Psalm 4. Here we have another Psalm of David, and although the heading does not specify the circumstances in which it was written, some expositors feel it is a natural sequel to the preceding Psalm; i.e. David fleeing from Absalom. But while Psalm 3 was more personal, Psalm 4 is directed at others, and was perhaps intended for public service.¹ The theme of this Psalm is the remnant’s confidence in the Lord in times of extreme pressure, and the peace and joy they can know while walking in the paths of righteousness. 

 

 
v.1 The Pressure of Trial. The difficulty called “trouble” in Psalm 3 is now advanced to “pressure”. The psalmist is calling out to the Lord to hear his prayer. Clearly, the situation is dire. Yet he must acknowledge, “in pressure thou hast enlarged me”. Through the pressure of trial, there has been growth. Prophetically, this speaks of the remnant, growing in numbers in spite of the persecution (see Gen. 15:13-16; Ex. 1:7). Spiritually too, they will grow through the circumstances of the great tribulation. But practically, the Lord often used trials and pressure in the lives of believers to produce spiritual growth.

 

 

vv.2-5 Preaching of Righteousness. These verses are addressed to men. First, the Lord speaks in v.2, then the faithful speak to those around them in vv.3-5. Prophetically, the remnant will utter similar words first to their Jewish brethren, then to the nations around. This is part of the Lord’s work of sifting the righteous from the wicked. The Lord will hear when the righteous call, although their righteousness is still no ground of acceptance before Him. How important this principle, that a good conscience is important in the efficacy of prayer! The righteous are marked by a hatred of sin. We are to be angry about sin, just as Christ was angry (Mark 3:5, Matt. 21:12)! Even God is angry against what is sinful (Psa. 7:11, Psa. 139:22). The warning is “do not sin”. In Ephesians 4:26, where this Psalm is quoted, the thought may be a warning that righteous indignation would not turn into fleshly anger. Here is may simply be a warning to remain firm in the exercise of self-judgment, that the individual would not fall into the very sin that they hate. “Sacrifices of righteousness” may is more than literal sacrifices, and it includes the thought of practical righteousness in one’s life. The point is this: the Lord is looking for reality in our lives. Sacrifices without reality in the soul are an abomination to the Lord. Read Isa. 66:1-4. “Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts” (Psa. 51:6).

 

 

vv.6-8 Joy and Peace. Although many might look out on the prospects of the remnant with hopelessness, those who trust in the Lord are content with a sense of His presence. They have a joy in their hearts in this time of trial that exceeds the joy of material prosperity; “Thou hast put joy in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their new wine was in abundance.” We have a similar thought in Habakkuk 3, where the prophet comes to find joy in difficult circumstances, because he has the Lord; “although the fig tree shall not blossom, etc. … yet I will rejoice in Jehovah” (Hab. 3:17-19). With a sense of the Lord’s presence, the faithful are at peace, and can sleep (v.8), knowing that the Lord is protecting them.