Psalms 4 - Introduction

A.M. 2981. B.C. 1023.

The title of this Psalm informs us that it was composed by David, but when, or upon what occasion, is not certainly known. The matter of it, however, makes it probable that it was in some time of distress, similar to that wherein he wrote the foregoing Psalm. He begins with a short prayer, Psalms 4:1. Reproves the wicked for the dishonour they do to God, and the injury they do to their own souls, Psalms 4:2. Sets before them the happiness of the godly to induce them to become religious, Psalms 4:3. Exhorts them to consider and reform their conduct, to serve God, and put their trust in him, Psalms 4:4; Psalms 4:5. Declares his own experience of the grace of God, Psalms 4:6.

To the chief musician Hebrew, למנצח, lamna-tzeach, To him that overcometh, or excelleth, namely, in his profession of music. The master or director of the musicians and music of the temple seems to be intended. On Neginoth On stringed instruments, as this word is translated Habakkuk 3:19, the Hebrew word נגן, nagan, whence this is derived, signifying, to play with the hand upon an instrument, 1 Samuel 16:23; 1 Samuel 19:9; Psalms 33:3. Although the authenticity of these titles is doubted by some commentators, it is probable, as the very learned bishop of Meaux has observed, that they were both given and preserved by divine interposition, in order that both the arguments and writers of the Psalms might be known; “nor can there be any reason,” says he, “for expunging them, since they are found in the text, and in all the versions, and have been thought worthy of explanation by Jewish as well as Christian commentators.”