Psalm-4
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Tanakh versions:
Throughout this site I may use any of the following three versions of the TaNaKh: 1. “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS-1917), 2. Mechon-Mamre.org” (MEC), and 3. “Sefaria.org” (SEF).
Colour coded details of the - TaNaKh:
1. Torah = History & Law, 2. Nevi’im = The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all
other Writings.
*The Ketuvim - Includes, Poetical books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job,
the Megillot, or Scrolls - Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of
Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, prophecy of Daniel, and
history of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles I & II.
Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of Thy Law!
Tehillim - Psalm 119:18..
(JPS-1917
version of the Tanakh).
Please
Note: Some
alterations or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’
of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, having been corrected like it once was pre the “Masoretic Text”.
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Remember the following truth
from our beloved Torah!
“Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD
which I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE
DIMINISH FROM IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem,
which I command you”. Davarim -
Deuteronomy 4:2.
However, sadly both the later priests as well as our rabbis of long ago have shamefully disobeyed this command of אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim, בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם קָדוֹשׁוֹ - ‘Baruch Shem Kadosho’ – ‘Blessed be His Holy Name!’
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With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
Introduction:
Tehillim - Psalm 4 is a powerful evening plea, often paired with the preceding Psalm 3. While Psalm 3 was a morning prayer for protection from physical enemies, Psalm 4 is a nocturnal meditation focused on the internal and spiritual struggle. It addresses the “sons of men” who pursue ‘vanity’ and ‘falsehood’, contrasting their temporary material joy with the deep, spiritual “gladness of heart” granted by יְהוָה - the LORD. It is a psalm of absolute trust, moving from a cry for help to a state of perfect peace that allows for restful sleep.
Let us now
read Tehillim - Psalms
Chapter 4: (JPS-1917 version of the Tanakh).
1. For the Leader; with string-music. A Psalm of David.
2. Answer me when I call, O אֱלֹהִים - Elohim (God) of my righteousness, Thou who didst set me free when I was in distress; be gracious unto me, and hear my prayer.
3. O ye sons of men, how long shall my glory be put to shame, in that ye love vanity, and seek after falsehood? Selah.
4. But know that יְהוָה - the LORD hath set apart the godly man as His own; יְהוָה - the LORD will hear when I call unto Him.
5. Tremble, and sin not; commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
6. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in יְהוָה - the LORD.
7. Many there are that say: ‘Oh that we could see some good!’ יְהוָה - LORD, lift Thou up the light of Thy countenance upon us.
8. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than when their corn and their wine increase.
9. In peace will I both lay
me down and sleep; for Thou, יְהוָה - LORD, makest me dwell alone in safety.
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Let us now look at the ‘verse by verse’ section with explanations:
Verse 1: “For the Leader; with string-music. A Psalm of David”.
Explanation: The “Leader” (or Lamnatzeach) indicates this was intended for the Chief Musician of the Sanctuary. The mention of “string-music” (Neginot) suggests a contemplative, melodic accompaniment. This is David’s personal song, yet it is dedicated to the public service of Elohim.
Verse 2: “Answer me when I call, O אֱלֹהִים - Elohim of my righteousness, Thou who didst set me free when I was in distress; be gracious unto me, and hear my prayer”.
Explanation: David appeals to אֱלֹהִים - Elohim not based on his own merit, but as the “אֱלֹהִים - Elohim of my righteousness”, the source of his vindication. He recalls past deliverances (“set me free”) as the foundation for his current request. He asks for Chen (grace), acknowledging that prayer is heard through Divine favour.
Verse 3: “O ye sons of men, how long shall my glory be put to shame, in that ye love vanity, and seek after falsehood? Selah”.
Explanation: David addresses those who mock his position or his faith. He identifies their error: they “love vanity” (empty things) and “seek after falsehood”. He pauses with Selah, inviting the reader to reflect on the futility of chasing worldly status over eternal truth.
Verse 4: “But know that יְהוָה - the LORD hath set apart the godly man as His own; the LORD will hear when I call unto Him”.
