Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 4

This group of psalms moves from an orderly world to a troubled one. Psalms 1–2 describe stability. The righteous person is blessed, and the Lord’s anointed king rules with authority.

In the psalms that follow, the tone changes. The Lord’s anointed cries out for help. He faces enemies, strong opposition, and evil plans.

It even seems at times that the Lord is far away. The psalmist feels confusion and distress instead of confidence and calm.

This personal lament includes:

• a prayer for rescue (Psalm 4:1)

• a rebuke of the enemy (Psalm 4:2–3)

• advice to the faithful (Psalm 4:4–5)

• a statement of confidence (Psalm 4:6–8)

Waiting for the Lord's answer helps you grow in patience and strengthen your faith (Psalm 38:15).

• The opponents of those who follow God rely on false beliefs, deceit, and idol worship.

• my honor (or my glory): The psalmist's honor, or possibly the Lord's, is being challenged.

• Feeling angry is not a sin, but letting anger control you can lead to sin (see Psalm 37:7–8; compare Ephesians 4:26–27, 31–32).

• Instead of acting on their emotions, godly people think about their circumstances overnight. They might be disturbed as they sleep, but silence opens their hearts to trust in the Lord (Psalm 4:5).

Offer the sacrifices of the righteous: Redirecting emotions toward the Lord prevents a godly person from doing too much self-reflection (Psalms 40:6–8; 51:17).

the light of Your face: When the psalmist speaks about God’s face, he is asking for God’s favor and peace (Numbers 6:25–26). God’s favor can change a situation from darkness to light (see Psalm 27:1).

Confident faith protects against anger, resentment, jealousy, and a desire for wealth as the highest good. When God’s favor is enough, other desires lose their power.

Peace comes from God's blessing and protection (see Psalm 4:6 and 37:11).