Psalms 4:1

Verse 1. Unto the end. Or as S. Jerom renders it, victory to him that overcometh; which some understand of the chief musician; to whom they suppose the psalms, which bear that title, were given to be sung. We rather understand the psalms thus inscribed to refer to Christ, who is the end of the law, and the great Conqueror of death and hell; and to the New Testament.—In verses, in carminibus. In the Hebrew it is neginoth, supposed by some to be a musical instrument, with which this psalm was to be sung.—For David, or to David, τω Δαυιδ, that is, inspired to David himself, or to be sung by him. Challoner.—Lamnetseach, from nitseach, “to push to an end,” may signify ( Bible.) to the end; and this sense is more noble than (Berthier) “To the precentor, or president.” Calmet.—Binginoth. Bible.—“Over the female musicians.” Calmet.—“To the chief of the singers on stringed instruments.” Duguet.—The psalms which have this title, related to future times, and to the Church of Christ; (Saint Augustine Worthington.) or were to be sung at the close of the Jewish festivals, and so forth Bert.—This is considered as a sequel to the preceding, to thank God for the late victory over Absalom. Calmet.