Psalm 4:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Many inquire, "Who will reveal to us good things? Show us the light of Your countenance, O Lord." After providing guidance on righteousness, leading towards a deeper understanding of God, and employing every effort to awaken the souls of those who have wandered from the path, particularly by demonstrating God's care for us through His own sufferings and the attention given to the saints, the prophet addresses objections raised by those with weaker dispositions. He remarks: "Many say, 'Who will show us good things?'" This query does not come from the few who possess wisdom and courage, but rather from a chaotic and uninformed multitude.

Inner Joy Those burdened with sorrow, who embrace corruption and pursue falsehood, should not look for joy beyond themselves. Instead, true joy is to be found within, where the radiance of the divine presence dwells. For Christ resides within each individual, as affirmed by the apostles, and to Him belongs the insight to perceive the truth. Yet, those who pursue temporal gains, of whom there are certainly many, are often left to lament, “Who will show us good?” They are blind to the goodness that resides within them, the very truth that they cannot perceive.

Many ask, "Who will reveal to us what is good?" Such words are uttered by those who ignore the commandments of God. The brightness of Your countenance shines upon us, O Lord. Christ is the light of the world; He has instructed us to discern genuine goodness, through which we receive joy for our minds and hearts.

Many inquire, "Who will reveal to us good things?" This refers to those whom He deems unyielding, as they react with bitterness to the difficulties they face and fail to trust in God's divine plan, even going so far as to assert, "The light of Your presence is upon us, O Lord." "You have filled my heart with joy." Despite their reasoning and proclamations, we, having been enriched by the wisdom of Your divine guidance and illuminated by the brilliance of Your light, find ample comfort amid the afflictions that come our way, placing our hope in You. See vv. 8.

Many inquire, “Who will reveal to us what is good?” In light of the guidance given earlier in Psalms 4:5, the prophet addresses potential skepticism from individuals lacking in faith. He observes that some, when facing hardships, succumb to feelings of hopelessness and may doubt that the Lord is present for those who seek Him, exclaiming, “Who will assist us?” They conclude, almost to themselves, that the answer is “no one.” This reflects deep despair. Alternatively, this could also pertain to those who are solely focused on worldly desires, believing that their happiness lies in indulgence and physical pleasures. In this sense, the question “Who will show us good things?” captures the soul's yearning for earthly delights.

How long, O children of mankind, will you pursue emptiness? How long will you pay attention to the false promises of joy offered by this sinful world? – Until you listen to the voices of the ancient prophets. ‘The spirit is deceitful in their mouths’ (2 Samuel 22:22) until your endless cravings meander aimlessly, asking: ‘who will show us good things’ (Psalm 4:7). To you is granted the gift of faith, a divine faith that can end human suffering; you alone reveal the ‘good things’; you alone can invoke blessings from heaven, and they are bestowed upon us. ‘God will be ... with thee at all times, and thou shalt be filled as thy soul desires.’

This Good has been shown to us Christians, and we await no other to show it to us than the Lord Jesus, the true Witness of all this Good and its Possessor. The compassionate Lord showed it to us, and before His coming to earth, it was shown through His chosen prophets. The Prophet David said to God: The light of Your countenance is signed upon us.

Some interpret the inquiry Who shall show us good? as a reference to not just anyone, but specifically to one individual, the only begotten Son of God. Those who grasp the term Who in this context see it as designating a unique figure, the possessor of specific attributes, singular in essence. They also refer to the testimony involving the phrase “some τις a man of high character” (Luke 19:12), which adds to the meaning of who τίς as being indicative of a particular person.

In this context, the Prophet presents a thought-provoking inquiry aimed at those consumed by worldly desires, suggesting: “When we preach the importance of disregarding fleeting pleasures and encourage the pursuit of moral excellence and justice, many respond, ‘How will we come to know what is good? What truth do you present to us, and who can guide us towards it, given that no one has returned from the realm of the dead, nor has anyone ascended from heaven? Initially, let us see tangible blessings on earth, and we will consider the heavenly rewards later, once we leave this life.

The countenance of God the Father, who is Christ the Lord, represents the radiance of Christ. His sacred Cross brought illumination to the world through Holy Baptism, calling all the faithful to be genuine Christians in both spirit and flesh.