Psalms 4 — Tyndale Study Notes
Ps.3.1-7.17
This group of psalms moves readers from the orderly world of Pss 1–2 to a disoriented one. The Lord’s anointed cries out while facing enemies, ferocious opposition, evil schemes, and the Lord’s apparent distance.
Ps.4.1-8
This individual lament includes a prayer for rescue (4:1), a rebuke of the adversary (4:2-3), an exhortation to the godly (4:4-5), and an expression of confidence (4:6-8).
Ps.4.1
Waiting for the Lord’s answer allows for growth in patience and for the refinement of living faith (38:15).
Ps.4.2
The opponents of the godly place their hope in delusions, treachery, and idolatry.
my reputation (or my glory): The honor of the psalmist, or possibly of the Lord, is at stake.
Ps.4.4
Angry feelings are not sinful, but letting anger control you leads to sin (see 37:7-8; cp. Eph 4:26-27, 31-32).
Instead of acting on their emotions, the godly think about their circumstances overnight. They might be disturbed as they sleep, but silence opens their hearts to trust in the Lord (Ps 4:5).
Ps.4.5
Offer sacrifices in the right spirit: Redirecting emotions toward the Lord prevents a godly individual from doing too much self-reflection (40:6-8; 51:17).
Ps.4.6
your face (or the light of your face): The psalmist seeks God’s favor and peace (Num 6:25-26), which can transform darkness into light (see Ps 27:1). Confident trust in the Lord is an antidote to anger, resentment, jealousy, and materialism.
Ps.4.8
Peace comes from God’s blessing and protection (4:6; see 37:11).