Explanation: This is the core of David’s confidence. He declares that יְהוָה - the LORD has distinguished the Chasid (godly man). The relationship is personal; because the godly man has set himself apart for יְהוָה - the LORD, יְהוָה - the LORD sets him apart for protection.
Verse 5: “Tremble, and sin not; commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah”.
Explanation: A directive for internal reflection. Instead of acting out in anger or sin, one should "tremble" (in awe or fear of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim) and use the silence of the night, upon one’s bed to search the heart. True repentance and clarity come in the “stillness”.
Verse 6: “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in יְהוָה - the LORD”.
Explanation: Ritual sacrifice without right action is hollow. David calls for “sacrifices of righteousness”, actions that align with the Torah’s moral requirements, followed by total reliance (Bitachon) on יְהוָה - the LORD rather than on human schemes.
Verse 7: “Many there are that say: ‘Oh that we could see some good!’ יְהוָה - LORD, lift Thou up the light of Thy countenance upon us”.
Explanation: This captures the common human complaint of despair during hard times. While the “many” seek visible, material signs of “good”, David asks for something higher: the “light of Thy countenance” (Divine favour), echoing the Priestly Blessing.
Verse 8: “Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than when their corn and their wine increase”.
Explanation: David contrasts spiritual joy with material prosperity. The harvest of “corn and wine” brings temporary happiness to others, but the presence of יְהוָה - the LORD provides a superior, internal “gladness” that is not dependent on physical abundance.
Verse 9: “In peace will I both lay me down and sleep; for Thou, יְהוָה - LORD, makest me dwell alone in safety”.
Explanation: Because of his trust, David can sleep soundly even in isolation or danger. He does not need an army; יְהוָה - the LORD’s presence creates a “dwelling of safety”. The “peace” (Shalom) mentioned here is the result of the “righteousness” mentioned earlier.
In Completion:
Psalm 4 serves as a timeless reminder that true security does not come from the approval of men or the abundance of the harvest, but from the quiet confidence of a heart aligned with יְהוָה - the LORD. It teaches us that the end of a day should be a time for “communing with the heart” and laying down our anxieties. By seeking the “light of His countenance” above all else, we find a peace that allows us to sleep in safety, knowing that the “אֱלֹהִים - Elohim of our righteousness” is our ultimate guardian!
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This site was originally created, for those who desired to return to our blessed and wonderful faith. Thus be wise and work on your faith and pray at least two or three times a day (if possible) and always seek our beloved אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance, for His love is always with us, especially when we seek Him, blessed be He! However this site has become very much a teaching site with hundreds of studies!
Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be
He, said the following via several of our prophets...
“Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה- the LORD
of hosts”. Mal’a’chi - Malachi 3:7. (JPS).
And Remember ...
Enjoy your Sabbath Rest, Shabbat Shalom!
אֲנִי
יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, בְּחֻקּוֹתַי
לֵכוּ; וְאֶת-מִשְׁפָּטַי
שִׁמְרוּ, וַעֲשׂוּ
אוֹתָם
וְאֶת-שַׁבְּתוֹתַי, קַדֵּשׁוּ; וְהָיוּ
לְאוֹת, בֵּינִי
וּבֵינֵיכֶם-לָדַעַת, כִּי
אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם
“I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה - the LORD your Eloheichem;
walk in My statutes, and keep Mine ordinances,
and do them; and hallow My Sabbaths, and they shall be a sign between Me and
you, that ye may know that I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה
- the LORD your Eloheichem”. Yechezkel - Ezekiel 20:19-20. (JPS).
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follows;
“The More Torah, the More Life”
For אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim, Blessed be His Sanctified Name,
He
is the one who gave us our Life!”
May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה= the LORD of hosts. be with you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Tefeelah’s (Prayers) and regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah’s (blessings) before food and drinks, etc!
שָׁלוֹם
עֲלֵיכֶם - Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with you!
Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
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