Psalm 4: Evening Reflections: Where Can We Find Goodness & Peace?

Introduction

Challenges

Psalm 4 comes with several challenges. What is the context of the Psalm? Who is David talking to and about? Enemies, friends, or both? What is David’s request? What’s the point of the Psalm?

We always want to know the circumstances that prompted David and other Psalmists to write their Psalms. Sometimes that curiosity is sated. Psalm 3, for example, tells us it was written concerning the events surrounding Absalom’s rebellion. Other times, however, we aren’t told and can only speculate. That is the case with Psalm 4. The heading doesn’t provide a setting, and the Psalm itself doesn’t specify exactly what prompts David’s words. Of course, that doesn’t stop people from trying to determine the setting anyways.

Some suggest the setting is a famine, because of the reference to grain and wine towards the end of this Psalm. Thus, this Psalm is about trusting in God and rebuking those that don’t in times of need. Others believe David is dealing with enemies who are slandering him. What the specific slander is isn’t stated, but David rebukes them and admonishes them to change. Others think David isn’t talking to enemies, but friends who are either tempted to leave God or already have. His admonition to change is different than some of his others Psalms about enemies, so that seems possible. Some think that the setting is the same as Psalm 3, and is directed either at enemies or advisers (or both) regarding the events and aftermath of Absalom’s rebellion.

Depending on what setting a person chooses will likely impact their view of David’s words toward “men.” Are they his enemies? His friends? Both?

The truth is, any specific setting one chooses is speculative at best. Instead, the ambiguity of the setting and context widens the Psalm’s applicability.

So, what is this ambiguous Psalm all about? That seems to be answered towards the end of the Psalm. The key question is, “Who will show us some good?” David prays about and speaks to people who are seeking to answer that question themselves through avenues that aren’t godly. They are dealing with problems and seeking fulfilment in ways that aren’t loyal to God, and thus will be gravely disappointed. David offers his own experience as an example to learn from that the only path to goodness, peace, and safety, is by trusting in and belonging to the Lord.

Thus, this psalm offers a way forward for all people who are dealing with struggles and stress, whatever those struggles and stressors might be. Whether David is trying to convert enemies or counsel friends, his words are worth listening to. There are warnings to heed and promises to hold within this Psalm that aren’t dependent on understanding the precise historical backdrop. Whatever David’s original circumstances, this Psalm was ultimately used as a part of Israel’s worship. It was a fit way to remind all of God’s people to evaluate their life, appreciate God’s blessings, and reorient their attitudes and behaviors to faithfulness that they might dwell safely in the peace of God.

Outline

Being a challenging Psalm, it’s not surprising that ideas abound for our to outline and structure this Psalm. There are many helpful and interesting ways to do so. For our study, however, we’ll follow David’s addressees. An interesting and unique feature of this Psalm is that it isn’t directed just towards God or just towards others. It is part prayer, part preaching. It’s addressed to God and to men. Following these changes, we can follow this simple outline:

David’s Opening Prayer (V. 1)

David’s Admonition to Men (Vv. 2-5)

David’s Closing Prayer (Vv. 6-8)

Verse 1

Psalm 4 begins and ends with prayer. We may not be able to nail down precisely when David wrote this Psalm, or what the exact conditions were. But a large chunk of this Psalm is addressed to other people, and it’s clear there are problems and worries. Whatever the specific conditions are, David’s primary concern seems to be that people are seeking answers away from the Lord, and David attempts to correct their perspective and behavior through rebuke and admonition. But before and after he speaks to men, he speaks to God. Whenever we are dealing with interpersonal problems or correcting others, we would be wise to follow David’s example, and speak with God before we speak with men.

David’s opening prayer is one of confident request. David asks for three specific things:

Answer me when I call

Be gracious to me

Hear my prayer

David’s request appears ambiguous. We might expect him to go on to list a specific plea—for deliverance from enemies, vindication, or reversal of fortune. But no further specifics are found in this Psalm. Thus, David’s root request is simply to be heard by God and for God to answer him. But that is enough. If God hears and answers, all will be well.

The other request within the opening prayer if for God to be gracious toward David. The Hebrew word rendered “gracious” is used over 70 times in the Old Testament, but perhaps one usage has special meaning for this Psalm. In Numbers 6, Aaron and his sons were instructed to give this blessing to Israel:

Numbers 6:24–26 ESV

24 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

This seems to be the passage David has in mind later in the Psalm when he prays similar words, “Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!” In this Psalm, David answer the question “Who will show us some good?” The answer is “The Lord!” But there is another important question implied there—who will the Lord show goodness to? And that answer is His faithful, covenant people. The blessing Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6 was a blessing for Israel—the nation whom God had put His name on (Num. 6:27). It is a blessing of covenant relationship. If we seek the Lord’s peace, we must belong to Him! David will demonstrate that more thoroughly throughout the Psalm, but highlights it with bookend references to Numbers 6.

