The Godly One’s Chief Good

David commited this psalm to the chief musician or precentor, and it was to be accompanied by a stringed instrument. So the psalm was not for private worship, but for public use. As in Psalm 3, which may have been the same episode in his life, David’s spirit is calmed, and he could lay down and pillow his head in peace and feel secure. He exhorts us to “Put your trust in the Lord,” and that is the source of Christian tranquillity, and peace that passeth all knowledge.

Psalm 4

   1  Give ear unto me when I call,
         God of my righteousness:
      Have mercy, hear my pray'r; thou hast
         enlarged me in distress.

   2  O ye the sons of men! how long
         will ye love vanities?
      How long my glory turn to shame,
         and will ye follow lies?

   3  But know, that for himself the Lord
         the godly man doth choose:
      The Lord, when I on him do call,
         to hear will not refuse.

   4  Fear, and sin not; talk with your heart
         on bed, and silent be.
   5  Off 'rings present of righteousness,
         and in the Lord trust ye.

   6  O who will show us any good?
         is that which many say:
      But of thy countenance the light,
         Lord, lift on us alway.

   7  Upon my heart, bestowed by thee,
         more gladness I have found
      Than they, ev'n then, when corn and wine
         did most with them abound.

   8  I will both lay me down in peace,
         and quiet sleep will take;
      Because thou only me to dwell
         in safety, Lord, dost make.