Psalms 4:1 KJV

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

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Psalms 4:1 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 4:1

Bible Verse: "Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!" (ESV)

Introduction

This verse from Psalms serves as a powerful invocation of God's presence and a heartfelt plea for His attention. It is a cry from the depths of anguish, reflecting the psalmist's urgent need for divine intervention. The combination of petitions and praise encapsulates the essence of prayer as depicted throughout the Scriptures.

Verse Breakdown

  • Addressing God: The psalmist begins with a direct address, indicating a personal relationship with the 'God of my righteousness'. This not only recognizes God's sovereignty but also highlights His role as a just figure in the psalmist's life.
  • Petition for Attention: The phrase 'Answer me when I call' emphasizes urgency. The psalmist seeks immediate response, reflecting the emotional turmoil faced at the time. This serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer in times of distress.
  • Past Experience of Relief: The reference to past relief 'when I was in distress' reinforces the covenant relationship between God and His people, showcasing God's faithfulness and willingness to act on behalf of those who trust Him.
  • Call for Grace: 'Be gracious to me' is both an acknowledgment of human frailty and a supplication for mercy, indicating that the psalmist is aware of his own shortcomings.
  • Final Plea: The concluding phrase, 'hear my prayer', sums up the psalmist's childlike dependence on God, a key theme throughout the psalms.

Theological Insights

The psalm opens a window into the nature of God as seen by the psalmist—a God who is not only righteous but also responsive to His people's cries. As noted by Matthew Henry, this verse paints God as both a savior in times of trouble and a source of righteousness, affirming His dual role in the life of believers.

God's Righteousness

Albert Barnes emphasizes that the term "righteousness" refers to God's attribute as the ultimate judge and lawgiver. The psalmist appeals to this characteristic, showcasing a recognition of God’s nature that fosters trust when seeking help.

The Role of Past Deliverance

Adam Clarke points out that recalling past experiences of relief serves to bolster one's faith in future prayers. The psalmist’s memory of deliverance acts as a reminder that God’s past actions provide a foundation for present hope. This theme is echoed throughout the Scriptures, where remembrance of God's faithfulness plays a crucial role in the spiritual life of Israel.

Practical Applications

  • Prayer Life: This verse encourages a robust prayer life, underscoring the need for believers to regularly present their requests to God, especially during trials.
  • Faith in Trials: It illustrates the importance of recalling past experiences of God's faithfulness as a means to strengthen one’s current faith and trust.
  • Dependency on Grace: The psalmist's plea for grace serves as a reminder that human efforts to attain righteousness are insufficient, making divine grace essential.

Conclusion

Psalm 4:1 encapsulates a profound theological understanding of God as both righteous and gracious. It encourages personal engagement with the divine through prayer and an acknowledgment of the believer's need for God’s ongoing grace. Through reflections from esteemed commentators like Henry, Barnes, and Clarke, we are reminded of the timeless nature of God's assistance and the accessibility of His grace, making this verse relevant for all believers navigating the challenges of life.