Psalms 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.
2 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.
3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5 Offer 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.
7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
World Behind This Chapter
Explore the people, places, language, history, and material world connected to Psalms 4.
What do the musical directions actually establish?
The heading addresses a director and refers to stringed instruments. It preserves a performance association without supplying an original melody or a complete account of temple practice. Compare this information with the absence of a named event in the poem’s body.
When does the speaker turn from God to other people?
The opening addresses God, while the next lines challenge people over honor, empty pursuits and falsehood; subsequent lines include commands and another appeal. Trace pronouns and addresses before assuming every line is spoken to the same audience.
Why do translations differ between anger and trembling?
The command in verse 4 is rendered with anger, agitation or trembling in different translations. Compare the translator notes and the following commands about the heart, the bed and silence. Ephesians 4:26 later uses part of this verse; that reuse is a separate interpretive setting.
Research PathsCurated links for exploring this chapter 3
History & Daily Life1
- Music and Musical Instruments in the Hebrew Bible and Ancient Israel/PalestineBible and Interpretation
Substantive article on music in ancient Israel and the surrounding Near East, including ritual, celebration, instruments, and worship. Useful for Psalm 4’s heading “for the leader; with stringed instruments.”
Language & Literature2
- Psalm 4: translation and textual notesNET Bible
Read the translator notes alongside the poem; translation proposals are identified separately from the text.
- The priestly blessing in Numbers 6ESV / Crossway
Compare verses 24–26 with Psalm 4:6 and its language about the divine face.
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