I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set [themselves] against me round about.
I will not be afraid {H3372} of ten thousands {H7233} of people {H5971}, that have set {H7896} themselves against me round about {H5439}.
I am not afraid of the tens of thousands set against me on every side.
I will not fear the myriads set against me on every side.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of the people That have set themselves against me round about.
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Romans 8:31
¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us? -
Psalms 118:10
All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. -
Psalms 118:12
They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. -
Psalms 27:1
¶ [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? -
Psalms 27:3
Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this [will] I [be] confident. -
Psalms 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. -
2 Kings 6:15
And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
Psalm 3:6 captures King David's profound confidence and courage in the face of overwhelming opposition, declaring, "I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set [themselves] against me round about." This verse stands as a powerful testament to faith triumphing over fear, even when surrounded by seemingly insurmountable threats.
Context
This psalm is titled "A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son," providing crucial historical context. David was experiencing one of the darkest periods of his life: his own son, Absalom, had orchestrated a rebellion, winning the hearts of many Israelites (2 Samuel 15:6). Thousands had joined Absalom's cause, effectively surrounding David and his loyal few. The overwhelming numbers and the betrayal by his own son and trusted advisor Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:31) would have naturally induced great fear. Yet, after acknowledging his distress in earlier verses (Psalm 3:1-2), David expresses a supernatural calm, rooted in his trust in God's protection.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "ten thousands" is a translation of the Hebrew term רבבות (*revavot*), which literally means "myriads" or "tens of thousands." It emphasizes an immeasurable, overwhelming multitude, underscoring the severity of the threat David faced. The phrase "set themselves against me round about" vividly paints a picture of complete encirclement and pervasive hostility, highlighting the dire nature of his situation and making his declaration of fearlessness even more profound.
Practical Application
Psalm 3:6 offers profound encouragement for believers today. We may not face physical armies, but we often encounter overwhelming challenges: financial crises, health battles, relational conflicts, or spiritual attacks. This verse reminds us that true security is found not in the absence of threats, but in the presence of God. Like David, we are called to place our trust in the Lord with all our heart, even when circumstances seem dire. Our confidence in God allows us to stand firm, knowing that if God is for us, no opposition can ultimately prevail (Romans 8:31). It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of fearlessness, anchored in the truth of God's unwavering protection and faithfulness.