Psalm 4/Notes/Summary.v. 1.48839

We learn from the superscription that this is one of David’s psalms. This psalm is to be understood as by the king of Israel, the anointed representative of the people before God, and the representative of God before the people. The name “David” highlights the special relationship between king and God, with God’s promise to always care for the king, and the king’s obligation to be faithful to God.

This psalm is indicated as for the director and with stringed instruments. The psalms specifically for the director are those intended for temple worship with some regularity; they may have arisen from a single moment in history, but they become psalms appropriate for many moments thereafter.