Every verse here opens — tap a number for what that one means.
1LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
2Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
5I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
6I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
7Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
Commentary
Psalm 3, explained
What Psalm 3 is saying
Psalm 3 is an individual lament attributed to David during Absalom's rebellion, featuring the classic lament structure of complaint, confession of trust, and petition. The threefold 'many' (rabbim) in the opening verses emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the threat. The psalmist's declaration that God is a 'shield around me' (magen ba'adi) employs military metaphor for divine protection.
The background behind it
The superscription connects this psalm to David's flight from Absalom (2 Samuel 15–17), making it the first psalm with a historical attribution. Whether composed during the event or later assigned this context, the connection provides a narrative lens for reading.
Themes running underneath
The psalm moves from crisis to confidence through prayer, with the striking image of sleeping peacefully amid danger (v. 5) serving as the ultimate expression of trust. The 'Selah' markers may indicate liturgical pauses for reflection or musical interludes.
Why it still matters
The capacity to sleep amid crisis is presented not as denial but as deep trust. This psalm models how bringing overwhelming circumstances to God in prayer can produce genuine rest, even when nothing external has changed.
Scripture text: King James Version — public domain.