Psalms 4 (2)

Psalms  •  Sermon  •  Submitted
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Psalm 4 - A prayer by David, when his son Absalom is coming after him for the throne. His prayer. This is a prayer of confidence proclaiming the faithfulness of God in times of trouble and distress. David experienced the grace and mercy of God in the past. This can be categorized under the Lament type of a Psalm. However the theme of the psalm is ‘Exhortation’.

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Approach to Study & Meditate Psalm 4

Author & Historical Background
Information on Hebrew Poetry (literary devices)
Study the Psalms by Outline or theme

Types of Psalms

Lament
Praise
Hymn
Royal
Wisdom
Thanksgiving
Trust

Objective of the Study

To know, understand & apply Psalm 4
Psalm 4 ASV 1901
For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness; Thou hast set me at large when I was in distress: Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. O ye sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor? How long will ye love vanity, and seek after falsehood? Selah But know that Jehovah hath set apart for himself him that is godly: Jehovah will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not: Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in Jehovah. Many there are that say, Who will show us any good? Jehovah, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, More than they have when their grain and their new wine are increased. In peace will I both lay me down and sleep; For thou, Jehovah, alone makest me dwell in safety.

Outline of Psalm 4

Prayer with Confidence in God (verse 1)
Lament for sons of men (verses 2-5)
Petition before God (verse 6)
Prayer with Rest in God (verse 7-8)

Prayer with Confidence

Notes#1
This psalm is another lament by an individual who finds himself persecuted by his enemies. It consists of a prayer of confidence for help (verse 1), a lament for the psalmist’s enemies (verses 2–3), a warning to them (verses 4–5), a petition before God and and a statement of confidence in God giving rest & peace (verses 6–8).
Notes#2
Parallelism of Prayer & Lament for enemies are found somewhat developed in this psalm. The psalm is divided into three parts. Part 1 is the Prayer which we find in section A of verses 1 and also in verses 7& 8. Part 2 is the Lament for the sons of men found in verses 2 & also verse 6. Part 3 is ‘Exhortation for service’ found in the middle verses 3 thru’ 5, which gives us the primary theme and purpose of this psalm.
There are parallelism in each of the verses also.
Verse 1. “Answer me when I call” in the beginning. Then “Hear my prayer” (addressing God)
Verse 2. “glory be turned into dishonor” & “seek after falsehood” (addressing sons of men)
Notes#3
This psalm, in common with many others, continues to show the kindness and faithfulness of God in the face of trial and persecution.
This prayer too relates to the previous answer from God, who had before relieved the psalmist when he was in distress. For this reason, he can count on the mercy of the Lord in hearing his prayer (v. 1). Do we not also find that as the cases of God's answering our prayers multiply, this increases our confidence that He hears when our need drives us to pray?
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