Old Testament

Psalm 4
Psalm 4
My Righteous God, Give Me Relief
For the choir director. With stringed instruments. A psalm by David.
A Prayer to God
1My righteous God, answer me when I call.
When I was under pressure, you gave me relief.
Be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
A Rebuke to Enemies
2You people, how long will you turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love empty delusions?
How long will you pursue lies? Interlude
3Know this: The Lord has set apart
his favored one[] for himself.
The Lord will hear when I call to him.
Advice to David's Friends
4You may be upset, but do not sin.
When you are on your beds,
speak to your heart, but remain silent. Interlude
5Offer righteous sacrifices,
and trust in the Lord.
6Many are saying, “Who can show us any good?”
Shine the light of your face on us, O Lord.
Closing Prayer
7You have placed joy in my heart greater than the joy
when grain and new wine are plentiful.
8In complete peace I will lie down, and I will sleep,
for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Footnotes

  • 4:3 The Hebrew word hasid refers to someone who receives and/or gives mercy. It is the most common title for a believer in the Psalms. Many translations use generic terms like devout, godly, or faithful. This translation uses favored when hasid refers primarily to a recipient of mercy and merciful when it refers primarily to a dispenser of mercy.