G J 1. Prayer to Yahaveh.
K f 2-. The sons of men. [David.]
g -2. The sons of men. [Themselves.]
K f 3. The sons of men. [David.]
g 4,5. The sons of men. [Themselves.]
J 6-8. Prayer to Yahaveh.
Psalm 4)
1 Answer me when I call, O my righteousness God:
You have enlarged me when I was in distress;
Be gracious (or show favor) upon me, and hear my prayer.
2 O you sons of men, until when will you turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love vanity, and seek after falsehood? Selah. (Connecting and contrasting his enemies' acts with his own sure defense.)
3 But know that the LORD has set apart (all depended upon Yahaveh's favor [Num. 14:8]) him that is godly for himself: (i.e. a subject of grace.)
The LORD will answer when I call to Him.
4 Stand in awe, and [so] sin not:
Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be silent. Selah. (Connecting their sin with its being put away.)
5 Offer the righteous sacrifices, (How could they offer these while in rebellion against the Lord's Anointed?)
And put your confidence in the LORD.
6 There be many that say, "Who will shew us any good?" (See 144:12-15)
LORD, lift You up the light of Your countenance upon us. (no priest with David to give the blessing of Num. 6:24-26. See 2 Sam. 15:32-37.)
7 You have put gladness in my heart, (This was true "good".)
More than in the time that their corn (see Ps. 144:15) and their new wine increased.
8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep at once: (This refers to 2 Sam. 17:2)
For You, LORD, only will make me dwell in confidence.
(Referring to Yahaveh's favor as being the true inheritance of godly Israelites, as shown in vv.5,6,7. Cp. PS. 144:12-15, the other Psalm concerning inheritance.)