Psalm 4 is one of David's prayers for deliverance. It "is linked to Psalm 3 in mood and concept. Both speak of the possibility of finding such peace in God's presence that even when torn by physical and emotional pain, a person may still have restful sleep (Psalm 3:5; Psalm 4:8)" (Nelson Study Bible, note on Psalm 4).

In the superscription, where the King James Version leaves a word untranslated, "on Neginoth," the New King James Version properly translates this as "With stringed instruments." (As noted in the Beyond Today Bible Commentary's introduction to Psalms, this may be the postscript for Psalm 3.)

Getting into the words of Psalm 4 itself, "O God of my righteousness" in verse 1 "can also be translated 'O my righteous God.' The phrase has two meanings: (1) Only God is righteous. (2) All of a person's righteousness is found in him alone" (note on verse 1).

David addresses those who are currently troubling him: "How long, O you sons of men, will you turn my glory to shame?" (verse 2). "That is, through slander rob David of the public honor he had enjoyed under the Lord's blessing and care (see Psalm 3:3...) and bring him into public disrepute" (Zondervan NIV Study Bible, note on Psalm 4:2).

David knows that God has set certain godly people "apart for Himself." David was such a person, set apart by God to be king over Israel (1 Samuel 16:12-13). For this reason, he is confident that God hears his prayers and intervenes to help him.

David calls on his enemies to search their hearts, saying, "In your anger [against me] do not sin" (verse 4, NIV). Since anger can lead to sin, his detractors need to quiet down, bring their requests and sacrifices to God and trust Him to resolve their complaints (verse 5). This is remarkable in that the wicked are offered a way to redemption rather than a pronouncement of doom. In the New Testament the apostle Paul quotes verse 4 about being angry and yet not sinning in a different context—to describe the proper exercise of righteous indignation (Ephesians 4:26).

In Psalm 4:6, David recognizes that many have become discouraged, asking, "Who can show us any good?" (NIV). David knows that only God can restore confidence in the nation and end the present crisis. "Lift up the light of your countenance upon us" (verse 6). The related priestly blessing in Numbers 6:26 adds an additional phrase: "The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." With that in mind, it is interesting to note that David concludes with a determined focus on joy and peace. Again, he is able to sleep peacefully even in the present circumstances because God provides safety.