 | ||
Psalm 4 is the 4th psalm from the Book of Psalms. Its authorship is traditionally assigned to king David. 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.
Contents
Judaism
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 (Chapters IX and X). In the monasteries that 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 semaine. the first, after the first two psalms.
Music
Michel Richard Delalande wrote a great motet for this psalm in 1692 for services celebrated in the royal chapel of Versailles, including Louis XIV. Henry Desmarest, contemporary of Michel Richard Delalande, also wrote a great motet on this Psalm.