Psalms
Chapter 3
David prays while many enemies rise against him and say that God will not rescue him. He answers that God is his shield, hears him when he calls, and keeps him safe enough to sleep and wake again. He asks God to act against his enemies and ends by saying that rescue comes from God alone.
Plain reading written for preteens. Clear and complete, at about a fifth grade reading level.
Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
1Lord, look how many people are against me! So many are rising up to attack me.
2Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
2Many of them say about me, "God will not rescue him." Selah.
"Selah" is a Hebrew word found in the Psalms. Nobody today knows exactly what it meant. It may have been a music direction, like a pause or a change in the sound.
3But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
3But you, Lord, are like a shield around me. You are my honor, and you lift my head up again.
To "lift up the head" means to restore someone's dignity, so they can look up again instead of hanging their head in shame or defeat.
4I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
4I cried out loud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain. Selah.
5I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
5I lay down and slept, and I woke up again, because the Lord kept me safe.
6I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
6I will not be afraid of thousands and thousands of people who surround me on every side.
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.
7Stand up, Lord! Save me, my God! You have struck all my enemies on the jaw. You have broken the teeth of wicked people.
Striking on the jaw and breaking teeth is picture language for defeating enemies and taking away their power to harm.
8Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
8Rescue comes from the Lord. May your blessing rest on your people. Selah.
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