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Psalm 4

Psalm 4 (World English Bible)

For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm by David.

1 Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness.
Give me relief from my distress.
Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

2 You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor?
Will you love vanity, and seek after falsehood? Selah.

3 But know that Yahweh has set apart for himself him who is godly;
Yahweh will hear when I call to him.

4 Stand in awe, and don’t sin.
Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.

5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness.
Put your trust in Yahweh.

6 Many say, “Who will show us any good?”
Yahweh, let the light of your face shine on us.

7 You have put gladness in my heart,
more than when their grain and their new wine are increased.

8 In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep,
for you, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety.

Background and Related Details for Psalm 4
Authorship and Context
  • Psalm 4 is attributed to King David, often seen as a heartfelt evening prayer or lament.
  • It is a Psalm of trust, where David seeks relief from distress and expresses confidence in God’s provision and peace.
  • The mention of stringed instruments suggests that this psalm was part of worship, likely sung during temple ceremonies or private devotions.
Historical Setting
  • Some scholars suggest it may have been written during a time of great personal or national trial, possibly during Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15–18) when David faced both political unrest and betrayal. Others view it as a general psalm applicable to anyone in distress.
Themes
  1. Distress and Deliverance: David begins with a plea for God’s help, acknowledging that God alone is his source of righteousness and peace.
  2. Contrasting the Faithful and the Worldly: David rebukes those who chase after vain and false things instead of trusting Yahweh.
  3. Peace and Joy in God: Despite external troubles, David finds joy and safety in God, highlighting the deep, internal peace that comes from faith.
Related Insights
  • The reference to “vanity” and “falsehood” (v. 2) may address idolatry, slander, or misplaced priorities that people pursue instead of seeking God.
  • Verse 7 contrasts worldly prosperity (grain and wine) with the lasting joy that only God can provide.
  • Psalm 4 is often paired with Psalm 3 as a morning and evening prayer, emphasizing the rhythm of trusting God throughout the day.
Key Message

Psalm 4 reminds believers to trust God amidst distress, rejecting the fleeting comforts of the world. It calls us to reflect on our hearts, live righteously, and find true peace in God’s presence.

Prayer Inspired by Psalm 4

Heavenly Father,
You are the God of my righteousness, my comforter in distress. I come before You with a heart that longs for Your mercy and guidance. When the world tempts me with vanity and falsehood, draw me back to You, the source of truth and joy. Teach me to trust You in every circumstance, to offer sacrifices of righteousness, and to rest in Your unshakable peace. Lord, let the light of Your face shine upon me, filling my heart with gladness that surpasses any earthly gain. Tonight and always, I lay down in Your safety, for You alone are my refuge. Amen.

Five Questions to Test Your Understanding of Psalm 4
  1. What is David asking for in verse 1, and how does he address God?
  2. What does David criticize the “sons of men” for in verse 2, and what does this reveal about their behavior?
  3. What does verse 4 mean when it says, “Search your own heart on your bed, and be still”? How is this advice practical?
  4. How does David contrast worldly prosperity with godly joy in verse 7?
  5. What assurance does David express in verse 8, and how might this reflect his faith in God’s provision?
Is Psalm 4 Referenced in the New Testament?

Psalm 4 is not directly quoted in the New Testament, but its themes resonate deeply with New Testament teachings:

  1. Righteousness through faith: Verse 1’s reference to God as the “God of my righteousness” aligns with Paul’s writings about righteousness being a gift from God (Romans 3:22).
  2. Peace and trust in God: Verse 8’s assurance of peace mirrors Jesus’ promise of peace in John 14:27, where He says, “My peace I give to you.”
  3. Avoiding sin: Verse 4’s call to “stand in awe and don’t sin” echoes Ephesians 4:26, which encourages believers not to sin in their anger.

Though not directly cited, Psalm 4’s trust in God, call to righteousness, and emphasis on peace align closely with New Testament theology.

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