I lie down and sleep;
This phrase reflects a deep trust in God amidst adversity. In the context of Psalm 3, David is fleeing from his son Absalom, who has usurped the throne. Despite the chaos and danger surrounding him, David finds peace and rest, illustrating a profound faith in God's protection. This trust in God for safety during sleep is echoed in other scriptures, such as Psalm 4:8, where David again expresses confidence in God's ability to provide peace and security. The act of lying down and sleeping signifies a relinquishing of control, acknowledging that God is sovereign over all circumstances.

I wake again,
Waking up is portrayed as an act of divine grace and protection. In the ancient Near Eastern context, sleep was often seen as a vulnerable state, where one was defenseless against enemies or natural threats. David's ability to wake up safely is attributed to God's providence. This reflects a broader biblical theme where life and breath are gifts from God, as seen in Job 33:4 and Acts 17:25. The daily renewal of life upon waking is a reminder of God's continual care and faithfulness.

for the LORD sustains me.
The sustaining power of the LORD is central to this phrase. The Hebrew word for "sustain" implies support, provision, and upholding. This is not just physical sustenance but also spiritual and emotional support. Throughout the Bible, God is depicted as the sustainer of life, as seen in Nehemiah 9:21, where God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness. This sustaining power is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who sustains all things by His powerful word (Hebrews 1:3). David's confidence in God's sustenance is a testament to his relationship with God, trusting Him to provide all that is necessary for life and godliness.

1. David
The author of Psalm 3, David is fleeing from his son Absalom, who has rebelled against him. This context of distress and danger highlights David's reliance on God.

2. