Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 4
Matthew Henry Commentary
Psalms 4
Matthew Henry Commentary
Psalms 4
"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." — Psalms 4:1-5 (ASV)
Hear me for your mercy's sake, is our best plea. He who will not ask for such blessings as pardon, justifying righteousness, and eternal life must perish for lacking them. Alas, that so many should make so fearful a choice! The psalmist warns against sin.
Maintain a holy reverence for the glory and majesty of God. You have much to say to your hearts; they can be spoken with, so do not leave it unsaid.
Examine them by serious self-reflection. Let your thoughts fasten upon what is good, and keep close to it.
Consider your ways. Before you go to sleep at night, examine your conscience with respect to what you have done during the day, particularly what you have done amiss, so that you may repent of it.
When you awaken in the night, meditate on God and the things that belong to your peace.
Particularly on a sickbed, we should consider our ways. Be still. When you have asked your conscience a question, be serious, be silent, and wait for an answer. Do not open your mouth to excuse sin. All confidence must be in that answer.
Do not open your mouth to excuse sin. All confidence is to be placed in God alone. Therefore, after commanding the sacrifices of righteousness, the psalmist says, Put your trust in the Lord.
"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. " — Psalms 4:6-8 (ASV)
Worldly people seek good, but not the chief good; all they want is outward good, present good, partial good, good food, good drink, a good trade, and a good estate. But what are all these worth? Any good will satisfy most people, but a gracious soul will not be put off so easily.
Lord, let us have your favor, and let us know that we have it; we desire no more. Let us be satisfied with your loving-kindness, and we will be satisfied with it. Many seek happiness, but David had found it. When God puts grace in the heart, he puts gladness in the heart.
Thus comforted, he pitied, but neither envied nor feared the most prosperous sinner. He commits all his affairs to God and is prepared to welcome his holy will. But salvation is in Christ alone; where will those appear who despise him as their Mediator and revile him in his disciples?
May they stand in awe and no longer sin against the only remedy.
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