Psalms 3
What Happens in This Chapter
David sings this song when many people are against him. He tells God that his enemies keep growing in number. Then he says God is like a shield who keeps him safe. He sleeps peacefully and wakes up again, because God takes care of him.
Plain reading written for kids. Short sentences, everyday words, one idea at a time.
Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
1Lord, so many people are causing me trouble! So many people are against 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 help him." Selah.
"Selah" is a music word in the psalms. Nobody knows for sure what it means. It may tell singers to pause.
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 glory. You lift my head up high.
A shield is a big flat piece of metal or wood. A soldier holds it up to block arrows and swords.
4I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
4I call out loud to the Lord. He answers me from his holy mountain. Selah.
5I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
5I lie down and go to sleep. I wake up again, because the Lord takes care of me.
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 of people. They stand all around me, ready to fight.
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 hit all my enemies on the jaw. You broke the teeth of people who do wrong.
"Hit on the jaw" and "broke the teeth" are picture words. They mean God stopped the enemies from hurting him.
8Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
8The Lord is the one who saves. Lord, please bless your people. Selah.
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