Psalm 4

Psalm 4 (see our study of Psalm 3 and 2 Samuel 15)

This is the evening psalm (8) of the pair of psalms (see Psalm 3.5, for the morning psalm). This was written by David on the same occasion of Psalm 3, which is Absalom’s treason and rebellion.

As with Psalm 3, this psalm will be considered in light of the pauses (Selah).

• Verses 1-2-These verses seem to call out to God to work justly and to those men who stood against him to consider their ways. He is asking God, possibly, to convict Joab, Abishai, Ahithophel, and others who once were prominent people in David’s assembly. These three were very close to David the first two were related and the latter was a close family friend, even before becoming a relative by marriage to Bathsheba.

Selah: Are there people in your life who have hurt you? If you are living, the answer is yes. Are you in prayer for them? Specifically, are you praying for God to work in their lives? Or, are you letting your bitterness fester?

• Verses 3-4-Although David sinned against God, he knew he was forgiven and his sins were remembered no more (see our study on Psalm 103). In knowing he stood in right relationship with God and in fellowship with Him, David knew his prayers were heard. David’s call in verse four is the same as Paul’s in Ephesians 4:26, which is to be angry but not to sin.

Selah: If you are allowing anger to fester into bitterness and beyond, you are setting yourself out of fellowship with God. He will not hear your prayers (see our study of Psalm 51).

• Verses 5-8-Verse six is the ultimate blessing giving by God, which is having His face shine upon us (see our study of Psalm 67). No matter the circumstance, David found himself in, he turned to God for his protection and joy.

To whom do you go when people are against you? What does this psalm instruct us to do? Are you?

Author: Pastor David

David R Williamson is the founder of Teach for God Ministries. He holds degrees from Grace Bible College, Grand Canyon University, Grace Theological Seminary, and Walden University. David has been actively involved in ministry since 1979. He has ministered in various ministries from Sunday School teacher, Youth Pastor, to English Pastor in Taiwanese churches, including teaching ten years at the Junior High school level. Currently, David is teaching at Hillcrest Christian School at the High School level. He is also pulpit supply and retreat speaker for churches and other religious organizations. He is happily married to Karen with three children: Joshua, Kazlyn, and Joseph View all posts by Pastor David