Psalms – Chapter 4

Old Testament • 10 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 4 of Psalms begins: "Unto the end, in verses. A psalm for David." David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 10 verses, two threads run through the text: justice and care for the poor and worship and praise. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Unto the end, in verses. A psalm for David.

2When I called upon him, the God of my justice heard me: when I was in distress, thou hast enlarged me. Have mercy on me: and hear my prayer.

3O ye sons of men, how long will you be dull of heart? why do you love vanity, and seek after lying?

4Know ye also that the Lord hath made his holy one wonderful: the Lord will hear me when I shall cry unto him.

5Be ye angry, and sin not: the things you say in your hearts, be sorry for them upon your beds.

6Offer up the sacrifice of justice, and trust in the Lord: many say, Who sheweth us good things?

7The light of thy countenance, O Lord, is signed upon us: thou hast given gladness in my heart.

8By the fruit of their corn, their wine, and oil, they are multiplied:

9In peace in the self same I will sleep, and I will rest:

10For thou, O Lord, singularly hast settled me in hope.

Important Verses in Psalms 4

“When I called upon him, the God of my justice heard me: when I was in distress, thou hast enlarged me. Have mercy on me: and hear my prayer.”

Psalms 4:2

“The light of thy countenance, O Lord, is signed upon us: thou hast given gladness in my heart.”

Psalms 4:7

“For thou, O Lord, singularly hast settled me in hope. ”

Psalms 4:10

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Psalms was written with god's people at prayer in every age in view. Chapter 4 of 150 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 10 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on David, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The chapter begins: "Unto the end, in verses. A psalm for David." The final verse reads: "For thou, O Lord, singularly hast settled me in hope. " The wider setting of Psalms is this: The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the psalmist voices praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition before God. A pivotal line is verse 2: "When I called upon him, the God of my justice heard me: when I was in distress, thou hast enlarged me. Have mercy on me: and hear my prayer." The passage repeatedly touches on justice and care for the poor.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 618). Here, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize justice and care for the poor as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

The early section of Psalms—Chapter 4 of 150—opens a particular moment in the story of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

According to Catholic teaching, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). This chapter especially highlights sacrificial love modeled on Christ, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 1095).

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 1431) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 4 about?

Psalms 4 contains 10 verses. It opens with "Unto the end, in verses. A psalm for David." and closes with "For thou, O Lord, singularly hast settled me in hope. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 4?

One of the most significant verses is verse 2: "When I called upon him, the God of my justice heard me: when I was in distress, thou hast enlarged me. Have mercy on me: and hear my prayer." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 4?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

2 Chronicles 7Shares people and themes with this chapterRevelation 5Shares people and themes with this chapter2 Samuel 6Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer for the Poor🙏Prayer for the World🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises

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