Psalms 4:7

Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time [that] their corn and their wine increased.

Thou hast put {H5414} gladness {H8057} in my heart {H3820}, more than in the time {H6256} that their corn {H1715} and their wine {H8492} increased {H7231}.

You have filled my heart with more joy than all their grain and new wine.

You have filled my heart with more joy than when grain and new wine abound.

Thou hast put gladness in my heart, More thanthey havewhen their grain and their new wine are increased.

Commentary

Psalm 4:7 is a powerful declaration of where true and lasting joy is found. In this verse, King David contrasts the fleeting happiness derived from material prosperity with the profound and enduring gladness that God instills in the heart of His faithful.

Context

Psalm 4 is a prayer of David, likely written during a time of distress or opposition, as indicated by earlier verses where he pleads for God to hear him and laments those who turn his glory into shame (Psalm 4:1, Psalm 4:2). Despite external pressures and the pursuit of vanity by others, David expresses an unwavering trust in the Lord. This verse, therefore, highlights the psalmist's inner peace and spiritual satisfaction, which transcends worldly circumstances and the temporary joy found in increased wealth or possessions common in an agricultural society where "corn and wine" symbolized prosperity.

Key Themes

  • Divine Joy vs. Worldly Happiness: The central message is the superiority of God-given joy over any happiness derived from material gain. The increase of "corn and wine" represents abundant harvests and worldly success, which, while bringing temporary delight, cannot compare to the deep, inner gladness God provides.
  • Contentment in God: The verse speaks to a profound sense of contentment that comes from a relationship with God, rather than reliance on external circumstances or possessions. It teaches that true satisfaction is found not in what one has, but in who one knows – the Lord Himself.
  • Spiritual Riches: David emphasizes that spiritual blessings are far more valuable and fulfilling than any earthly wealth. This divine gladness is a gift from God, a testament to His presence and favor in the believer's life.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "gladness" here is simchah (Χ©Χ‚Φ΄ΧžΦ°Χ—ΦΈΧ”), which denotes joy, mirth, or celebration. It's a robust term often associated with feasts, festivals, and the joy of the Lord. The phrase "corn and wine" (Hebrew: dagan and tirosh) refers to grain and new wine, which were staple crops and primary indicators of agricultural prosperity and blessing in ancient Israel. The psalmist's declaration underscores that the spiritual simchah from God is qualitatively and quantitatively greater than the joy from even the most abundant physical blessings.

Practical Application

In a world that often equates happiness with wealth, success, or material acquisitions, Psalm 4:7 serves as a timeless reminder of where true fulfillment lies. It challenges us to examine the sources of our own joy. Do we seek satisfaction primarily in career advancements, financial gains, or possessions, which are ultimately fleeting? Or do we cultivate a relationship with God, allowing His presence to put a deep, abiding gladness in our hearts?

This verse encourages us to shift our focus from external accumulation to internal transformation, trusting that the joy the Lord provides is more enduring and satisfying than any earthly prosperity. It echoes the sentiment to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, knowing that true contentment comes from Him. This joy of the Lord is our strength, sustaining us through all seasons of life, far surpassing the temporary excitement of increased "corn and wine."

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 9:3

    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.

  • Psalms 63:2

    To see thy power and thy glory, so [as] I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

  • Psalms 63:5

    My soul shall be satisfied as [with] marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise [thee] with joyful lips:

  • Psalms 37:4

    Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

  • Psalms 43:4

    Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.

  • Psalms 92:4

    For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.

  • Song Of Solomon 1:4

    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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