Psalms 4

King James Version

Full text for Psalms Chapter 4

1¶ To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me [when I was] in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

2O ye sons of men, how long [will ye turn] my glory into shame? [how long] will ye love vanity, [and] seek after leasing? Selah.

3But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

4Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

5Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

6¶ [There be] many that say, Who will shew us [any] good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

7Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time [that] their corn and their wine increased.

8I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Psalm 4 is a prayer of David seeking God's help and addressing those who oppose him. He asserts God's favor upon the godly and exhorts others to repent and trust in the Lord. David concludes by expressing profound peace and security found in God's presence, surpassing worldly prosperity.

Medium Summary

Psalm 4 opens with David's plea to God, his source of righteousness, recalling past deliverance from distress and seeking present mercy and a hearing. He then confronts "sons of men" who seek to dishonor him, questioning their pursuit of vanity and falsehood. David confidently declares that the Lord has chosen the godly for Himself and will answer his prayers. He admonishes his adversaries to revere God, refrain from sin, and engage in quiet introspection. The psalmist further instructs them to offer righteous sacrifices and place their trust solely in the Lord. Contrasting with those who seek worldly good, David prays for the light of God's countenance. He testifies that the gladness God provides exceeds the joy of abundant harvests. Finally, David expresses his ability to rest in peace and sleep soundly, knowing that the Lord alone grants him safety and security.

Long Summary

Psalm 4, a Psalm of David addressed to the chief Musician, begins with a fervent appeal to God, whom David identifies as the source of his righteousness. He recounts how God previously enlarged him in distress and now seeks divine mercy and a hearing for his prayer. David then directly addresses "sons of men," questioning their persistent efforts to turn his glory into shame and their inclination towards vanity and deceit. He pauses with "Selah," emphasizing the gravity of his words. The psalmist confidently asserts a fundamental truth: the LORD has specifically set apart the godly for Himself, and therefore, the LORD will assuredly hear David's call. He then offers a direct exhortation to his detractors, urging them to "stand in awe, and sin not," and to engage in quiet self-reflection upon their beds, maintaining stillness. Another "Selah" marks this significant counsel. David further instructs them to offer "sacrifices of righteousness" and to place their complete trust in the LORD. He acknowledges the common sentiment among many who question where good can be found, but David's personal prayer is for the LORD to "lift up the light of thy countenance upon us." He then testifies to a profound inner experience, stating that God has instilled a gladness in his heart that far surpasses the joy derived from increased material wealth, such as corn and wine. The psalm culminates in David's declaration of profound peace and security. He affirms his ability to lay down in peace and sleep soundly, attributing this tranquility solely to the LORD, who makes him dwell in safety.

Core Concepts

  • Divine RighteousnessDavid appeals to God as "God of my righteousness," indicating a reliance on God's just character and His ability to vindicate and deliver him.
  • Vanity and DeceitThe psalmist confronts those who "love vanity" and "seek after leasing," highlighting the futility and falsehood of worldly pursuits contrasted with divine truth.
  • God's Chosen PeopleThe concept that "the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself" emphasizes God's special relationship and attentiveness to those who follow Him.
  • Repentance and IntrospectionThe exhortation to "stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still" calls for a turning from sin through quiet self-examination and reverence for God.
  • Trust and Righteous SacrificeDavid instructs to "offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD," linking right conduct and faith as essential elements of worship.
  • Inner Gladness vs. Worldly ProsperityThe psalm contrasts the deep "gladness" God provides in the heart with the temporary joy derived from material increase like "corn and their wine," prioritizing spiritual contentment.
  • Peace and Security in GodThe concluding verse emphasizes that true "peace" and "safety" in sleep are solely granted by the LORD, demonstrating ultimate reliance on divine protection.