“Have mercy upon me”, (verse 1), is a cry that David and others echo throughout the Psalter: the pious always petition for God’s
Psalm 4 also exhibits the changing attitudes of the worshiper in his most difficult of circumstances.
David’s movement will be from anxiety to assurance, as he travels down the road of prayer and trust in God.
At the end of yet another day of pressure, pain, and persecution, David engages in 3 conversations which ultimately lead to a point of blessed relaxation:
1.Praying to God for Preservation (4:1);
2.Reasoning with His enemies about Repentance (4:2-5);
3.Praising God for True Perspective (4:6-8).
Psalm 4:2 “O ye sons of men, how long [will ye turn] my glory into shame? [how long] will ye love vanity, [and] seek after leasing? Selah.”
The problem above is they are sons of men.
These are men who have not been grafted into the family of God, and become sons of God. This would be worldly men who have their thoughts stayed upon things of this world.
Psalm 4:4 “Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.”
In this context, the admonition means to tremble or shake in the fear of the Lord so as not to sin.
This can be translated “come to your senses” or “be stirred, tremble”.
One of the most popular memorized prayers of children begins, “Now I lay me down to sleep”.
Many adults in our society lay down to sleep, but the cares of this world will not let them sleep. If a person has perfect peace, sleep should come easily."
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