Psalm 3

A Confident Prayer for Rescue

A psalm of David, regarding the time David fled from his son Absalom.

1O Lord, I have so many enemies;

so many are against me.

2So many are saying,

“God will never rescue him!”

Interlude*3:2 Hebrew Selah. The meaning of this word is uncertain, though it is probably a musical or literary term. It is rendered Interlude throughout the Psalms.

3But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;

you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.

4I cried out to the Lord,

and he answered me from his holy mountain.

Interlude

5I lay down and slept,

yet I woke up in safety,

for the Lord was watching over me.

6I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies

who surround me on every side.

7Arise, O Lord!

Rescue me, my God!

Slap all my enemies in the face!

Shatter the teeth of the wicked!

8Victory comes from you, O Lord.

May you bless your people.

Interlude