Radak, on Ps 4:2

“When I called upon him, the God of my justice heard me: when I was in distress, thou hast enlarged me. Have mercy on me: and hear my prayer.”

“Answer me when I call, O God (Judge) of my righteousness: – It is certain that this Psalm likewise was uttered (by David) in his flight before Absalom; and he says, Answer me when I call, O God (Judge) of my righteousness, for Thou knowest that with me is the right, and with him who is against me the wrong and the violence; and Thou, Lord, art Judge over us. For in every instance where אלהים (‘Elohim) occurs it has the meaning “judge,” as we have interpreted the verse “Verily there is a God (Judge) that judges in the earth” (Ps. 58:12). And men who are judges are so called: “The cause of both parties shall come before the ’Elohim (judges)” (Exod. 22:8); “Then his master shall bring him unto ’Elohim (the judges)” (ibid. 21:6). Thou hast set me at large when I was in distress: Thou hast set me at large for “Thou shalt set me at large,” as we have explained that in the prophetical writings a past tense is used in place of a future, for the thing is as if it had already happened. So the Holy Spirit was making a revelation upon his tongue, and he says Thou hast set me at large. Be gracious unto me and hear my prayer.”

Hebrew and Aramaic words are the commentator’s citations of the sacred text; the English translation that follows each is the translator’s.

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.