Berean: Daily Verse and Comment, and have Biblical truth delivered to your inbox. We take the most effectual method to obtain new mercies, when we remind God of his past favors. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! And this cruel and unjust treatment which David met with, ought to be carefully marked. He who dares to face his Maker will not tremble before the sons of men. God will surely be nearest unto his in their greatest straits; and because they have made him the God of their mountains, he will be the God of their valleys also. ", Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness, Hear me when I call, O God of my riqhteousness, Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress. May we not without violence consider the prayer as the supplication of the God-man Christ Jesus? Psalm 124 – Thanking God for the Help Only He Can Bring. Psa. The words may be rendered, "be gracious unto me" (i), or "show me favour"; bestow the blessings of grace, grant larger measures of grace, and fresh supplies of it: and so all sensible sinners apply to God for mercy; and all the saints have recourse to him as the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, for every mercy, both temporal and spiritual. The terms used to describe relief from distress picture moving out of a tight corner into an open space. Thou hast enlarged.—Better, in my straitness Thou (or, Thou who) hast made room for me. The starry heavens stretched before David showcase … This is always a proper ground of appeal to God. You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. It may, however, be asked by way of objection, Since all the purity of men is mere pollution in the sight of God, how can the godly dare to bring forward their own righteousness before him? ", Psalms 4:1. 2. be gracious to me — BDB 335, KB 334, Qal imperative, cf. Commentary on Psalms - Volume 1 by John Calvin. --- The psalms which have this title, related to future times, and to the Church of Christ; (St. Augustine; Worthington) or were to be sung at the close of the Jewish festivals, &c. (Berthier) --- This is considered as a sequel to the preceding, to thank God for the late victory over Absalom. (Calmet) --- "To the chief of the singers on stringed instruments." To report dead links, typos, or html errors or suggestions about making these resources more useful use the convenient, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress -, "Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. Or, O God of my mercy; which title is given to God elsewhere, as Psalms 59:10,17; whereas this title, O God of my righteousness, is not given to God in any other place of Scripture. Ps 4:1-8. Psalm 30 Commentary. 3 O L ord, o how many are my foes! It means, Thou art the author, the witness, the maintainer, the judge, and the rewarder of my righteousness; to thee I appeal from the calumnies and harsh judgments of men. It’s true that the Psalmist is asking for something. He who will not ask such blessings as pardon, and justifying righteousness, and eternal life, must perish for the want of them. And so this and other words in Hebrew and Greek, which properly signify righteousness, are oft used for mercy or kindness, as Isaiah 58:8 Psalm 31:1 36:10 2 Corinthians 9:9, and in many other places. Many are p rising against me; 2 many are saying of my soul, q “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah 1. It is summed up in the question, “Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?” The strength of the innocent in the face of calumny or oppression lies in the appeal to the eternal source of righteousness. A psalm of David. The chief musician; the master or director of the sacred musicians and music of the temple; of whom see 1 Chronicles 6:31 15:16,17 25:1,2 2 Chronicles 20:21 34:12,13. A Psalm of David.The title of the psalm indicates that it was directed toward the Chief Musician, whom some suppose to be the Lord GOD Himself, and others suppose to be a leader of choirs or musicians in David’s time, such as Heman the singer or Asaph (1 Chronicles 6:33, 16:5-7, and 25:6). Though thou mayest justly permit my enemies to destroy me, on account of my many and great sins, yet I flee to thy mercy, and I beseech thee hear my prayer, and bring thy servant out of his troubles. Is not this holy cry to God founded on the plea of him and his merit, who is truly called the Lord our righteousness; and who is made of God to his people, both wisdom and righteousness, sanctification and redemption? The manna shall fall every morning until we cross the Jordan. On Neginoth; or, on stringed instruments, as this word is translated, Habakkuk 3:19; for the Hebrew verb niggen, whence this is derived, signifies to play with the hand upon an instrument, 1 Samuel 16:23 18:10. The Christian has an equally great joy. Instruments pulsatilia, stringed instruments, such as are to be touched, or played upon with the hand. WORKS WRITTEN ABOUT THE FOURTH PSALM IN SPURGEON'S DAY. We therefore speak no better to men, because no more to God. --- For David, or to David, Greek: to David, that is, inspired to David himself, or to be sung by him. This psalm has a good deal in common with Proverbs 2:12-15, 20-22 and Jeremiah 17:5-13, both of which contrast the We observe, III. Hebrews 1:7-8. Keep up holy reverence of … The earth was cursed, man died spiritually and for a brief season Satan has taken the reins of power and become the prince of the power of the air.. and the god of this age. The Story of Psalm 4. David slept in peace. On Neginoth; or, on stringed instruments, as this word is translated, Habakkuk 3:19; for the Hebrew verb nichen, whence this is derived, signifies to play with the hand upon an instrument, 1 Samuel 16:23 18:10. But, in my opinion, he rather mentions the benefits which he formerly received from God, and by these strengthens himself against the time to come. This Psalm is, for the matter or substance of it, much like the former, and seems to have been made upon the same or some other like occasion, when he was distressed either by Absalom, or by Saul, or by some other great and powerful enemies. freed me from my former straits and troubles. He is seeking that God will continue to act on his behalf in