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Psalms Chapter 4 (JPS)

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1 For the Leader; with string-music. A Psalm of David.

2 Answer me when I call, O G-d of my righteousness, Thou who didst set me free when I was in distress; be gracious unto me, and hear my prayer.

3 O ye sons of men, how long shall my glory be put to shame, in that ye love vanity, and seek after falsehood? Selah

4 But know that HaShem hath set apart the godly man as His own; HaShem will hear when I call unto Him.

5 Tremble, and sin not; commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah

6 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in HaShem.

7 Many there are that say: 'Oh that we could see some good!' HaShem, lift Thou up the light of Thy countenance upon us.

8 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than when their corn and their wine increase.

9 In peace will I both lay me down and sleep; for Thou, HaShem, makest me dwell alone in safety.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the psalmist ask for in Psalms 4?

He asks God to hear his prayer and have mercy, recalling that God has helped him in distress before (v.1), while rebuking others for turning his glory into shame and loving vanity (v.2).

What does Psalms 4:4 advise about anger?

It says, 'Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still' (v.4), counseling quiet self-examination rather than acting out in anger.

What does Psalms 4:8 say about sleeping in peace?

The psalm closes with, 'I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety' (v.8), a trust in God's protection similar to Proverbs 3:24.

Today's Verse

But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.

1-kings 12:17 | ASV

Verse Of The Day

David contrasts the fleeting joy of a good harvest with the deeper gladness God has placed in his heart, then closes by lying down to sleep in safety because the LORD alone secures him, a calm echoed in Psalms 5 and Proverbs 3:24.