Psalm 4

When you compare the wording in this psalm with Psalm 3, you cannot but draw the conclusion that they deal with the same situation in David’s life: foes/distress (4:1/3:1), many/many (4:6/3:2), glory (4:2/3:3), call/answer (4:1/3:4), lie down/sleep (4:8/3:5). Psalm 3 is a morning psalm (v. 5) and Psalm 4 an evening psalm (v. 8). For the historical setting, review the introduction to Psalm 3. This is the first mention of “the chief musician,” who is included in the titles of fifty-three psalms. He was the “minister of worship” and custodian of the sacred psalms at the tabernacle and then at the temple (1 Chron. 6:31-32; 15:16-22; 25:1, 7). The Hebrew word neginoth means “accompanied by stringed instruments” (4; 6; 54–55; 61; 67; 76) and refers to the harp and lyre (1 Chron. 23:5; 25:1, 3, 6). It’s a wonderful thing that David could turn this distressing experience into song, to the glory of God. His example shows us what our responses ought to be in times of crisis.

Look to the Lord (v. 1). “Hear me” is a passionate and concerned call that means “Answer me!” David had been praying for God’s help and was desperate to receive an answer. (See 18:6; 50:15; 55:16; 145:18.) During his youthful days of exile, he had a priest with him to consult the Urim and Thummim and determine God’s will, but not during Absalom’s rebellion. “God of my righteousness” implies not only that God is righteous and will do what is best (“my righteous God”), but also that David’s righteousness came from God, and therefore God should vindicate him (“God of my innocence”). Yes, David was being chastened because of his disobedience, but God had forgiven his sins. God had called David to be king, and God alone could vindicate him.

David reminded the Lord that He had often delivered him in times past, so He was able to deliver him now. “Distress” means “pressed into a corner, in a tight place.” But God “enlarged him” or “set him in a broad place,” for David grew spiritually in difficult situations (18:19, 36; 25:17; 31:8; 118:5; 119:32). David knew he didn’t deserve any help from the Lord, but he prayed on the basis of God’s mercy and favor. God in His grace gives us what we don’t deserve, and God in His mercy doesn’t give us what we do deserve.