求助的晚祷

大卫的诗,交给乐长,弦乐器伴奏。

称我为义人的上帝啊!
我呼求的时候,求你回答。
你曾救我脱离困境,
现在求你怜悯我,
垂听我的祷告。
世人啊!你们把我的荣耀变为羞辱要到何时呢?
你们追求虚谎之事要到何时呢?(细拉)
要知道,耶和华已经把敬虔人分别出来,使之圣洁,归祂自己。
祂必垂听我的祈求。
不要因生气而犯罪;
躺在床上的时候要默然思想。(细拉)
要献上当献的祭物,
信靠耶和华。
许多人说:“谁会善待我们呢?”
耶和华啊,
求你的圣容光照我们。
你使我比那收获五谷新酒的人更喜乐。
只有你耶和华使我安然居住,
我必高枕无忧。

O God, you have declared me perfect in your eyes;[a] you have always cared for me in my distress; now hear me as I call again. Have mercy on me. Hear my prayer.

The Lord God asks, “Sons of men, will you forever turn my glory into shame by worshiping these silly idols, when every claim that’s made for them is false?”

Mark this well: The Lord has set apart the redeemed for himself. Therefore he will listen to me and answer when I call to him. Stand before the Lord in awe,[b] and do not sin against him. Lie quietly upon your bed in silent meditation. Put your trust in the Lord, and offer him pleasing sacrifices.

Many say that God will never help us. Prove them wrong,[c] O Lord, by letting the light of your face shine down upon us. Yes, the gladness you have given me is far greater than their joys at harvest time as they gaze at their bountiful crops. I will lie down in peace and sleep, for though I am alone, O Lord, you will keep me safe.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 4:1 O God, you have declared me perfect in your eyes, literally, “God of my righteousness.”
  2. Psalm 4:4 Stand before the Lord in awe, literally, “Be angry.”
  3. Psalm 4:6 Prove them wrong, implied.

Psalm 4

A Night Prayer

For the choir director: with stringed instruments.(A) A Davidic psalm.

Answer me when I call,
God, who vindicates me.[a](B)
You freed me from affliction;(C)
be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

How long, exalted men, will my honor be insulted?(D)
How long will you love what is worthless(E)
and pursue a lie?Selah
Know that the Lord has set apart
the faithful for Himself;
the Lord will hear when I call to Him.
Be angry[b] and do not sin;(F)
on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still.(G)Selah
Offer sacrifices in righteousness[c](H)
and trust in the Lord.(I)

Many are saying, “Who can show us anything good?”
Look on us with favor, Lord.(J)

You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and new wine abound.(K)
I will both lie down and sleep in peace,(L)
for You alone, Lord, make me live in safety.(M)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 4:1 Or God of my righteousness
  2. Psalm 4:4 Or Tremble
  3. Psalm 4:5 Or Offer right sacrifices; lit Sacrifice sacrifices of righteousness

Psalm 4[a]

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

Answer me(A) when I call to you,
    my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;(B)
    have mercy(C) on me and hear my prayer.(D)

How long will you people turn my glory(E) into shame?(F)
    How long will you love delusions and seek false gods[b]?[c](G)
Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant(H) for himself;
    the Lord hears(I) when I call to him.

Tremble and[d] do not sin;(J)
    when you are on your beds,(K)
    search your hearts and be silent.
Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
    and trust in the Lord.(L)

Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
    Let the light of your face shine on us.(M)
Fill my heart(N) with joy(O)
    when their grain and new wine(P) abound.

In peace(Q) I will lie down and sleep,(R)
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety.(S)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 4:1 In Hebrew texts 4:1-8 is numbered 4:2-9.
  2. Psalm 4:2 Or seek lies
  3. Psalm 4:2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 4.
  4. Psalm 4:4 Or In your anger (see Septuagint)