< Psalms 3 >
1 Yahweh, I have many enemies [DOU]! There are many people who oppose/rebel against me.
A Psalm of David, when he fled from the presence of his son Abessalom. O Lord, why are they that afflict me multiplied? many rise up against me.
2 Many people are saying about me, “God will [certainly] not help him!”
Many say concerning my soul, There is no deliverance for him in his God. (Pause)
3 But Yahweh, you are like a shield [that protects me] [MET]. You greatly honor me, and you encourage me (OR, enable me to triumph over my enemies) [IDM].
But you, O Lord, are my helper: my glory, and the one that lifts up my head.
4 I cry out to you, Yahweh, and you answer me from [Zion], your sacred hill.
I cried to the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy mountain. (Pause)
5 [At night] I lie down and sleep, and I awake [in the morning feeling good/refreshed] because you, Yahweh, (take care of/protect) me [all during the night].
I lay down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord will help me.
6 There may be thousands of [enemy] soldiers who surround me, but I am not afraid.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, who beset me round about.
7 Yahweh, arise! My God, [come and] rescue me [again]! You [insult] my enemies by slapping them on their cheeks; [when you strike them], you break their teeth, [with the result that they cannot hurt anyone] [MET].
Arise, Lord; deliver me, my God: for you have struck all who were without cause mine enemies; you have broken the teeth of sinners.
8 Yahweh, you are the one who saves your people [from their enemies]. Yahweh, bless your people!
Deliverance is the Lord's, and your blessing is upon your people.