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.
📖 Chapter study
Summary
David prays surrounded by enemies who say God will not save him, but he declares that the LORD is his shield; he is able to sleep in peace even surrounded by thousands, and he asks God to deliver him.
Explanation
The traditional title links this psalm to David's flight from his son Absalom (2 Samuel 15-17), one of the most painful episodes of his life — hunted by his own son, with part of the nation abandoning him. Even so, the psalm is not one of despair but of quiet confidence: 'I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me' is one of the simplest and most powerful descriptions of inner peace in the Bible. The application for today is direct: it is possible to rest even amid family crises or persecution, when confidence is anchored in God rather than in circumstances.