What is the meaning of Psalm 4:8?

I will lie down

“I will lie down” shows a deliberate, personal decision to end the day in faith rather than in fret. David is surrounded by tension (Psalm 4:1, 2), yet he chooses rest.

• The action is intentional—he is not forced into it, he embraces it.

• Psalm 3:5 echoes the same settled resolve: “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me”.

• The step from standing in struggle to lying down in trust illustrates 1 Peter 5:7, casting all anxiety on the Lord because He cares.

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and sleep in peace

Sleep follows surrender. “Sleep in peace” is literal, not metaphorical. David expects actual, undisturbed slumber.

• Proverbs 3:24 promises, “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet”.

• Isaiah 26:3 ties peace to a steadfast mind fixed on God.

• Philippians 4:6-7 applies the same truth: prayer replaces worry, and “the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.

• Peaceful rest is God’s gracious gift, even when circumstances remain unchanged (Psalm 127:2).

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for You alone, O LORD

The reason for calm is exclusive: “You alone.” No secondary safety nets.

• Psalm 62:1-2: “In God alone my soul finds rest… He alone is my rock and my salvation”.

• Jeremiah 17:7-8 contrasts the cursed reliance on flesh with the blessed man who trusts the LORD.

• Even faithful friends or strong armies cannot guarantee security (Psalm 33:16-17); only the LORD can.

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make me dwell in safety

The closing phrase grounds David’s confidence in God’s active protection.

• “Safety” includes body and soul (Psalm 91:1-2).

• Proverbs 18:10: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe”.

• 2 Thessalonians 3:3 assures believers today, “The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one”.

• Proverbs 1:33 captures the promise: “Whoever listens to Me will dwell in safety, secure from the fear of evil”.

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summary

Psalm 4:8 paints a nightly routine of faithful rest: choose to lie down, expect real peace, rely on God alone, and enjoy His safeguarding presence. The verse invites every believer to end each day with the same quiet confidence, knowing the Lord still keeps watch.