Thou hast multiplied the nation, [and] not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, [and] as [men] rejoice when they divide the spoil.
Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.
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Commentary for Psalms 4:7
Psalm 4:7 is a verse from a psalm traditionally attributed to David, who was a king of ancient Israel and is also considered a psalmist in the Hebrew Bible. This particular verse is part of a larger psalm that expresses a contrast between the security and joy that come from trusting in God and the fleeting satisfaction derived from material wealth or agricultural abundance.
In the historical context, the reference to "corn and their wine" would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society like that of ancient Israel. The harvest of corn (grain) and the production of wine were vital to the economic and physical well-being of the people. A bountiful harvest would typically bring joy and contentment, as it ensured sustenance and prosperity for the community.
However, the psalmist declares that the joy received from God surpasses the happiness that comes from material prosperity. The verse speaks to the theme of spiritual joy being superior to temporal pleasures. It suggests that the gladness God provides is not only greater than what can be derived from worldly success but also more enduring. This reflects a core theme in the Psalms and the broader wisdom literature of the Bible: the importance of seeking a relationship with God above all else, as it leads to a deeper and more lasting fulfillment than any earthly gain.
In summary, Psalm 4:7 emphasizes the profound inner joy that comes from a relationship with the divine, which is described as more satisfying than the transient pleasure derived from material wealth, symbolized by a good harvest. This verse invites reflection on the source of true happiness and the enduring nature of spiritual contentment over worldly success.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
Strong's Number: H5414 There are 1816 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: נָתַן Transliteration: nâthan Pronunciation: naw-than' Description: a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.); add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield.
Strong's Number: H8057 There are 89 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: שִׂמְחָה Transliteration: simchâh Pronunciation: sim-khaw' Description: from שָׂמֵחַ; blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival); [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing).
Strong's Number: H3820 There are 550 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: לֵב Transliteration: lêb Pronunciation: labe Description: a form of לֵבָב; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything; [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom.
Strong's Number: H6256 There are 258 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: עֵת Transliteration: ʻêth Pronunciation: ayth Description: from עַד; time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc.; [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when.
Strong's Number: H1715 There are 40 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: דָּגָן Transliteration: dâgân Pronunciation: daw-gawn' Description: from דָּגָה; properly, increase, i.e. grain; corn (floor), wheat.
Strong's Number: H8492 There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: תִּירוֹשׁ Transliteration: tîyrôwsh Pronunciation: tee-roshe' Description: or תִּירֹשׁ; from יָרַשׁ in the sense of expulsion; must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine; (new, sweet) wine.
Strong's Number: H7231 There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: רָבַב Transliteration: râbab Pronunciation: raw-bab' Description: a primitive root; (compare רָבִיב); also as denominative from רְבָבָה; properly, to cast together , i.e. increase, especially in number; to multiply by the myriad; increase, be many(-ifold), be more, multiply, ten thousands.