response to his prayer. If so, is not this Psalm, and indeed all the Psalms that are so addressed to the chief Musician, directed to Jesus? Hence we learn that David honored God with this title of praise, in order the more readily to set him in contrast with the whole world. He tried to kill David because he wanted to become king. If the prayer be thus read with an eye to Jesus, it becomes a blessed argument indeed. Thou hast made room for me. Some have thought that this Psalm was used in the temple service, and sung there. Apparently some in the community were spreading lies about him, ruining his reputation. Thou hast, that is, thou wilt enlarge me who am now in distress. O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? It is a clear and judicious explanation of the text, and cannot be dispensed with. When he was "pressed" or "confined," and knew not how to escape, God had interposed and had given him room, so that he felt free. So Alexander, on his death bed, left his kingdom τω Kρατιστω, Optimatum optimo, to him that should be the best of the best. God is righteous in Himself, but He also does what is right for His children, namely, come to their rescue when they are in need (cf. O God of my righteousness; either the witness and defender of my righteous cause; or from whom I expect that righteous judgment and decision of my cause which I cannot obtain from mine enemies, who load me and my cause with manifold injuries and calumnies. To the chief Musician] Or, To the most excellent music master, 1 Chronicles 25:1-2, to the chief chanter, Asaph, was this, and some other psalms, committed, that they might be sung in the best manner, and with greatest care. God does nothing by halves, and he will never cease to help us until we cease to need. And, I would like to thank my fiancé, my family, friends, classmates and all of you who thought it not robbery to listen to me talk about God’s Word just a little bit. Thou hast enlarged me, i.e. Because here is the root, everything else is the fruit, i.e., the result of one living close to God by living in His eternal, infallible, sure, true and tried Word. Or, we may understand it thus: - "God hath enlarged my heart with joy and comfort when I was like a man imprisoned by grief and sorrow." You have given me relief when I was in distress. I ask the question, let the Reader remember; I do not determine it. I had rather have the king’s favour than Mephibosheth’s land. I would like to thank the Pastor and all the leaders of Alpha for this opportunity to speak before you all today. Before I enter upon the Psalm itself I would beg the Reader's attention to the title of it. Heb. The prayer indicates confidence in the power and the unchangeableness of God, and proves that it is right in our prayers to recall the former instances of the divine interposition, as an argument, or as a ground of hope that God would again interpose. All the deliverances of saints, as well as the pardons of sinners, are the free gifts of heavenly grace. From whence the Greek and Latin Fathers imagined, that all the Psalms which bear this inscription refer to the Messiah, the great end. But is there not even a higher sense to be put upon this verse? Who will God honor to live in his presence? NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: PSALM 4:1 1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! If, therefore, we cannot find justice anywhere in the world the only support of our patience is to look to God, and to rest contented with the equity of his judgment. ‘Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness. (Duguet.) This psalm is titled To the Chief Musician. Psalm 4#In Hebrew texts 4:1-8 is numbered 4:2-9.For the director of music. Absalom was one of King David's sons. But I don’t think it does. Let us lay ourselves open to the Spirit’s touch; and so make music. how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? The name by which the Lord is here addressed, "God of my righteousness," deserves notice, since it is not used in any other part of Scripture. The conception of God as supremely just, and the assertor of justice, is one of the noblest legacies from the Hebrew faith to the world. He had brought him out of his distress both physically and spiritually and given him freedom, both outwardly and within himself. David prayeth for audience, Psalms 4:1. O God of my righteousness — Or, my righteous God, the witness and defender of my righteous cause, and the person from whom I expect that righteous judgment and decision of it which I cannot obtain from mine enemies, who load me with manifold injuries and calumnies. 3 But you, O L ord, are r a shield s about me, my glory, and t the lifter of my head. Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress —, Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. Ver. With stringed instruments. Psalm 4 1 Psalm 4 For the director of music. MEN, who judge only by the outward appearance, are apt to entertain a good opinion of themselves: but God, who looketh at the heart, describes the whole race of mankind as immersed in an unfathomable abyss of wickedness [Note: Jeremiah 17:9 . He feels that the God who had done it in former troubles could do it again; and he asks him to repeat his mercy. With stringed instruments. Thou hast brought me into a roomy place when straitened. