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.
O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him.
Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.
There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.
Psalms 4, much like Psalms 3, is believed to have been written during a turbulent period in David's life, specifically when his son Absalom led a rebellion against him (2 Samuel 15—18). Fleeing Jerusalem and facing immense betrayal, David turns to God in prayer, revealing a deep trust that transcends his difficult circumstances. This psalm, intended for the choirmaster, offers profound insights into handling adversity with faith, finding joy in God's presence, and experiencing His peace even in the darkest of times. The reference to the "choirmaster" in the psalm's introduction highlights its intended use in worship, reminding us that even our struggles can be brought before God in song and prayer.
A Plea for Grace and a Rebuke (Psalms 4:1-2)
David begins with an earnest cry to God: "Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!" (Psalms 4:1). This isn't a demand, but a heartfelt appeal to the One who has consistently vindicated him. He acknowledges God as his source of righteousness and the One who has delivered him from past afflictions. David is confident that God will meet him in his present trials. He asks for grace, for God to hear his prayer, and to provide what he needs.
He then turns his attention to those who oppose him, "O sons of men, how long will you love vain words and seek after lies?" (Psalms 4:2). David rebukes those who have been swayed by Absalom's deception (2 Samuel 15:6), warning them against pursuing what is worthless and untrue. Tony Evans notes that this verse is a call to "fear God," to take Him seriously and not be led astray by falsehoods.
Knowing God's Favor (Psalms 4:3-5)
Even while facing opposition, David expresses unwavering confidence in God's favor: "But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him" (Psalms 4:3). This is both a reassurance to David and a warning to his enemies. David knows that God watches over His faithful servant and will hear his cries for help.
Turning to his own followers, David offers crucial guidance: "Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent" (Psalms 4:4). The Hebrew word translated as "angry" can also mean "trembling," "shaking," or "agitation." David warns against allowing strong emotions to lead to sin. Even in dire circumstances (Psalms 3:1), believers should not let their feelings override their faith. Paul echoes this sentiment in Ephesians 4:26, emphasizing the importance of managing anger righteously. David's immediate meaning involves more than uncontrolled rage. It's important to honor God in humility and faith, rather than letting anger—even righteous anger—lead a person into sin.
He concludes this section with a call to righteous action: "Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord" (Psalms 4:5). This emphasizes the importance of approaching God with a right heart, offering sacrifices of obedience and placing complete reliance on Him.
The Source of True Joy (Psalms 4:6-8)
David then addresses the discouraged around him, those who ask, "Who will show us some good?" (Psalms 4:6). He reminds them that true blessing comes from God alone. "Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!" (Psalms 4:6). David knows that the Lord can revive their countenance, illuminate them, and show them favor despite their adversity.
David celebrates the joy that God has placed in his heart: "You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound" (Psalms 4:7). This joy surpasses even the abundance experienced during the harvest festival. It's a joy that transcends circumstances, rooted in the knowledge of God's presence and provision. Joy is not always the same as happiness, nor does it always come from happy circumstances (James 1:2–4; Luke 6:22–23). Rather, it's an underlying sense of trust and reassurance, knowing that God is ultimately in control.
The psalm concludes with a declaration of peace and security: "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety" (Psalms 4:8). Even amidst turmoil, David finds rest in God's protection. Tony Evans points out that in times of trial, God often gives proof of His presence, allowing believers to experience "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). This peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalms 4 is a powerful reminder that God provides confidence and encouragement in our suffering. We, in turn, are able to share that confidence and encouragement with others. Like David, we can find solace and strength in prayer, trusting in God's faithfulness and experiencing His peace that surpasses all understanding.
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.
O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him.
Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.
There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.
Psalms 4, much like Psalms 3, is believed to have been written during a turbulent period in David's life, specifically when his son Absalom led a rebellion against him (2 Samuel 15—18). Fleeing Jerusalem and facing immense betrayal, David turns to God in prayer, revealing a deep trust that transcends his difficult circumstances. This psalm, intended for the choirmaster, offers profound insights into handling adversity with faith, finding joy in God's presence, and experiencing His peace even in the darkest of times. The reference to the "choirmaster" in the psalm's introduction highlights its intended use in worship, reminding us that even our struggles can be brought before God in song and prayer.
A Plea for Grace and a Rebuke (Psalms 4:1-2)
David begins with an earnest cry to God: "Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!" (Psalms 4:1). This isn't a demand, but a heartfelt appeal to the One who has consistently vindicated him. He acknowledges God as his source of righteousness and the One who has delivered him from past afflictions. David is confident that God will meet him in his present trials. He asks for grace, for God to hear his prayer, and to provide what he needs.
He then turns his attention to those who oppose him, "O sons of men, how long will you love vain words and seek after lies?" (Psalms 4:2). David rebukes those who have been swayed by Absalom's deception (2 Samuel 15:6), warning them against pursuing what is worthless and untrue. Tony Evans notes that this verse is a call to "fear God," to take Him seriously and not be led astray by falsehoods.
Knowing God's Favor (Psalms 4:3-5)
Even while facing opposition, David expresses unwavering confidence in God's favor: "But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him" (Psalms 4:3). This is both a reassurance to David and a warning to his enemies. David knows that God watches over His faithful servant and will hear his cries for help.
Turning to his own followers, David offers crucial guidance: "Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent" (Psalms 4:4). The Hebrew word translated as "angry" can also mean "trembling," "shaking," or "agitation." David warns against allowing strong emotions to lead to sin. Even in dire circumstances (Psalms 3:1), believers should not let their feelings override their faith. Paul echoes this sentiment in Ephesians 4:26, emphasizing the importance of managing anger righteously. David's immediate meaning involves more than uncontrolled rage. It's important to honor God in humility and faith, rather than letting anger—even righteous anger—lead a person into sin.
He concludes this section with a call to righteous action: "Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord" (Psalms 4:5). This emphasizes the importance of approaching God with a right heart, offering sacrifices of obedience and placing complete reliance on Him.
The Source of True Joy (Psalms 4:6-8)
David then addresses the discouraged around him, those who ask, "Who will show us some good?" (Psalms 4:6). He reminds them that true blessing comes from God alone. "Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!" (Psalms 4:6). David knows that the Lord can revive their countenance, illuminate them, and show them favor despite their adversity.
David celebrates the joy that God has placed in his heart: "You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound" (Psalms 4:7). This joy surpasses even the abundance experienced during the harvest festival. It's a joy that transcends circumstances, rooted in the knowledge of God's presence and provision. Joy is not always the same as happiness, nor does it always come from happy circumstances (James 1:2–4; Luke 6:22–23). Rather, it's an underlying sense of trust and reassurance, knowing that God is ultimately in control.
The psalm concludes with a declaration of peace and security: "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety" (Psalms 4:8). Even amidst turmoil, David finds rest in God's protection. Tony Evans points out that in times of trial, God often gives proof of His presence, allowing believers to experience "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). This peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalms 4 is a powerful reminder that God provides confidence and encouragement in our suffering. We, in turn, are able to share that confidence and encouragement with others. Like David, we can find solace and strength in prayer, trusting in God's faithfulness and experiencing His peace that surpasses all understanding.