When Saul persecuted him, he called upon God, trusting most assuredly in his promise, and therefore boldly reproveth his enemies, who willfully resisted his dominion, 7 and finally preferreth the favor of God before all worldly treasures.

[a]To him that excelleth on Neginoth. A Psalm of David.

Hear me when I call, [b]O God of my righteousness: thou hast set me at liberty, when I was in [c]distress: have mercy upon me, and hearken unto my prayer.

O ye [d]sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame, [e]loving vanity, and seeking lies? Selah.

For be ye sure that the Lord hath chosen to himself [f]a godly man, the Lord will hear when I call unto him.

[g]Tremble and sin not: examine your own heart upon your bed, and be [h]still. Selah.

[i]Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the Lord.

Many say, Who will show us any [j]good? but Lord, lift up the light of thy countenance upon us.

Thou hast given me more joy of heart, than they have had, when their wheat and their wine did abound.

I will lay me down, and also sleep in peace: for thou, [k]Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 4:1 Among them that were appointed to sing the Psalms, and to play on the instruments, one was appointed chief to set the tune, and to begin: who had the charge, because he was most excellent, and he began this Psalm on the instrument calleth Neginoth, or in a tune so called.
  2. Psalm 4:1 Thou that art the defender of my just cause.
  3. Psalm 4:1 Both of mind and body.
  4. Psalm 4:2 Ye that think yourselves noble in this world.
  5. Psalm 4:2 Though your enterprises please your never so much, yet God will bring them to nought.
  6. Psalm 4:3 A king that walketh in his vocation.
  7. Psalm 4:4 For fear of God’s judgment.
  8. Psalm 4:4 Cease your rage.
  9. Psalm 4:5 Serve God purely, and not with outward ceremonies.
  10. Psalm 4:6 The multitude seek worldly wealth, but David setteth his felicity in God’s favor.
  11. Psalm 4:8 This word in Hebrew may be referred to God, as it is here translated, or to David, signifying that he should dwell as joyful alone, as if he had many about him, because the Lord is with him.

For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm by David.

Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness.
    Give me relief from my distress.
    Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor?
    Will you love vanity and seek after falsehood? Selah.
But know that Yahweh has set apart for himself him who is godly;
    Yahweh will hear when I call to him.
Stand in awe, and don’t sin.
    Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness.
    Put your trust in Yahweh.
Many say, “Who will show us any good?”
    Yahweh, let the light of your face shine on us.
You have put gladness in my heart,
    more than when their grain and their new wine are increased.
In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep,
    for you alone, Yahweh, make me live in safety.

Psalm 4

A Night Prayer

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

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 ones,[b] 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[c] and do not sin;(F)
reflect in your heart while on your bed and be silent.(G) Selah
Offer sacrifices in righteousness[d](H)
and trust in the Lord.(I)

Many are asking, “Who can show us anything good?”
Let the light of your face shine on us, 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. 4:1 Or God of my righteousness
  2. 4:2 Lit long, sons of a man
  3. 4:4 Or Tremble
  4. 4:5 Or Offer right sacrifices