Psalms 4:8

8 In peace will I both lay me down and sleep; For thou, Jehovah, alone makest me dwell in safety.

Psalms 4:8 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 4:8

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep
Signifying, that he had such a calmness and serenity of mind, amidst all his troubles, that he could not only lay himself down in great peace, and much composure of mind, but sleep also, and that as soon as laid down almost; some lay themselves down, but cannot sleep, through the anxiety of their minds; but the psalmist could do both: or the word rendered "both" may he translated "together" ^F21; and the sense be either that he would lie down and sleep together with his friends, committing himself and them to the care and protection of God; or that he should lie down and sleep together with his enemies; meaning that he was assured that there would quickly be a reconciliation and peace between them; see ( Proverbs 16:7 ) ;

for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety;
suggesting that his protection and safety were owing to the power and presence of God only; and that was the reason of the tranquillity of his mind, and why he slept so quietly in the night watches, though in such danger from his enemies; or "thou, Lord, makest me only" or "alone" ^F23, being solitary and destitute of friends, to dwell in safety; finder the shadow of thy wings, encompassed by thy favour, and surrounded by thy power; see ( Deuteronomy 33:28 ) .

---

FOOTNOTES:

F21 (wdxy) "simul", Musculus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Gejerus, Cocceius.
F23 (ddbl) "me solum", Cocceius; "me seorsim", Gejerus.

Psalms 4:8 In-Context

6 Many there are that say, Who will show us [any] good? Jehovah, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, More than [they have] when their grain and their new wine are increased.

8 In peace will I both lay me down and sleep; For thou, Jehovah, alone makest me dwell in safety.