otcanon
Psalms 4
David addresses Jehovah directly as the God of his righteousness — the One who has already expanded his capacity in prior distress — and calls on Him to hear again. He turns to rebuke the sons of men for exchanging his God-given honor for vanity and falsehood, then anchors the rebuttal on a covenant fact: Jehovah has set apart the godly one for Himself and will answer that one's call. The counsel that follows — to tremble, examine the heart in silence, and offer sacrifices of righteousness — frames covenant fidelity as the only ground on which genuine peace rests. The psalm closes with gladness and safety that outrun any harvest abundance, sourced entirely in Jehovah's watchful presence.
1
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
2
O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
3
But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
4
Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
6
There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
7
Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
8
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
