To You I Lift Up My Eyes: A Song of Reality
1. We are very very small (1a)
By this expression of his focus on God the congregation would be reminded that prayer addressed to the king of heaven is in itself an expression of confidence in his sovereignty. He alone reigns on high above all the difficulties of this life. The confidence comes in understanding and depending on this.
2. God is very very big (1b)
3. God really is God (2a)
The verb (חָנַן; s.v. Ps. 4:1) may be translated “be gracious, show favor, be merciful.” It usually refers to favor that is undeserved, which is why it is the focus of prayer.
4. God delights to be merciful (2b-3)
The verb (חָנַן; s.v. Ps. 4:1) may be translated “be gracious, show favor, be merciful.” It usually refers to favor that is undeserved, which is why it is the focus of prayer
5. We don’t deserve any of God’s favor (2b-3)
The word “scorn” has the meaning of “scoffing, mocking, scorning, deriding, laughing at” (see Psalm 2:4). So this brief lament (and motivation for God to be merciful) is that the people had all the ridicule they could take.
The use of these descriptions may refer to the mistreatment of the lower classes by the arrogant upper class people (Amos 6:1). So the faithful have had to put up with the wealthy, self-sufficient, unbelievers and the proud oppressors who have treated them with contempt and scorned their faith.