Psalms 3:5

I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

I laid me down {H7901} and slept {H3462}; I awaked {H6974}; for the LORD {H3068} sustained {H5564} me.

I lie down and sleep, then wake up again, because ADONAI sustains me.

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

I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for Jehovah sustaineth me.

Commentary

Psalms 3:5 is a powerful declaration of faith and divine sustenance, emerging from a time of intense personal crisis for King David.

Context

This verse is part of a psalm of David, traditionally understood to have been written when he fled from his son Absalom. David was facing a rebellion, his life was in danger, and many were against him (Psalm 3:1). Despite the overwhelming threat and betrayal from his own household, David expresses profound peace and trust in God. His ability to sleep and wake up safely in such perilous circumstances highlights his deep reliance on the Lord's protection, a stark contrast to the anxiety one might expect from someone in his position.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection and Sustenance: The core message is that God actively sustains and protects His people. David's ability to sleep and awaken is not due to his own strength or the absence of danger, but solely because "the LORD sustained me." This highlights God's active involvement in preserving life.
  • Peace Amidst Adversity: This verse beautifully illustrates how genuine faith can bring peace that transcends understanding, even when life is chaotic and threatening. David's peaceful sleep was a testament to his confidence in God's watchful care, demonstrating a radical trust in divine sovereignty.
  • God's Faithfulness: Each new day, and the very act of waking, becomes a fresh testimony to God's enduring faithfulness and His commitment to uphold those who trust in Him. It underscores the idea that God is a constant and reliable presence.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word for "sustained" is samakh (בָמַךְ), which carries the meaning of 'to lean upon,' 'to support,' 'to uphold,' or 'to prop up.' It signifies a strong, active, and continuous support from God. It's not a passive allowance but an active divine intervention that enabled David to rest and rise safely, emphasizing God's powerful and personal involvement in his life.

Practical Application

Psalms 3:5 offers immense encouragement for believers today. In a world full of anxieties, worries, and uncertainties, this verse reminds us that we can lay down our burdens and find rest, knowing that the Lord is our sustainer. It calls us to:

  • Trust in God's Daily Care: Recognize that every new day is a gift, and our very breath and ability to function are sustained by God's grace. This perspective fosters gratitude and reduces daily anxieties.
  • Find Peace in Him: When facing personal struggles, external threats, or overwhelming circumstances, we are invited to cast our anxieties upon the Lord, just as David did, and experience the peace that comes from trusting His sovereignty. This principle applies to all areas of life where worry might consume us.
  • Acknowledge God's Faithfulness: Let the simple act of waking each morning be a prompt to praise God for His unwavering faithfulness and sustaining power in our lives, reinforcing our dependence on Him.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 4:8 (28 votes)

    I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

  • Proverbs 3:24 (22 votes)

    When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

  • Isaiah 26:3 (20 votes)

    Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.

  • Leviticus 26:6 (17 votes)

    And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make [you] afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.

  • Job 11:18 (14 votes)

    And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig [about thee, and] thou shalt take thy rest in safety.

  • Job 11:19 (14 votes)

    Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make [thee] afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee.

  • Psalms 127:2 (9 votes)

    [It is] vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: [for] so he giveth his beloved sleep.