Psalm 4

Title: For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

Psalm 4 BSB

1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved my distress; show me grace and hear my prayer. 2 How long, O men, will my honor be maligned? How long will you love vanity and seek after lies ? Selah 3 Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for Himself; the LORD hears when I call to Him. 4 Be angry, yet do not sin; on your bed, search your heart and be still. Selah 5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the LORD. 6 Many ask, “Who can show us the good?” Shine the light of Your face upon us, O LORD. 7 You have filled my heart with more joy than when grain and new wine abound. 8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

General observations:

Title: For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

Written by David (no other circumstances given)

A song to be sung with instrumental accompaniment

“Selah” in v. 2 & 4

Connections with previous Psalms

“Foes” in Psalm 3:1 related to “Distress” in Psalm 4:1.

“Many are saying” in 3:2 and 4:6

“Call” and “Answer” in 3:4 and 4:1

“Lie down and sleep” 3:5 and 4:8

Vanity / vain in 4:2 and 2:1

Likely a link between the “godly” [loving-kind] man set apart for Yahweh in 4:3 and the King set up by Yahweh in 2:6-9. The word translated “godly” is chasid, related to chesed, usually translated as “loving devotion” in BSB, “lovingkindness” or “loyal love” in other translations. It is singular, referring to one man (David & by extension Jesus), the same one who is the chosen King in Psalm 2.

The admonition to proper attitudes and behavior in 4:4-5 closely resembles the admonition given in Psalm 2:10-12.

The joy that comes from trusting God (4:7-8) reflects the blessedness of Psalm 1:1 and 2:12.

What does this Psalm say about God (His character, works, & promises)?

The LORD hears prayers (v. 3)

He is worthy of our trust (v. 5, 8)

He is the source of good and blessing (v. 6-7)

What does it say about people (identity & actions)?

People love vanity and seek after lies (v. 2)

What emotions or feelings are expressed?

Anger (v. 4)

Joy (v. 7)

Peace (v. 8)

Is there a Theme or Key Verse that stands out to you?

v. 3 - Yahweh has set apart the “godly” one for Himself; serves as a turning point in the Psalm. Enemies may oppose, but God has made His will known and He will accomplish His purpose.

What comparisons or contrasts do you notice?

v. 7: The joy God gives is greater than the happiness that comes from an abundance of material blessings

What other observations do you have?

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Christ Connections

v. 3: Jesus is the ultimate one set apart for God’s will and purposes

v. 6: The light of God’s face shines brightly for us in Jesus Christ (2 Cor 4:4-6)

v. 8: Reminds me of Jesus sleeping on the boat during the storm (Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35–41; Luke 8:22–25)

Applications: In what ways do I need to change based on the truth God reveals here?

(Desires / Feelings, Thinking, Speaking, or Acting)

I must trust God regardless of my circumstances or what others around me are doing.

I must remember that the greatest joy is in a close relationship with God, not in material blessings.

What prayers can we make based on this Psalm?

Confession - I confess that I do not always pray and trust You as I ought to. Please forgive me for my self-confidence and lack of faith.

Praise - I praise You, God for Your power and Your faithfulness to Your promises.

Thanks - Thank You, Lord, for your care and protection; and thank You for the joy of knowing You and being close to You.

Petition - Please help me to trust You more and to seek my joy in You rather than in my circumstances.