JPS

Psalms Chapter 3 (JPS)

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1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.

2 HaShem, how many are mine adversaries become! Many are they that rise up against me.

3 Many there are that say of my soul: 'There is no salvation for him in G-d.' Selah

4 But thou, O HaShem, art a shield about me; my glory, and the lifter up of my head.

5 With my voice I call unto HaShem, and He answereth me out of His holy mountain. Selah

6 I lay me down, and I sleep; I awake, for HaShem sustaineth me.

7 I am not afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

8 Arise, O HaShem; save me, O my G-d; for Thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek, Thou hast broken the teeth of the wicked.

9 Salvation belongeth unto HaShem; Thy blessing be upon Thy people. Selah

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Frequently Asked Questions

What situation does Psalms 3 describe?

The psalmist is surrounded by many enemies who say there's no help for him in God (v.1-2), yet he calls the LORD 'a shield for me' and the one who lifts up his head (v.3).

What does Psalms 3:5 say about sleep?

The psalmist says, 'I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me' (v.5), citing peaceful rest as evidence of God's protection even while surrounded by many enemies (v.6).

How does Psalms 3 end?

It ends with a prayer for God to arise and save, recalling that God has struck his enemies on the cheek bone, followed by the declaration that 'salvation belongeth unto the LORD' (v.7-8), a similar cry for rescue found in Psalms 27:6.

Today's Verse

But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.

1-kings 12:17 | ASV

Verse Of The Day

The chapter's turning point comes when David says he lay down, slept, and awoke because the LORD sustained him, a picture echoed later in Psalms 4. It closes by declaring that salvation and blessing belong to the LORD, a phrase paralleled in Psalms 27:6.