Psalm 4 - Commentary

Key Concept:

• Only the Lord, the God of justice, can show favor to the sons of men.
• The Lord knows the pious.

In Psalm 4, we encounter the heartfelt cries of a man seeking good amidst a world ensnared in turmoil and uncertainty. Humanity, in its quest for solace, often seeks favor from various sources. Yet, the psalmist recognizes that true goodness and peace can only emanate from the righteous and holy God. Thus, he implores in verse 6, "Lord, let the light of your face shine upon us," acknowledging that divine favor alone can illuminate the path to tranquility. However, amidst this yearning for goodness, verse 2 unveils a sobering reality—many forsake the Lord, placing their trust in fleeting and illusory substitutes.

Jeremiah 10:6-14 paints a vivid contrast between the Almighty and idols fashioned by human hands, emphasizing the futility of worshiping lifeless creations. Similarly, Romans 1:25 admonishes those who distort the truth of God, exchanging the Creator for created beings. Verse 1 of Psalm 4 offers a beacon of hope amidst this spiritual disillusionment, assuring that when one earnestly calls upon the true God, He hears and delivers with mercy and peace. Verses 7 and 8 further promise divine joy, peace, and comfort for those who seek refuge in the Almighty.

1. A man seeking good (vv. 6, 2, 1, 7, 8)

In a world fraught with uncertainty, humanity yearns for a source of unwavering goodness. The psalmist's plea in verse 6 encapsulates this longing, recognizing that only the divine countenance of the Lord can bestow true goodness upon mankind. Yet, verse 2 unveils the harsh reality of widespread turning away from the Lord, as many place their trust in falsehoods and deceptions.

Drawing parallels with Jeremiah 10:6-14 and Romans 1:25, we witness the tragic consequences of forsaking the true God for lifeless idols and deceptive philosophies. However, amidst this spiritual tumult, verse 1 offers a glimmer of hope, portraying the divine response to the cries of a righteous petitioner. Indeed, verses 7 and 8 affirm that the Lord not only hears but also grants joy, peace, and comfort to those who seek refuge in His holiness.

2. God knows the godly (verses 3, 5)

Embedded within the fabric of Psalm 4 is the comforting assurance that the Lord intimately knows the godly. Verse 3 illuminates this truth, depicting divine favor bestowed upon the one who clings steadfastly to the God of justice. The narrative extends beyond the psalmic verses, finding resonance in biblical accounts such as Abraham, chosen for his godliness (Genesis 12-13), and Cornelius, favored for his prayer and charitable deeds (Acts 10:16).

The psalmist's portrayal of the godly individual in verse 5 reflects a life marked by thanksgiving and trust in the Almighty. Through righteous living and unwavering faith, such individuals find themselves enveloped in the divine embrace of providence.

3. The pious must abstain from sin (v. 4)

Even amidst divine favor, the godly encounter trials and temptations. Verse 4 serves as a poignant reminder, urging them to refrain from succumbing to the allure of sin. Rather than yielding to the enslavement of passions, the pious are called to vigilantly guard their innermost being in quiet communion with the Lord.

Thus, Psalm 4 unveils a multifaceted tapestry of human yearning, divine providence, and the timeless struggle against iniquity. Amidst the ebb and flow of earthly tribulations, it beckons the seeker of goodness to find solace in the unwavering justice and mercy of the Lord.