PSALM IV _David prays to be heard_, 1; _expostulates with the ungodly_, 2; _exhorts them to turn to God, and make their peace with him_, 3-5; _shows the vain pursuits of men in search of happiness, which he_ _asserts exists only in the approbation of God_, 6, 7; _commends himself to the Lord,... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 4:2. _O YE SONS OF MEN_] בני איש _beney ish_, ye _powerful_ _men_-ye who are now at the head of affairs, or who are leaders of the multitude. _LOVE VANITY_] The poor, empty, shallow-brained, pretty-faced Absalom; whose prospects are all _vain_, and whose promises are all _empty_! _SEE... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 4:3. _THE LORD HATH SET APART HIM THAT IS GODLY_] חסיד _chasid_, the pious, benevolent man. He has marked such, and put them aside as his own property. "This merciful man, this feeling, tender-hearted man, is my own property; touch not a hair of his head!... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 4:4. _STAND IN AWE, AND SIN NOT_] The _Septuagint_, which is copied by St. _Paul_, Ephesians 4:26, translate this clause, Οργιζεσθε, και μη ἁμαρτανετε; _Be ye angry, and sin not_. The _Vulgate, Syriac,_ _AEthiopic_, and _Arabic_, give the same reading; and thus the original רגזו _rigzu... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 4:5. _OFFER THE SACRIFICES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS_] Do not attempt to offer a sacrifice to God for prosperity in your present rebellious conduct. Such a sacrifice would be a sin. Turn to God from whom you have revolted; and offer to him a _righteous_ _sacrifice_, such as the _law_ prescribes,... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 4:6. _WHO WILL SHOW US_ ANY _GOOD?_] This is not a fair translation. The word _any_ is not in the text, nor any thing equivalent to it; and not a few have quoted _it_, and preached upon the text, placing the principal emphasis on this illegitimate _word._ The place is sufficiently emp... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 4:7. _THOU HAST PUT GLADNESS IN MY HEART_] Thou hast given my soul what it wanted and wished for. I find now a happiness which earthly things could not produce. I have peace of conscience, and joy in the Holy Ghost; such inward happiness as they cannot boast who have got the highest inc... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 4:8. _I WILL BOTH LAY ME DOWN IN PEACE, AND SLEEP_] Most men lie down, and most sleep, daily, for without _rest_ and _sleep_ life could not be preserved; but alas! how few lie down in _peace_! peace with their own consciences, and peace with God! David had then two great blessings, _re... [ Continue Reading ]