The phrase "Who will show us any good?" isn't just a casual question; it highlights how most people are distracted by fleeting worldly pleasures and external circumstances. David, in contrast, points to something deeper: the favor of God, described as "the light of your face," as the only true and lasting good that satisfies the heart.
There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!” You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In this psalm, David finds himself in a difficult situation, likely fleeing from enemies or facing severe hardship, as indicated by the opening plea for relief. He contrasts the world's fleeting pursuits of happiness with his own deep trust in God, lamenting those who seek worldly gain and superficial comforts. This verse captures the general cry of humanity searching for fulfillment in all the wrong places, while David pivots to a prayer that God's favor alone is the true source of joy.
What does the world offer you when you ask for 'good'? Does it satisfy your deepest longings?
The verse opens with a common, restless question: 'Who will show us good?' This isn't just about finding a good meal or a nice vacation; it's a cry for lasting fulfillment. But notice the 'many' who ask this. They represent a broad spectrum of humanity, both within and outside the people of God, who are looking for happiness in all the wrong places.
Think about it:
The scholars point out that the original Hebrew doesn't even include the word 'any.' The question is stark: 'Who will show us good?' This highlights the desperate, often misguided search for any form of satisfaction outside of God.
What if the greatest 'good' isn't something you can find, but something you receive?
In direct contrast to the world's frantic search, David offers a profoundly different desire: 'LORD, lift up the light of your face upon us!' This isn't just a casual request; it's the cry of a soul that knows where true happiness resides.
Ask a follow-up
What does 'the light of your face' mean?
The scholars remind us this echoes the Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24-26), where God's face shining upon His people was a promise of His grace and peace. David declares that experiencing this favor is the supreme good, more valuable than all the fleeting pleasures the world pursues.
Understand the original words
ṭôḇ · Hebrew Noun
In the Bible, "good" often refers to well-being, prosperity, moral excellence, or the ultimate blessing of God’s favor. It expresses the deep human longing for happiness and fulfillment, which the Psalmist acknowledges can only be truly satisfied by God.
pānîm · Hebrew Noun
The "face" of God represents His presence, favor, attention, and personal involvement in the lives of His people. To have God's face shine upon one is to experience His blessing, protection, and gracious approval.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel. It signifies His self-existence, His faithfulness to His promises, and His redemptive relationship with His people.
śiimḥâ · Hebrew Noun
Joy is an internal state of gladness and delight that transcends outward circumstances. Biblically, true joy is a fruit of the Spirit and a response to knowing God, His salvation, and His presence.
dāgān / tîrôš · Hebrew Noun
Grain and wine are the primary staples of the ancient Near Eastern diet and represent the material blessings and earthly prosperity that result from a bountiful harvest. They symbolize the worldly security and temporal satisfaction that the ungodly prioritize.
šālôm · Hebrew Noun
Shalom (peace) in the Bible is more than just the absence of conflict; it signifies wholeness, completeness, sound health, and well-being. It is the tranquility of soul that comes from being in a right relationship with God.
beṭaḥ · Hebrew Noun
Safety refers to being secure, confident, and free from danger. In a theological sense, it describes the firm reliance and trust a believer places in God as their ultimate protector and refuge.
This psalm arises from the profound crisis of David's life during Absalom's rebellion, highlighting his personal flight and the surrounding atmosphere of doubt versus his unwavering trust in God's favor above all worldly 'good'.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Reign and Absalom's Rebellion
King David faces internal strife and rebellion, particularly from his own son Absalom, forcing him to flee Jerusalem and endure a period of great personal distress and uncertainty.
c. 1000 BC
Absalom's Usurpation
Absalom successfully usurps the throne in Jerusalem, driving David and his loyal followers into exile and creating widespread division and turmoil within the kingdom.
c. 1000 BC
David's Flight from Jerusalem
David is forced to flee the capital, experiencing firsthand the pain of betrayal and the precariousness of his position, relying heavily on God's faithfulness.
c. 1000 BC
David's Prayer for God's Favor
In the midst of his troubles, David prays for God's divine favor and presence, contrasting his deep trust in God with the worldly desires and despair of many around him.
c. 970 BC
David's Return to Jerusalem
After Absalom's rebellion is put down, David is restored to his throne in Jerusalem, an event that would have brought immense relief and a renewed sense of God's favor.
This passage contains the Aaronic benediction, which is directly echoed in the psalmist's prayer for God to 'lift up the light of his countenance.' It highlights the ancient understanding of God's favor as a blessing.
Psalm 31:16This verse also speaks of God 'making his face shine' upon his servant, paralleling the plea in Psalm 4:6 for the tangible expression of God's favor and presence.
Matthew 6:24Jesus contrasts the pursuit of worldly riches ('treasure on earth') with serving God, reflecting the Psalmist's discernment between fleeting worldly 'good' and the enduring favor of God's countenance.
Romans 8:5-6Paul distinguishes between minds set on earthly things (seeking worldly 'good') and minds set on the Spirit, aligning with the Psalm's contrast between common human desires and the spiritual longing for God's presence.
1 John 1:5This verse states that 'God is light and in him is no darkness at all,' underscoring the spiritual nature of the 'light of God's countenance' that the Psalmist seeks, which is fundamentally different from worldly pleasures.
calvinPsalms 4:6-7: "There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us."
Many say, Who will show us good? [57] Lift thou up upon us the light of thy countenance, O Jehovah. 7. Thou hast given more joy to my heart than they have in the time when their corn and their wine are increased.
Many say. Some are of opinion that David here complains of the cruel malice of his enemies, because they greedily sought for his life. But David, I have no…
cambridgePsalms 4:6: "There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us."
6 . David knows well that there are plenty of discontented grumblers among his subjects, ready to follow anyone who makes them fair promises. His answer to them is a prayer for a blessing upon himself and his people ( us ), which recalls the great Aaronic benediction of Numbers 6:24-26 , fusing into one the two petitions, “The Lord make His face to shine upon thee,” “the Lor…
The phrase "Who will show us any good?" isn't just a casual question; it highlights how most people are distracted by fleeting worldly pleasures and external circumstances. David, in contrast, points to something deeper: the favor of God, described as "the light of your face," as the only true and lasting good that satisfies the heart.
In this psalm, David finds himself in a difficult situation, likely fleeing from enemies or facing severe hardship, as indicated by the opening plea for relief. He contrasts the world's fleeting pursuits of happiness with his own deep trust in God, lamenting those who seek worldly gain and superficial comforts. This verse captures the general cry of humanity searching for fulfillment in all the wrong places, while David pivots to a prayer that God's favor alone is the true source of joy.
In this psalm, David finds himself in a difficult situation, likely fleeing from enemies or facing severe hardship, as indicated by the opening plea for relief. He contrasts the world's fleeting pursuits of happiness with his own deep trust in God, lamenting those who seek worldly gain and superficial comforts. This verse captures the general cry of humanity searching for fulfillment in all the wrong places, while David pivots to a prayer that God's favor alone is the true source of joy.
"There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!” You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and slee…" — The phrase "Who will show us any good?" isn't just a casual question; it highlights how most people are distracted by fleeting worldly pleasures and external circumstances. David, in contrast, points…
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Last reviewed October 2026
