시편 Chapter 4

Translation: ESV

1

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

Key Message

Prayer is offered on the basis of God's past faithfulness, and God gives spaciousness in the midst of suffering.

▸'God of my righteousness' (Elohei tsidqi) means the God who vindicates my cause — the God who declares my innocence.

'God of my righteousness' (Elohei tsidqi) means the God who vindicates my cause — the God who declares my innocence. 'You have given me relief in distress' (batssar hirehavta) means being moved from a narrow place to a broad place, and the past experience of deliverance becomes the basis for present prayer. This verse shows that the foundation of prayer rests on God's past faithfulness.

Related Verses

Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free.
2

O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah

Key Message

Pursuing what is empty and false in the world ultimately means losing the true honor God has given.

▸This is a direct admonition David addresses to adversaries or worldly people.

3

But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.

Key Message

God personally chooses the godly, and the assurance that he will surely hear their prayers is the foundation of faith.

▸The 'godly' (hasid) means one who is faithful to God's covenant, one who receives God's love (hesed).

4

Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah

Key Message

Acknowledge emotion but do not let it lead to sin; the quiet reflection of the night prevents impulsive action.

▸Paul directly quotes this verse in Ephesians 4:26.

5

Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD.

Key Message

True worship is the union of external ritual and inner trust — its essence is trusting in God.

▸'Right sacrifices' (zivhei tsedeq) means sacrifices accompanied by inner truthfulness rather than mere external ritual.

6

There are many who say, "Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!"

Key Message

The believer's true pursuit is not outward blessing but God's face — his presence and grace.

▸While many people seek practical good — material prosperity and security — David seeks 'the light of your face.

7

You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.

Key Message

The inner joy God gives is greater and deeper than any material abundance the world can offer.

▸This is the confession that the inner joy God gives is greater than the world's material abundance.

8

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Key Message

Lying down in peace is not from changing circumstances but from the gift of trusting only in God.

▸This final verse makes Psalm 4 an evening prayer psalm.