The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 4:1-8

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

EXPOSITION

AGAIN the psalm has a title, "To the chief Musician on Neginoth. A Psalm of David;" literally, "to the superintendent or foreman," which, in this instance, would be the choir-leader, or "precentor" (Kay). "On Neginoth" is supposed to mean "for stringed instruments" (Hengstenberg, Kay, 'Speaker's Commentary,' Revised Version, etc.); comp. Isaiah 38:20. The authorship of David is generally allowed; but there is nothing to mark the exact circumstances under which the psalm was written. In its metrical structure it very much resembles Psalms 3:1-8; being composed, like that, of a short strophe (verses1, 2), a short anti-strophe (Psalms 3:3, Psalms 3:4), and a longer epode (Psalms 3:5-8). The divisions arc marked, as in Psalms 3:1-8; by the introduction of the word selah, perhaps meaning "pause," or "rest."

More for Psalms 4:1-8

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

commentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 4:1-5Hear 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 c…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 4:1-5A 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 DELIVERAN…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 4:1-8An 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 vexat…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 4:1-8Quieting 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.…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 4:1Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness. Not "the God who imputes to me righteousness," as some render, but "the God who sees that I and my cause are righteous," and who wilt therefore certainly lend me aid. Thou…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 4:2O ye sons of men. "Sons of men "—beney ish—is not a mere periphrasis for "men." It is a title of some honour and dignity. Kay translates, "sons of the brave;" but that is scarcely the meaning. The phrase is rather equiv…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 4:3But 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…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 4:3God'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 per…Joseph S. Exell and contributors