Psa 4:4-5 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 4. Stand in awe, and sin not ] The Septuagint , which is copied by St. Paul , , translate this clause, οργιζεσθε καιμηαμαρτανετε; Be ye angry, and sin not . The Vulgate, Syriac, AEthiopic , and Arabic , give the same reading; and thus the original rigzu might be translated: If ye be angry, and if ye think ye have cause to be angry; do not let your disaffection carry you to acts of rebellion against both God and your king. Consider the subject deeply before you attempt to act. Do nothing rashly; do not justify one evil act by another: sleep on the business; converse with your own heart upon your bed ; consult your pillow. And be still. ] vedommu , "and be dumb ." Hold your peace; fear lest ye be found fighting against God. Selah. Mark this!

‏ Psalms 4:4-5

Verse 4. Stand in awe, and sin not] The Septuagint, which is copied by St. Paul, Eph 4:26, translate this clause, οργιζεσθε καιμηαμαρτανετε; Be ye angry, and sin not. The Vulgate, Syriac, AEthiopic, and Arabic, give the same reading; and thus the original rigzu might be translated: If ye be angry, and if ye think ye have cause to be angry; do not let your disaffection carry you to acts of rebellion against both God and your king. Consider the subject deeply before you attempt to act. Do nothing rashly; do not justify one evil act by another: sleep on the business; converse with your own heart upon your bed; consult your pillow.

And be still.] vedommu, "and be dumb." Hold your peace; fear lest ye be found fighting against God. Selah. Mark this!

Verse 5. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness] Do not attempt to offer a sacrifice to God for prosperity in your present rebellious conduct. Such a sacrifice would be a sin. Turn to God from whom you have revolted; and offer to him a righteous sacrifice, such as the law prescribes, and such as he can receive. Let all hear and consider this saying. No sacrifice-no performance of religious duty, will avail any man, if his heart be not right with God. And let all know, that under the Gospel dispensation no sacrifice of any kind will be received but through the all-atoning sacrifice made by Christ.

Because of sin, justice has stopped every man's mouth; so that none can have access to God, but through the Mediator. By him only can the mouth of a sinner be opened to plead with God. Hear this, ye who trust in yourselves, and hope for heaven without either faith or dependence on the vicarious sacrifice of Christ.