Deep Dive into The Treasury of David by Charles Spurgeon - Psalm 4

Psalm 4 carries the formal instruction, "To the chief Musician on Neginoth, a Psalm of David," indicating it was written by David and set for performance by the director of sacred music using Neginoth, or stringed instruments. Due to its context and message of security, the Psalm is traditionally known as The Evening Hymn, serving as a companion to Psalm 3, The Morning Psalm.

The structure is divided into three parts. The first division is David’s plea for mercy, where he addresses the Lord as the unique "God of my righteousness," appealing to God as the author, witness, and defender of his cause against human critics. He anchors this plea by referencing past instances where God "enlarged" him in distress.

The second section shifts to an expostulation with his enemies, whom David chides for loving vanity (empty, worthless pursuits) and seeking after leasing (falsehood or lying). He contrasts their folly with the truth of Election—the doctrine that the godly are set apart by distinguishing grace, a truth unrenewed men cannot endure. The word Selah is inserted multiple times here, demanding a solemn pause for deep reflection upon the serious truths of the wicked's actions and inevitable doom.

In the final division, the Psalm contrasts the dissatisfaction of worldlings, who constantly cry, "Who will shew us any good?", with the superior contentment of the believer. The godly seek the spiritual good found in the light of God’s countenance, which David affirms has put deep "gladness in my heart." This inner joy is declared to be greater than the prosperity derived from the increase of corn and wine. The Psalm concludes with the definitive declaration of peace and safety that secures its traditional title: "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety."

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

https://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730