Psalms 4:8
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern life involved constant vulnerability to night attack. Enemies struck under cover of darkness; wild animals prowled; bandits raided sleeping encampments. City walls, guards, and vigilance were essential for security. Against this backdrop, David's confidence to sleep peacefully is remarkable. Whether hiding in wilderness caves fleeing Saul, or facing Absalom's rebellion from Jerusalem, or confronting other threats during his reign, David experienced many nights when danger loomed.
The contrast with sleepless, anxious nights appears elsewhere in Scripture. Psalm 6:6 describes sleepless weeping: "I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim." Psalm 77:4 laments, "Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak." Job experienced tortured nights: "When I lie down, I say, When shall I arise, and the night be gone? and I am full of tossings to and fro unto the dawning of the day" (Job 7:4). The ability to sleep peacefully despite danger testified to extraordinary faith.
Jesus demonstrated this confidence when sleeping in the storm-tossed boat while disciples panicked (Mark 4:38). His peace in the storm revealed perfect trust in the Father's protection. For Christians facing various dangers—persecution, illness, financial crisis, opposition, uncertainty—this verse offers Christ-modeled confidence: we can rest peacefully because our Father neither slumbers nor sleeps in watching over us. Paul and Silas sang hymns in prison at midnight after being beaten (Acts 16:25); Peter slept peacefully between guards the night before his planned execution (Acts 12:6). Such peace transcends circumstances, rooted in trust that God governs all things for His people's good and His glory.
Questions for Reflection
- What circumstances or worries currently prevent you from 'lying down in peace and sleeping' in confident trust?
- How does the truth that 'the LORD only' provides security challenge trust in other securities (wealth, relationships, plans, etc.)?
- What does it mean practically to let sleep become an 'act of faith' rather than an anxious struggle for rest?
- How did Jesus model this kind of peaceful trust in the Father's protection, and how can you follow His example?
- What spiritual disciplines help cultivate the kind of peace that allows sleep despite ongoing troubles?
Analysis & Commentary
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. This concluding verse expresses the psalm's resolution—from distress and opposition to peaceful rest through trust in God's protection. The emphatic construction "I will both... and" stresses the completeness of David's confidence: he will both lie down peacefully and actually sleep, not merely attempt rest while anxious thoughts prevent sleep.
"In peace" (beshalom, בְּשָׁלוֹם) uses shalom, that rich Hebrew word encompassing wholeness, completeness, security, prosperity, and harmony. This isn't merely absence of conflict but positive wellbeing—the peace that comes from resting in God's sovereignty regardless of circumstances. This peace exists not because threats have vanished (the psalm addresses ongoing opposition) but because God's protection surrounds His people. It's the peace Jesus would later promise: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).
"And sleep" (v'ishan, וְאִישָׁן) indicates actual rest, not merely lying awake worrying. In ancient contexts where enemy attack often came at night, ability to sleep demonstrated remarkable trust. David isn't maintaining anxious vigilance but resting confidently, knowing God neither slumbers nor sleeps in watching over Israel (Psalm 121:4). Sleep becomes an act of faith—releasing control, ceasing from self-protection, trusting God's watchful care. Proverbs 3:24 promises, "When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet."
"For thou, LORD, only" (ki-atah Yahweh levadad, כִּי־אַתָּה יְהוָה לְבָדָד) emphasizes exclusive trust in Yahweh alone. Levadad means "alone," "by yourself," "singly." No other god, no human ally, no military strength, no personal cunning—only God—provides true security. This echoes the Shema's call to exclusive devotion: "The LORD our God is one LORD" (Deuteronomy 6:4). All trust ultimately must rest on God alone, not on secondary means or partial securities.
"Makest me dwell in safety" (toshiveni lavetach, תּוֹשִׁיבֵנִי לָבֶטַח) uses yashav (to dwell, sit, abide) and betach (security, safety, confidence). God causes David to dwell securely, establishing and maintaining his safety. This isn't David securing himself through vigilance or preparation but receiving security as God's gift. The causative form emphasizes divine action—God makes His people dwell safely. Deuteronomy 33:28 promised, "Israel then shall dwell in safety alone." Jeremiah prophesied of messianic days when "Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely" (Jeremiah 23:6). Ultimate safety comes not from human effort but divine provision.