Studying Psalm 4

Step ONE - Observation

How many groups of people is David speaking to? (list the verses.)

What was he asking or telling them to do?

In the last part of the Psalm, (vs7-8) David declares certain promises from God. What are they?


Step TWO - Interpretation

Background:

This psalm is closely related to Psalm 3 in content and timing. David was confident of God’s blessing and protection. This is a psalm of trust to God who give him peace and safety – even in his sleep. Psalm 4 is also known as an “evening psalm”.


Q: What is the theme of the psalm?
A: Our security and happiness lies in our relationship with God who bless the righteous. As His righteous ones, we can rejoice in God’s protection and peace. We can place our confidence in Him because He will listen when we call on Him on the basis of our relationship with Him.


Q: What is the key verse?
A: v.8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.


Q: Was David already in safety when he wrote the psalm?
A: No.


Q: Was he eventually delivered?
A: Yes. He slept.


Q: What helped him to persevere to the end?
A: Having a relationship with God and experience His protection and peace even when there is danger everywhere!


Step THREE - Application

Subject:
How to be able to sleep in peace in times of trouble?

Complement:

1) Call unto the Lord! (v.1)
• The Lord hears when we call and we can trust Him to bring relief for us.

2) Cast your burdens unto God! (v.8)
• Have a habit of clearing your mind of fears, anxieties and troubles before you sleep. Replace them with meditations and prayer upon God’s faithfulness and protection. Then you can sleep in peace, knowing that you dwell in His safety.

Source
• The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Old Testament; Cook)
• Psalms Classic Library Edition by Marilyn Hickey