Job 4
Psalm 4 is traditionally known as a psalm of David, and it is composed of content in which, in times of suffering and anxiety, the psalmist prays to God and confesses trust. The whole psalm has eight verses, following a flow of prayer (verse 1), supplication and exhortation (verses 2–5), and assurance of peace (verses 6–8).
- Verse 1: A plea asking God to answer
- Verses 2–3: People’s futile pursuit and David’s confession of faith
- Verses 4–5: Exhortation to turn back to God and offer the right sacrifices
- Verses 6–8: Assurance of peace and rest, and of blessing
1verseThen Eliphaz the Temanite answered,
2verse“If someone ventures to talk with you, will you be grieved? But who can withhold himself from speaking?
3verseBehold, you have instructed many, you have strengthened the weak hands.
4verseYour words have supported him who was falling, you have made the feeble knees firm.
5verseBut now it has come to you, and you faint. It touches you, and you are troubled.
6verseIsn’t your piety your confidence? Isn’t the integrity of your ways your hope?
7verse“Remember, now, who ever perished, being innocent? Or where were the upright cut off?
8verseAccording to what I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble, reap the same.
9verseBy the breath of God they perish. By the blast of his anger are they consumed.
10verseThe roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, the teeth of the young lions, are broken.
11verseThe old lion perishes for lack of prey. The cubs of the lioness are scattered abroad.
12verse“Now a thing was secretly brought to me. My ear received a whisper of it.
13verseIn thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on men,
14versefear came on me, and trembling, which made all my bones shake.
15verseThen a spirit passed before my face. The hair of my flesh stood up.
16verseIt stood still, but I couldn’t discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes. Silence, then I heard a voice, saying,
17verse‘Shall mortal man be more just than God? Shall a man be more pure than his Maker?
18verseBehold, he puts no trust in his servants. He charges his angels with error.
19verseHow much more those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed before the moth!
20verseBetween morning and evening they are destroyed. They perish forever without any regarding it.
21verseIsn’t their tent cord plucked up within them? They die, and that without wisdom.’
Themes and Message of the Text
This psalm shows the example of a person of faith who prays to God amid the hardships and crises of life, trusting that God is the one who will defend him and show grace. It also exhorts people to turn away from worldly, empty pursuits and come to God with true righteousness.
In the final portion, it emphasizes the value of inner peace that God gives, regardless of external circumstances, making clear what kind of faith attitude it is that trusts in God’s help and protection.
Points to Ponder
- In difficult situations, how am I praying to God?
- Is what I rely on the things of this world, or God?
- Let’s reflect on whether we are experiencing the peace that comes from God.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- In every moment of hardship, open your heart to God, pray, and tell Him your situation honestly.
- Let’s check our priorities in life and the object we rely on.
- So that we can enjoy true peace within God, let’s make a decision to live daily lives of trust and gratitude.
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