While David’s prayer is a request, it is a confident request. There are two reasons for David’s confidences. First of all, there is God’s character. The term “God of my righteousness” has been taken in different ways. Is David speaking of his righteousness or God’s? Some translations render this verse as “my righteous God” (NIV). Either way, the point is the same. God is righteous, and He alone can vindicate, uphold, and declare His people to be righteous. David’s confidence isn’t in his own worth, but in God’s righteousness, and what that means for David.

Secondly, David is confident because of what God has done. Some translations take the second clause as another request, something like “give me relief.” But many translations and commentators believe it is not a request, but an acknowledgement of what God has done before. God has previously granted relief. A literal rendering would be something like “give me space in tight places”—the idea being that David has felt pressured and squeezed but God gave him some breathing room. That is at the heart of this Psalm’s purpose. When life squeezes us, hems us in, and traps us, where will find some breathing room? Where will we find relief? Whether we’re hemmed in by health issues, work-related stress, relational problems, or other trials, where will go to find some space, breathing room, and relief? David has found such things in the Lord previously, and exhorts others to do the same now.

Verses 2-3

David begins his address to others. The Hebrew indicates these aren’t just any men, but men of rank or standing. Could these be David’s own advisers? Are these other leaders within Israel that are questioning or even slandering David? Or could they simply be seeking solutions to problems in carnal ways instead of godly ways? Whether enemies or friends; whether slanderers or just misguided; David wants them to realize their folly and change their ways.

David repeats the question “How long…” The attitudes and behaviors of those he addresses has gone on long enough. It’s time to realize their error and change. David mentions three specific problems.

They turn honor into shame. Who’s honor is David talking about? It might appear that he’s referring to his honor. If this is the case, then perhaps the men he addresses are plotting against him or questioning his leadership. They are opposing God’s anointed King, which is a dangerous position as the second and third psalms make clear. But it is possible David isn’t speaking about his personal honor, but God. The Hebrew word rendered “honor” here is the same that is translated as “glory” in Psalm 3:3 “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” David says that God is his glory. Thus instead of suffering slander or personal dishonor, David may be speaking to those who are not appropriately honoring God. Given the rest of the Psalm, that seems very likely. This begs the question, how affronted are we when others dishonor God?

These men of rank are also accused of loving vain words and seeking lies. Things that are vain are empty and meaningless. What vain words might others love? Why would anyone seek lies?

The problem with vain things is we often don’t see their emptiness. Psalm 2:1 asks why “the peoples plot in vain?” It isn’t that they mean to form empty plots—it’s simply that any plot against the Lord, His anointed King, and His people is a fruitless plot destined for failure. Unfortunately, David is dealing with men who are listening to words that are just as empty, indicating they are words contrary to God’s will. Instead of God’s truth, they are tempted by lies. An example of this is found in Isaiah’s day:

Isaiah 28:15 ESV

15 Because you have said, “We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have an agreement, when the overwhelming whip passes through it will not come to us, for we have made lies our refuge, and in falsehood we have taken shelter”;

Isaiah was rebuking leaders who trusted in other nations instead of God. This is the point—whenever we place our trust in something other than God, we are trusting in vain lies. Perhaps that other people. Maybe it’s our own strength. Or perhaps it’s not just trust, but how we seek fulfillment. Many seek happiness through sin and pleasure instead of faithfulness.

Romans 1:24–25 ESV

24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

Verse 3 is both a comforting promise and a sobering warning. David can confidently say that, because He belongs to the Lord, God hears when David calls (what David prayed in the beginning). What a blessed comfort to know that the Almighty God hears us when we cry out to Him! But there’s a subtle warning here. While it’s a blessing to be set apart by God as His people, if we aren’t a part of the Lord’s people, we are set apart as His enemies. The Hebrew phrase used for “set apart” is also used in the Exodus account when God began making a distinction between Egypt and Israel. Israel was “set apart” so that the plagues didn’t affect them. Thus, to be “set apart” is to enjoy God’s protection, while those who aren’t set apart are open to His terrible judgment. By following lies and loving vain words that aren’t God’s, these men are running the risk of divine judgment!

Verses 4-5

Verse 4 presents a bit of a challenge. Is David talking to the same men or a different group? Why does he bring up anger? What are these men angry about (or towards)?How are we to interpret his advice towards the angry?

David may or may not be addressing the same men as verse 2. Perhaps they are the same, and in addition to loving vain words and seeking lies they are also angry. Or maybe these are David’s allies, and they are angry at those who haven’t supported him (this would especially fit with the context of Psalm 3). Or perhaps in verse 2-5 David addresses some of the main problems he observes amongst various men of rank and how they deal with challenges and with life. Some men pursue ungodly paths in their pursuit of success and place their trust in vain, empty things instead of the Lord. But sometimes people deal with challenges and questions with improper attitudes like sinful anger and agitation. Once again, David offers a better path.

