Psalms 4
Big idea: An evening psalm, and a strangely calm one. It is addressed in three directions: up to God, sideways to the people slandering him, and inward at the end. The advice in verse 4 is the sort a person only gives if they have taken it — stand in awe and don't sin; search your own heart on your bed, and be still. And the closing joy is deliberately unimpressive: not victory, but more gladness than a harvest, and then sleep.
Psalm 4 ends lying down in safety. Psalm 5 is what the same man says the next morning.
4:1–8 — In peace I will lie down and sleep
An evening prayer that turns three times: up to God, sideways to the people slandering him, and finally inward. The counsel he gives at verse 4 is the sort nobody offers who has not taken it — be angry, be still, and do it on your bed rather than in public. And the joy at the end is deliberately unimpressive: not vindication, not rescue, but more gladness than a good harvest, followed by sleep. The last word is 'alone', and it is carrying the whole poem.
1 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. 2 You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor? Will you love vanity and seek after falsehood? Selah. 3 But know that Yahweh has set apart for himself him who is godly; Yahweh will hear when I call to him. 4 Stand in awe, and don’t sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah. 5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Put your trust in Yahweh. 6 Many say, “Who will show us any good?” Yahweh, let the light of your face shine on us. 7 You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and their new wine are increased. 8 In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you alone, Yahweh, make me live in safety.
Scripture text: World English Bible (public domain).