FRAMEWORKS:
Psa 4
(The
objective of these ‘Frameworks' is to provide an easy-to-read
layout of the text in order then to use these individual verses
for meditation. To focus each verse we have also added a subheading
summary as a description of what is happening)
FRAMEWORKS:
Psalm 4: An Evening call to the Lord
For
the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.
[Preliminary
Comment: Some suggest David is addressing his enemies
but that word is absent. It is more a call to alertness how we
respond to God. Yes, he is apparently in need [v.1] and yes, there
is this challenge [v.2] to wrong beliefs and idolatry that he
(God) sees in the land. Yet [v.3] he has the awareness of who
he is – not one of those idolaters – he is God's faithful servant
who the Lord hears when he cries out to Him as he has just done
in v.1. So the challenges that come in v.4 and 5 are, presumably,
to those who need to adjust their thinking, their beliefs, their
actions, to ensure they have a right relationship with the Almighty
One. In verse 6 he addresses the Lord, pointing out that there
are those who question God's provision for them and so he simply
asks that God will bless his leadership of his people to make
them prosperous [something the Lord did through his son, Solomon
– see 1 Kings 10]. In the final verse he simply declares his trust
in the Lord who makes him secure [perhaps by His provision] and
at peace.]
v.1
a cry to the Lord for relief
v.1
Answer
me when I call to you,
my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
v.2
The Lord's challenge to be faithful to Him
v.2
How
long will you people turn my glory into shame
How long will you love delusions and seek
false gods?
v.3
David's assurance of his own relationship with the Lord
v.3
Know
that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
v.4,5
His challenge to maintain a right relationship with the Lord
v.4
Tremble
and do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
v.5 Offer
the sacrifices of the righteous
and trust in the Lord.
v.6,7
David asks the Lord to satisfy by provision
v.6
Many,
Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
Let the light of your face shine on us.
v.7 Fill
my heart with joy
when their grain and new wine abound.
v.8
He concludes with testimony: God keeps him safe.
v.8
In
peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
[Additional
Thoughts: This is sometimes known as an evening psalm
because twice [v.4 & 8] there are references to sleep at night.
It is thus a prayer that also includes testimony and declarations
of commitment. He may pray in need [v.1] but he focuses that need
on his own relationship with the Lord [v.3] which he contrasts
with others who have gone astray from a faithful following of
the Lord [v.2, 6a]. So within his prayer he addresses those people,
calling them back to a right place [v.4 & 5]. He asks for
God's blessing on him [v.7] but concludes with a statement of
trust – he has peace because God provides for him.]
Continue
to Psa 5