Psalm 3-4 (NIV84)

Psalm 3

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

¹ O LORD, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!

² Many are saying of me,
“God will not deliver him.”
Selah ^[a]

³ But you are a shield around me, O LORD;
you bestow glory on me and lift ^[b]up my head.

⁴ To the LORD I cry aloud,
and he answers me from his holy hill.
Selah

⁵ I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.

⁶ I will not fear the tens of thousands
drawn up against me on every side.

⁷ Arise, O LORD!
Deliver me, O my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.

⁸ From the LORD comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people.
Selah

Psalm 4

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

¹ Answer me when I call to you,
O my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

² How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame ^[c] ?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods ^[d] ?
Selah

³ Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
the LORD will hear when I call to him.

⁴ In your anger do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
Selah

⁵ Offer right sacrifices
and trust in the LORD.

⁶ Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?”
Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.

⁷ You have filled my heart with greater joy
than when their grain and new wine abound.

⁸ I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone, O LORD,
make me dwell in safety.

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 3:2 A word of uncertain meaning, occurring frequently in the Psalms; possibly a musical term
2. Psalm 3:3 Or LORD , / my Glorious One, who lifts
3. Psalm 4:2 Or you dishonor my Glorious One
4. Psalm 4:2 Or seek lies