Devotional Short Note of Psalm 4: David
is still in turmoil regarding Absalom’s rebellion described in 2 Samuel 15ff which
is probably near the time of his death in 974 BCE (2 Samuel 15:7). So in this
Psalm of David, he started off with a prayer of invocation to God to hear his
prayer (verse 2). Then he addressed his wicked son Absalom as “sons of vanity”
(verse 3). A Selah or end of the note marker appears. The narrative time, place
and manner change after the Selah. A didactic wisdom of David is cited
mentioning the Lord’s remnant belonging network in verse 4. He associates
himself with this axiom of wisdom believing that the Lord will not fail to hear
him. He addresses again Absalom and kie in verse 5 giving them a recipe for
change of heart in the form of a didactic wisdom, namely to meditate at night
before they sleep. They should not sin in their rebellion because rebellion is
sin. A Selah or note break appears again. The narrative shifted again to
another scene, namely one in the Temple. It is also a didactic wisdom recipe.
He asked Absalom and his rebels to offer sacrifices of righteousness (verse 6).
Many hope to see it resolved (verse 7a). He prays then a “bless us” prayer in
verse 7b. He continues with a prayer of security in the Lord, by comparing
himself to others who were blessed but he more so (verse 8) and is confident in
his peace and security from the Lord (verse 9).