Psalm 3

Confidence in Troubled Times

A psalm of David when he fled from his son Absalom.(A)

Lord, how my foes increase!
There are many who attack me.(B)
Many say about me,
“There is no help for him in God.”(C)Selah

But You, Lord, are a shield around me,(D)
my glory,(E) and the One who lifts up my head.(F)
I cry aloud to the Lord,
and He answers me from His holy mountain.(G)Selah

I lie down and sleep;
I wake again because the Lord sustains me.(H)
I am not afraid of the thousands of people
who have taken their stand against me on every side.(I)

Rise up, Lord!(J)
Save me, my God!
You strike all my enemies on the cheek;(K)
You break the teeth of the wicked.(L)
Salvation belongs to the Lord;(M)
may Your blessing be on Your people.(N)Selah

Psalm 4

A Night Prayer

For the choir director: with stringed instruments.(O) A Davidic psalm.

Answer me when I call,
God, who vindicates me.[a](P)
You freed me from affliction;(Q)
be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

How long, exalted men, will my honor be insulted?(R)
How long will you love what is worthless(S)
and pursue a lie?Selah
Know that the Lord has set apart
the faithful for Himself;
the Lord will hear when I call to Him.
Be angry[b] and do not sin;(T)
on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still.(U)Selah
Offer sacrifices in righteousness[c](V)
and trust in the Lord.(W)

Many are saying, “Who can show us anything good?”
Look on us with favor, Lord.(X)

You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and new wine abound.(Y)
I will both lie down and sleep in peace,(Z)
for You alone, Lord, make me live in safety.(AA)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 4:1 Or God of my righteousness
  2. Psalm 4:4 Or Tremble
  3. Psalm 4:5 Or Offer right sacrifices; lit Sacrifice sacrifices of righteousness

Psalm 3[a]

A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.(A)

Lord, how many are my foes!
    How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me,
    “God will not deliver him.(B)[b]

But you, Lord, are a shield(C) around me,
    my glory, the One who lifts my head high.(D)
I call out to the Lord,(E)
    and he answers me from his holy mountain.(F)

I lie down and sleep;(G)
    I wake again,(H) because the Lord sustains me.
I will not fear(I) though tens of thousands
    assail me on every side.(J)

Arise,(K) Lord!
    Deliver me,(L) my God!
Strike(M) all my enemies on the jaw;
    break the teeth(N) of the wicked.

From the Lord comes deliverance.(O)
    May your blessing(P) be on your people.

Psalm 4[c]

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

Answer me(Q) when I call to you,
    my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;(R)
    have mercy(S) on me and hear my prayer.(T)

How long will you people turn my glory(U) into shame?(V)
    How long will you love delusions and seek false gods[d]?[e](W)
Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant(X) for himself;
    the Lord hears(Y) when I call to him.

Tremble and[f] do not sin;(Z)
    when you are on your beds,(AA)
    search your hearts and be silent.
Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
    and trust in the Lord.(AB)

Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
    Let the light of your face shine on us.(AC)
Fill my heart(AD) with joy(AE)
    when their grain and new wine(AF) abound.

In peace(AG) I will lie down and sleep,(AH)
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety.(AI)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 3:1 In Hebrew texts 3:1-8 is numbered 3:2-9.
  2. Psalm 3:2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 4 and 8.
  3. Psalm 4:1 In Hebrew texts 4:1-8 is numbered 4:2-9.
  4. Psalm 4:2 Or seek lies
  5. Psalm 4:2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 4.
  6. Psalm 4:4 Or In your anger (see Septuagint)