Psalm 3-5

Common English Bible

Psalm 3

A psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom.

3 Lord, I have so many enemies!
    So many are standing against me.
²So many are talking about me:
    “Even God won’t help him.” Selah^[a]
³But you, Lord, are my shield!
    You are my glory!
    You are the one who restores me.
⁴I cry out loud to the Lord,
    and he answers me from his holy mountain. Selah
⁵I lie down, sleep, and wake up
    because the Lord helps me.
⁶I won’t be afraid of thousands of people
    surrounding me on all sides.

⁷Stand up, Lord!
    Save me, my God!
In fact, hit all my enemies on the jaw;
    shatter the teeth of the wicked!
⁸Rescue comes from the Lord!
    May your blessing be on your people! Selah

Psalm 4

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

4 Answer me when I cry out, my righteous God!
    Set me free from my troubles!
        Have mercy on me!
        Listen to my prayer!

²How long, you people,
    will my reputation be insulted?
How long will you continue
    to love what is worthless
    and go after lies? Selah
³Know this: the Lord takes
    personal care of the faithful.
The Lord will hear me
    when I cry out to him.
⁴So be afraid, and don’t sin!
    Think hard about it in your bed
    and weep over it! Selah
⁵Bring righteous offerings,
    and trust the Lord!

⁶Many people say,
    “We can’t find goodness anywhere.
    The light of your face has left us, Lord!”^[b]
⁷But you have filled my heart with more joy
    than when their wheat and wine are everywhere!
⁸I will lie down and fall asleep in peace
    because you alone, Lord, let me live in safety.

Psalm 5

For the music leader. For the flutes. A psalm of David.

5 Hear my words, Lord!
    Consider my groans!
²    Pay attention to the sound of my cries, my king and my God,
        because I am praying to you!
³Lord, in the morning you hear my voice.
    In the morning I lay it all out before you.
    Then I wait expectantly.
⁴Because you aren’t a God
    who enjoys wickedness;
    evil doesn’t live with you.
⁵Arrogant people won’t last long
in your sight;
    you hate all evildoers;
⁶    you destroy liars.
    The Lord despises people who are violent and dishonest.

⁷But me? I will enter your house
    because of your abundant, faithful love;
    I will bow down at your holy temple,
        honoring you.
⁸Lord, because of many enemies,
    please lead me in your righteousness.
    Make your way clear,
        right in front of me.
⁹Because there’s no truth in my enemies’ mouths,
    all they have inside them is destruction.
    Their throats are open graves;
    their tongues slick with talk.
¹⁰Condemn them, God!
    Let them fail by their own plans.
Throw them out for their many sins
    because they’ve rebelled against you.
¹¹But let all who take refuge in you celebrate.
    Let them sing out loud forever!
Protect them
    so that all who love your name
    can rejoice in you.
¹²Because you, Lord, bless the righteous.
    You cover them with favor like a shield.