Psalm 4

Psalm 4 is a song and a prayer though I have little knowledge of how this song would have been sung. I can point out that both Christ and David would be suitable speakers in verses 1-2. The “selah” is often considering a pause and time of reflection, but other commentators attribute the selah to have special usage for singing purposes. I agree.

The selah happens three times in this Psalm which is clearly to be used for singing. Each selah ends a thought, or what me call a verse and the song picks up again developing another thought. These selah a might serve as good breaks for a Bible teacher to teach the Psalm in three parts, like a three point sermon. We know from the first selah that verses 1 and 2 is a couplet and should be read together in the same context and understanding. This would be the same pattern for verses 3-4, and so on. Verse 3 is a truth, God separates the righteous for Himself, and verse 4 is the application, the “how to” of the truth which signifies a reverent personal relationship with God. We know looking back from the NT church era that Bible revelation is progressive. In this point of time the Messiah has yet to be revealed and salvation by grace alone was in the works, but still a mystery until later when it was revealed in Christ on the cross. What David would of known in his time was faith and obedient heart (v5), though his knowledge wouldn’t be as perfect as ours concerning the atonement of the cross.

As for the rest of the Psalm David repeats a popular question of the day, perhaps a popular saying he has heard around Jerusalem, “Who will shew (show) us any good? David answers this question with verses 7 and 8. The Lord’s presence is good. The happiest David has been is when he has perceived the Lord’s presence. Happier than the time of plenty corn and wine (v7). David sleeps better than most having feeling secure in God’s promises (v8). Who will show us any good? Give us your presence today Lord and fill our hearts with gladness!