Big Idea: God does not do business without a contract (covenant), and its terms, sometimes severe, translate into mercy and blessing when we trust him.

Understanding the Text

We have already discussed the relationship of Psalms 3 and 4 (see “The Text in Context” in the unit on Ps. 3), which is not coincidental. In fact, readers of the Psalms have noted the appropriateness of Psalm 3 as a morning prayer (3:5) and Psalm 4 as an evening prayer (4:8), whether the editor of the collection intended that purpose or not.

As noted in our discussion of Psalm 3, the present collection is a Davidic assemblage of psalms. Beginning with Psalm 2, the editor of the collection brings together psalms that set the tone for Book 1, which is David’s conflict with his enemies and his trust in the Lord to del…