A weary fugitive king prays beside a shield as enemies gather on distant ridges

Psalm 3:5

American Standard Version (1901)
Chapter overview
Surrounded during flight, the psalmist entrusts danger and reputation to God. Protection becomes a shield, prayer receives an answer, and secure sleep leads to renewed courage despite overwhelming opposition on every side.
RefugePrayerProtectionCourage

About Psalms: book summary and outline →

1Jehovah, how are mine adversaries increased! Many are they that rise up against me.
2Many there are that say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. [Selah
3But thou, O Jehovah, art a shield about me; My glory, and the lifter up of my head.
4I cry unto Jehovah with my voice, And he answereth me out of his holy hill. [Selah
5I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for Jehovah sustaineth me.
6I will not be afraid of ten thousands of the people That have set themselves against me round about.
7Arise, O Jehovah; save me, O my God: For thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; Thou hast broken the teeth of the wicked.
8Salvation belongeth unto Jehovah: Thy blessing be upon thy people. [Selah
‹ Psalm 2Psalm 4 ›

Verses to memorize from Psalm 3

  • Psalm 3:3But thou, O Jehovah, art a shield about me; My glory, and the lifter up…
  • Psalm 3:5I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for Jehovah sustaineth me.

American Standard Version (1901) — Public Domain. Where these translations come from.