This is also attributed, in the title, to David.  There is nothing however in the Psalm or the title to indicate a specific occasion for its production.  Most assume it to have been produced around the same circumstances which called forth the previous psalm, and this is not found to be false by anything in the psalm itself, however we shall never know for sure.

1 Hear me when I call -- The word "hear" is used here not only in the common sense, but to indicate hearing favorably.  David sought God to hear and grant the plea made.  The sense is that of God hearing and answering him.  O God of my righteousness -- rather, "O my righteous God."  This is an affirmation of the righteousness of God.  Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress -- David points to a former deliverance, basically asking for a repeat.  have mercy upon me -- Knowing that God had delivered him formerly, he now implores his assistance in the present trouble.  and hear my prayer -- again, the idea is that of granting his request.

2 O ye sons of men -- He turns now from Him from Who could provide  protection to addressing those from whom he sought protection.  We are not to suppose that they were actually there, but, rather that he is expressing his feelings toward his would-be killers.  how long -- there is some question as to whether he really speaks to time here, or rather to degree.  He may be asking, "How much trouble will you subject me to..."  Will ye turn my glory into shame -- If we take this to be in reference to the same occasion as Psalm 3, David is asking those who would dethrone him how long, or to what extent, they intended to oppress him.  how long will ye love vanity -- That which will come to no good end.  Their efforts to depose him would not be realized in success, and the question seems to be asking at what point they would realize that and cease their evil effort.  and seek after leasing -- The word "leasing" is the Old English word for "lie".  The idea is that they were seeking after a delusion, i.e., that David would ultimately be deposed.  The question, then, is:  "How long will you labor under the false pretence of presumed victory?"

3 But know -- This is addressed to those referred to in the previous verse as "the sons of men"; his enemies.  He is confidently affirming the truth of his proposition to them.  that the Lord hath set apart -- The Lord was the one who appointed David to do the work He had for him to do, and their efforts would therefore fail with respect to opposing him.  him that is godly for himself -- The godly one is David, and the affirmation is that God has chosen David to accomplish his work; therefore, to oppose David is to oppose God.  the Lord will hear when I call unto him -- David is affirming that, as God had called him, protected him, and set him apart for a very definite work, he knew that God would hear and respond favorably when he called on Him.

4 Stand in awe -- Still speaking to his enemies, David calls for them to be awe-struck in the face of the One whom they opposed.  Fear is involved in the meaning of "awe".  and sin not -- Basically, David says that they must now cease in their evil attempts.  It is as though they were formerly deceived into thinking righteousness to be on their side in their quest, but now, having been exposed to the truth of the matter, they are instructed to abandon their designs, and therefore, their sin.  commune with your own heart -- The idea is searching one's own heart, relying on one's better judgment.  upon your bed -- Get apart, alone, and consider this matter.  Be no longer led by others, think for yourself.  Selah -- if this word is taken to mean "a pause", the writer is indicating here that the reader should pause to consider these matters.

5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness -- Offer sacrifices prompted by righteous motives.  He seems to be calling on them to offer penitent sacrifices such as would be warranted under the present circumstance (presumably their trying to oust him from the throne).  and put your trust in the Lord -- Turn from your sin to God.  Trust no longer in your own evidently evil intent, but trust God's righteous plan instead.

6 There be many that say -- A probable reference to the many anxious expressions of the souls of men of all time.  Many wander in darkness, but few find the light.  who will show us good -- that is, who will show us where our happiness lies.  This is the general question of mankind the world over from the dawn of time.  In the context of these notes, David seems to be likening his pursuers to men of all time, simply seeking what they think will bring them happiness (i.e. the deposing of David and enthroning of Absalom).  Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us -- David seems to be calling on God to favor him.  Those who opposed him were seeking gain and power and riches, whereas David sought only the approval of God.

7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart -- His enemies sought happiness in evil, David found happiness in God.  "More than in the time" -- David had more happiness than they had in the time referred to.  that their corn and their wine increaseth -- When they met with the greatest success.  David is pointing out that he had received more happiness in his trouble from God than these who troubled him had in their time of greatest ease.

8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep -- David would not worry about his enemies, whether in waking hours or sleep.  He would exercise calmness at all times for the Lord was his helper.  for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety -- David knew that he would rest safely, and he here states not only that, but, also that the cause of his safety was God.

QUESTIONS:  PSALM FOUR

 1. How is God described in verse 1?
 2. What had God done for David when he was in distress?
 3. By calling on God to "hear" him, what was he actually asking?
 4. To whom were the words of verse 3 addressed?
 5. In what were the enemies of David to "stand"?
 6. What did he admonish them to do?
 7. What were they to offer?
 8. What had God put in David's heart?
 9. What 2 things would David do "in peace"?
10. Who made him to dwell in safety?