Psalms 4 Footnotes

Ps 4 The superscription indicates that this piece was given to “the choir director” for use in the temple by the choirs, accompanied by instruments. The ascription “a psalm of David” used here, and with many other psalms, is literally “for David” or “to David.” The term may refer to authorship, but can also refer to usage; that is, the “Davidic” psalms are for the use of the Judean kings in the Davidic dynasty (or, actually, the Levitical singers performing in his name). The psalms as a whole are generalized; the situations they describe could apply to David himself, to succeeding rulers, or to any worshiper and servant of the Lord. Thus they have application, supremely, to the Servant Messiah, Jesus Christ.