Bible Glide

Psalms 4

Psalms 4 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalm 4 is a short evening prayer from David. It brings together distress, opposition, repentance, and trust. The psalm moves from crying out to God for help to resting in the assurance that the Lord hears, gives joy, and provides safety.

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What happens in Psalms 4?

David asks God to answer him and remembers past relief in trouble. He speaks against those who spread lies and chase emptiness, while affirming that the Lord sets apart the godly and hears their prayers. The psalm calls for careful self-examination, restraint in anger, and trust offered to God. David then contrasts the fear of others with a deeper joy that comes from God's favor. The chapter ends with confidence and rest: he can lie down in peace because the Lord keeps him safe.

Psalm 4 is linked to David and is intended for worship with stringed instruments. It follows Psalm 3 and continues the pattern of prayer in the middle of pressure. In the flow of the Psalms, it gives a personal model for speaking to God honestly, trusting his attention, and finding calm before sleep.

Themes to notice

  • Prayer in distressDavid brings his need directly to God and appeals to his past help.
  • Trust over falsehoodThe psalm contrasts the path of lies and empty pursuits with life shaped by the Lord.
  • Peace and safetyTrue rest comes from God's presence, joy, and protection.

Questions for Psalms 4

  • What does David ask God for at the beginning of the psalm, and what does that show about prayer?
  • How does Psalm 4 describe the right way to respond to anger and conflict?
  • What gives David peace as he lies down to sleep?

Read the full text of Psalms 4 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 4

Answer Me When I Call!

For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

1Answer me when I call,

O God of my righteousness!

You have relieved my distress;

show me grace and hear my prayer.

2How long, O men, will my honor be maligned?

How long will you love vanity and seek after lies?

Selah

3Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for Himself;

the LORD hears when I call to Him.

4Be angry, yet do not sin;

on your bed, search your heart and be still.

Selah

5Offer the sacrifices of the righteous

and trust in the LORD.

6Many ask, “Who can show us the good?”

Shine the light of Your face upon us, O LORD.

7You have filled my heart with more joy

than when grain and new wine abound.

8I will lie down and sleep in peace,

for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

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