Psalms 4

Psalms 4

Psalm 4

1When I call out, answer me,

O God who vindicates me!

Though I am hemmed in, you will lead me into a wide, open place.

Have mercy on me and respond to my prayer!

2You men, how long will you try to turn my honor into shame?[#tn Heb “sons of man.”; #tn Heb “how long my honor to shame?”]

How long will you love what is worthless

and search for what is deceptive? (Selah)

3Realize that the Lord shows the godly special favor;[#tn Heb “and know that.”; #tn Heb “that the Lord sets apart a faithful one for himself.” The psalmist states a general principle, though the singular form and the parallel line indicate he has himself in mind as the representative godly person. A חָסִיד (khasid; here translated as “the godly”) is one who does what is right in God’s eyes and remains faithful to God (see Pss 12:1; 18:25; 31:23; 37:28; 86:2; 97:10).]

the Lord responds when I cry out to him.

4Tremble with fear and do not sin![#sn The psalmist warns his enemies that they need to tremble with fear before God and repudiate their sinful ways.]

Meditate as you lie in bed, and repent of your ways! (Selah)

5Offer the prescribed sacrifices[#tn Or “proper, right.” The phrase also occurs in Deut 33:19 and Ps 51:19.]

and trust in the Lord !

6Many say, “Who can show us anything good?”

Smile upon us, Lord !

7You make me happier[#tn Heb “you place joy in my heart.” Another option is to understand the perfect verbal form as indicating certitude, “you will make me happier.”]

than those who have abundant grain and wine.

8I will lie down and sleep peacefully,[#tn Heb “in peace at the same time I will lie down and sleep.”]

for you, Lord , make me safe and secure.

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