A Psalm for Sleep

Psalm 4 NKJV

To the Chief Musician. With Stringed Instruments. A Psalm of David. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. How long, O you sons of men, Will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness And seek falsehood? Selah But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The Lord will hear when I call to Him. Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the Lord. There are many who say, “Who will show us any good?” Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. You have put gladness in my heart, More than in the season that their grain and wine increased. I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

The New Bible Commentary Psalm 4. Praying, Knowing, Trusting, Resting

This is a night-time psalm (8), probably belonging to the time of David’s flight from Absalom (see Ps. 3), as he faces a second night sleeping rough and under threat. Like Ps. 3, this is a psalm of prayer and we note that to come into the place of prayer (1) is to find oneself in the place of peace (8)—even though the pressures remain the same ((2) those who denigrate; (6) those who despair). But the centrepiece of this psalm is not prayer but knowing (3) and trusting (4, 5). The former is what David imaginatively addresses to the denigrators in Absalom’s court, the latter, to the despondent in his own camp as they prepare for bed.

Be Worshipful Psalm 4

Psalm 3 is a morning psalm (v. 5) and Psalm 4 an evening psalm (v. 8). For the historical setting, review the introduction to Psalm 3. This is the first mention of “the chief musician,” who is included in the titles of fifty-three psalms. He was the “minister of worship” and custodian of the sacred psalms at the tabernacle and then the temple (1 Chron. 6:31–32; 15:16–22; 25:1, 7).

Be Worshipful Look to the Lord (v. 1)

Look to the Lord (v. 1)

Be Worshipful Confront the Enemy (vv. 2–3)

Confront the Enemy (vv. 2–3)

Be Worshipful Encourage Your Friends (vv. 4–5)

Encourage Your Friends (vv. 4–5)

Be Worshipful Praise the Lord (vv. 6–8)

Praise the Lord (vv. 6–8)