Psalms 4 — Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
4:1
1. Hear--as in Psa 3:4. God of my righteousness--or, "my righteous God, as my holy hill" (Psa 2:6), who will act towards me on righteous principles. thou hast enlarged--expresses relief afforded in opposition to "distress," which is expressed by a word denoting straits or pressure. Past favor is a ground of hope for the future.
4:2
2. sons of men--men of note or prominence (compare 2Ch 21:9). turn my glory--or, "royal dignity." into shame--or, "reproach." vanity--a foolish and hopeless enterprise (Psa 2:1). leasing--a lie.
4:3
3. godly--an object as well as subject of divine favor (compare Psa 105:14, 15).
4:4
4. Stand in awe--(Ep 4:26), from Septuagint, "be angry." Both clauses are qualified by "not."
4:5
5. Not only repent, but manifest penitence by sacrifices or righteousness or righteous sacrifices, c.
4:6–7
6-7. Contrast true with vain confidence. light of thy countenance upon us--figure for favor (Nu 6:26; Psa 44:3; 81:16).
4:8
8. both lay me down, c.--or, will lie down at once, and sleep in sure confidence and quiet repose (Psa 3:5).