Psalm 4


Psalm 4 is the 4th psalm from the Book of Psalms. Its authorship is traditionally assigned to king David, but his authorship is not accepted by modern scholars. The psalm's Latin title is Cum invocarem.
The psalm's text is a reflection of David speaking to all sinners while addressing himself to Absalom. The message in the psalm is that the victories of sinners are only temporary and meaningless, and that only repentance can bring true happiness. It is a request to God for deliverance from past distresses.

Context

This is the first psalm with a musical instrument, strings, mentioned in the title. There also was a 'selah' ending the previous psalm, Psalm 3. There is, however, no agreement what 'selah' meant. Popular modern views might include a pause, a reflection or a lifting. Poetically, if selah is a connection, it is as if David recited his Psalm 3, then paused and began to sing, continuing with his harp. The themes will be false and true worship, but also false and true satisfaction. 'They long for prosperity', David sings, but David has it and is more satisfied 'than when their grain and new wine abound'.
Many see a chiastic structure in the layout of this psalm.

Uses

Judaism

In the Church of England's Book of Common Prayer, Psalm 4 is appointed to be read on the morning of the first day of the month.

Catholic

About 530 AD Benedict of Nursia chose this Psalm for the beginning of the office of matins, namely as the first psalm in the Benedictine liturgy. In the monasteries which preserve the Benedictine tradition, it is currently the Psalm used on the first Sunday for office vigiles.
Given the current Liturgy of the Hours, 3 Psalm is sung or recited during the Office of Readings Sunday of the week, the first, after the first two psalms.

Music

wrote a great motet for this psalm in 1692 for services celebrated in the royal chapel of Versailles, including Louis XIV. Henry Desmarest, a contemporary of Delalande, also wrote a great motet on this psalm.