Or, instead of a change in direction, perhaps what David is doing now is demonstrating how to be a “godly one” that is on the Lord’s side. Instead of vain and deceitful ways, here is a divine path towards success.

Many commentators point out that the word for “anger” can be broadened to something like “agitated” or even “tremble.” Of course, the Apostle Paul quotes this passage and uses a Greek word for “anger,” so anger seems to be the best option. But life has its fair share of problems that agitate and irritate. Maybe we are angered by mundane things. Or maybe we are rightly angered by sin and injustice. Whatever the cause, we must be cautious, for anger and agitation can easily become sinful. Instead of being controlled by our anger, we must be in control of ourselves. One of the best ways to make this happen is to force ourselves to slow down and be thoughtful.

Instead of rushing forward angrily, David advises us to “ponder in our hearts on our beds and be silent.” While there is a time for receiving counsel, there is also a time for quiet reflection. Instead of venting our frustrations (either on the subject of our anger or by speaking evil against someone to others) we should spend some time considering the matter inwardly. And David says to “be silent.” Remember, these are men of rank and standing. Being silent probably doesn’t come naturally to them—but then again, it doesn’t come easy for most of us. But in times of heated trials, it’s good to be silent. It’s good to spend time thinking before speaking or acting. When we choose the way of contemplative silence, we are more likely to choose the godly path forward that brings peace all around.

Proverbs 15:18 ESV

18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.

Verse 5 continues David’s advice concerning the pathway to godliness. He says to “offer right sacrifices.” Part of belonging to God’s covenant people is worshipping our covenant God. But such worship is not to be taken lightly. Worship and sacrifice are to be done right. That is, they are done in the right way (God’s way), and with the right attitude. Worship is not empty ritualism. It must be transformative. When Israel offered sacrifices but lived unholy lives, God was angry. But neither is worship mere sentimental expression. God has ordained what right worship is, and our job is to obey. Worship that pleases our feelings but doesn’t adhere to God’s pattern is not right worship.

David’s last bit of advice is simply this—put your trust in the Lord. There are all sorts of avenues people will try to find success, security, and happiness. But there’s only one way that truly works—to trust in God. Such trust comes with a wondrous blessing.

Verses 6-8

Verse 6 begins with a question David knows others are asking. Perhaps the “men of standing” ask this, or perhaps David broadens his views since he says “many are asking…” The question appears to be one of despair. Perhaps, at the end of their rope, these people are asking, “who will show us some good?” They desperately want peace, safety, and happiness, but they aren’t sure where to find it. David has the answer!

The ESV continues the quote through the next line, but many commentators and translations end the quoted question in the first half of verse 6, so that the second half begins David’s answer. But David’s answer isn’t towards the people. The answer comes in the form of another prayer to God.

David prays, “Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!” Again, this harkens back to the Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6. Consider it again:

Numbers 6:24–26 ESV

24 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Notice what happens when the Lord lifts up His face to shine on His covenant people—He gives them peace. Which is exactly where David is heading in Psalm 4.

When one belongs to God—that is, they are a faithful citizen in God’s covenant people—they possess a wondrous joy. David speaks of an inward joy that is in his heart. But it’s not just a happy demeanor, it’s an inward joy given by God. It is a joy that is not circumstantial. Oh, when we look at the world, we see people that often appear very joyful. But they are happy only so long as things go their way. When grain and wine about (they are materially well off) they seem to have joy. But what happens when things fall apart? What happens when challenges come? What happens when the harvest fails? For the worldly, their joy is lost. But for God’s covenant people, we can possess a joy that is greater. First, it is greater because it’s a joy from God, not material things. Second, it’s greater because it is present even when everything else seems to be falling apart.

And so David concludes his prayer and psalm with an important decision—the decision to go to bed! God gives joy, God gives peace, and God gives safety. Thus, David can go to bed and sleep peacefully, because he trusts in God. We should note that there is no indication that David’s circumstances have changed. We don’t know if others have listened to his advice. We don’t know if there is still some disaster like a famine. We don’t know if others are still slandering him. But it doesn’t matter. Even if others choose to rebel and persist in carnal ways, David trusts in the Lord and follows Him, thus he has peace. Such peace that, despite all the problems and stresses and worries, he can go lay down and sleep.

Conclusion

Psalm 3 helps us start our day, reminding us that each new day is a gift from the God who sustains us. Psalm 4 helps us end our day, reminding us to consider our ways, evaluate our priorities and attitudes, and find peace in the safety that God alone provides.

Are you at peace? Do you feel safe and secure? If not, why not? If not, it might indicate the way your are pursuing is an empty way. All the wisdom and worries and stresses and promises of this world can’t bring fulfillment, eternal joy, or genuine peace. Only God can do that. But He promises to provide joy, safety, and peace to all of His faithful, covenant people.