10/21 Psalm 4

PSALM 4

AUTHOR: David

The Story Behind the Psalm

The events of Psalms 2 and 3 continue to progress. In Psalm 4 David is at Mahanaim. He has been forsaken by his son and many of his friends and subjects. A few of his followers are with him, such as faithful Ittai and a band of Philistine bodyguards. As the Psalm is read, the Christian should picture in his mind a saddened father sitting at Mahanaim looking back at Jerusalem and watching the dust of battle rise. One of the miracles of this Psalm is found in verses 7 and 8. It is marvelous how the Christian can have gladness, peace, sleep and assurance of safety in such an hour of trial.



The Way It Was Used by God's People

This Psalm was sung at night by the Jews. It was especially used by people who had a problem sleeping or going to sleep. Note verse 8. It was a tranquilizer in the dark hours of the night. So it can be for us when we face the darkness of battle or loneliness, or for that matter, even when we are unable to sleep in the nighttime.

Verse 4 should be examined carefully. The words, "Stand in awe, and sin not," could be translated, "When angry, sin not." No doubt David is reminding himself not to be angry at his son or at the other rebels. When anger does come, however, we are not to give vent to it. It is often said that it is just as bad to do it as to think it. This is not so. David is saying here, "When you think it, don't do it."