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me. No entry exists in Forerunner Commentary for Psalms 4:1. The psalmist here appeals to God as "his" God - the God in whom he trusted; and as a "righteous" God - a God who would do that which was right, and on whom, therefore, he might rely as one who would protect his own people. i.e. Then from Psalms 4:6 to the close he delightfully contrasts his own satisfaction and safety with the disquietude of the ungodly in their best estate. Mr. Fenwick has been at the pains to consider the Hebrew titles of the psalms at large; to him, therefore, we refer the reader curious on these subjects; Observing II. Or the expression may mean, The foundation, source, and author of my righteousness. Intriguingly, the Psalm happily ascribes use of such tools to God himself, as well as to human beings. What indeed can be more grateful to the Lord, than, by thus acting faith upon what the Lord will give, to tell him what he hath before bestowed upon us? Paul, we know, was endued with courage arising from this source, (1 Corinthians 4:5) for when many evil reports were spread abroad concerning him among the Corinthians, he appeals to the judgment-seat of God. 1. This psalm gives a typical Old Testament answer. Hear me for thy mercy-sake, is our best plea. To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David. The distress of which he speaks, in my opinion, refers not less to the state of his mind than to circumstances of outward affliction; for David’s heart was not of such an iron mould as to prevent him from being cast into deeper mental anguish by adversity. Moreover, he calls him the God of his righteousness, which is the same thing as if he had called him the vindicator of his right; (50) and he appeals to God, because all men everywhere condemned him, and his innocence was borne down by the slanderous reports of his enemies and the perverse judgments of the common people. This psalm is thought to have been composed by David upon the same occasion with the former. You have given me relief when I was in distress. It is not to be imagined that he who has helped us in six troubles will leave us in the seventh. This is a thought very common in the Psalter, and apparently was a favourite phrase of David’s, occurring in Psalms 18:19 (comp. This is a thought very common in the Psalter, and apparently was a favourite phrase of David’s, occurring in Psalm 18:19 (comp. JOSEPH A ALEXANDER Psalms Commentary (1864) Spurgeon had high praise for Alexander's work writing that it "Occupies a first place among expositions. One evening, David prayed to God, "Show my enemies that you are fighting for me". A Psalm of David. It is the righteous God Who has accepted him as righteous through forgiveness, and enables him to walk in righteousness. He reproves the wicked, Psalm 4:2. Isaiah also, fortified by the same confidence, (Isaiah 50:6 and following verse) despises all the slanders by which his enemies calumniated him. This Psalm is, for the matter or substance of it, much like the former, and seems to have been made upon the same or some other like occasion, when he was distressed either by Absalom, or by Saul, or by some other great and powerful enemies. Psalm 4:1-8. But why doth David beg audience and mercy in general only, and not lay open to God his particular grievances? An exhortation to duty, Psalms 4:4,5. O God of my righteousness — Or, my righteous God, the witness and defender of my righteous cause, and the person from whom I expect that righteous judgment and decision of it which I cannot obtain from mine enemies, who load me with manifold injuries and calumnies. Meditations, Critical and Practical, on Psalm IV., in Archbishop Leighton's Works. Choice and Practical Expositions on four select Psalms: namely the Fourth Psalm in eight Sermons, etc. God of my righteousness = My righteous God. ", "That love vanity and seek after falsehood. The writer, praying for further relief, admonishes his enemies of the vanity of attacking God's servant, exhorts them to repentance, and avows his confidence and peace in God's favor. In these words there is shown the faith of David, who, although brought to the uttermost distress, and indeed almost consumed by a long series of calamities, did not sink under his sorrow; nor was he so broken in heart as to be prevented from betaking himself to God his deliverer. Give me relief from my … The ungodly satisfied with earthly blessings, but the godly cannot be at rest without the favour of God, Psalm 4:6-8. Here we see David leading Israel in giving thanks to God for past help and expressing confidence in His continuing help. Thus, in Psalm 2:6, "hill of my holiness," meaning "my holy hill;" Psalm 3:4, "his hill of holiness," meaning "his holy hill." (Spurgeon, C. H. Lectures to my Students: Commenting and Commentaries)Rosscup adds: This is one of the more thorough older exegetical … A man may be sensible that in a particular case he has justice on his side, though he has a general conviction that he himself is a sinner; and he may pray to God to cause his enemies to do right, or to lead those whose office it is to decide the case, to do what ought to be done to vindicate his name, or to save him from wrong. The author and judge of my righteousness. 1 (To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David.) O God, to whose mercy I owe all that I have or hope for: which was a very fit and powerful argument in prayer, and very agreeable to the following words, in which there is an acknowledgment of God’s former mercies, and a petition for mercy. O God of my righteousness - That is, O my righteous God. Psalm 122:4 mentions that the pilgrims gathered in Jerusalem to give thanks. It is said of Charles V, that he spent more words with God than with men. View Bible Text. For particulars, David was content to be at God’s disposal. Ps. (b) You who are the defender of my just cause. This document has been generated from XSL (Extensible Stylesheet Langua ge) source with RenderX XEP Formatter, version 3.7.3 Client Academic. Here he reviews his Ebenezers and takes comfort from them. In my crying hear me, God of my righteousness. Concerning the musical instruments mentioned in several of these titles, that it is certain the Hebrews used in their sacred solemnities such as were either played upon by the breath, as the trumpet; or by striking, as the cymbal; or those which consisted of strings, which, from being touched or struck, were called Neginoth, and concerning some of which we shall have occasion to speak hereafter: though, for ourselves, we ingenuously own with Bishop Bossuet, that as these things are little necessary, so we are far from being certain or very solicitous about them. It is the opinion of the very learned Bishop of Meaux, that they were both given and preserved by divine interposition, that their arguments and the writers of them might be known: "Nor can there be any reason for expunging them, since they are found in the text and all the versions, and have been thought worthy of explanation by Jewish as well as Christian commentators.

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