Psalms 4

In peace I lie down and sleep

nswer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.a ²How long will you people ruin my reputation? How long will you make groundless accusations? How long will you continue your lies? Interludeb ³You can be sure of this: The Lord set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call to him.c

⁴Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interluded ⁵Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the Lord.e ⁶Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let your face smile on us, Lord.f

⁷You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.g ⁸In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.h

Commentary

Psalm 4 is an evening prayer of trust, attributed to David, written in a moment of personal distress and public opposition. The psalmist cries out to God for relief from those who turn his glory into shame and chase after illusions. Yet the dominant note is not anxiety but a quiet,

Read full commentary

Bible Dictionary· Psalms 4(5)

Face Grain Right Spirit Wine

References· Psalms 4

a: v.1 — 2 Corinthians 1:10, Exodus 34:6-7, Psalms 40:1-3, Psalms 18:18-19, Psalms 119:132, Psalms 25:16, 2 Corinthians 5:20-21, Psalms 17:6, Jeremiah 23:6, Habakkuk 3:19
b: v.2 — Proverbs 1:22, Hosea 4:7, Psalms 3:3, Psalms 106:20, Jeremiah 2:11, Psalms 5:6, 1 Samuel 12:21, Ephesians 4:25, Ecclesiastes 8:11, Psalms 58:3
c: v.3 — John 15:16, Psalms 34:15, Psalms 91:14-15, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14, 2 Timothy 2:19, 2 Peter 2:9, Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 2:9, Exodus 33:16, Psalms 6:8
d: v.4 — Be angry and do not sin: Ephesians 4:26; Ephesians 4:26, Psalms 77:6, Psalms 63:6, Proverbs 3:7, Psalms 46:10, 2 Corinthians 13:5, Psalms 33:8, Job 28:28, Proverbs 16:6, Habakkuk 2:20
e: v.5 — Hebrews 13:15-16, Psalms 37:3, Psalms 51:19, Deuteronomy 33:19, Psalms 62:8, 1 Peter 4:19, Matthew 5:23, Isaiah 1:11-18, Psalms 50:14, Malachi 1:8
f: v.6 — Psalms 80:19, Numbers 6:26, Psalms 80:7, Psalms 119:135, Psalms 89:15, Psalms 67:1, Psalms 49:16-20, Luke 16:19, Psalms 21:6, Psalms 80:1-3
g: v.7 — Isaiah 9:3, Psalms 63:2-5, Psalms 37:4, Psalms 43:4, Acts 14:17, Psalms 92:4, Jeremiah 48:33, Song of Solomon 1:4, Judges 9:27, 1 Peter 1:8
h: v.8 — Proverbs 3:24, Psalms 3:5, Job 11:18-19, Psalms 16:8-9, 1 Thessalonians 5:10, Deuteronomy 12:10, Leviticus 25:18-19, Hosea 2:18, Leviticus 26:5, Revelation 14:13

Midvash cross references + OpenBible.info data (CC BY 4.0).

Copied!

Guided study

Study this chapter

A guided session — observe, interpret, apply — that ends in your own note.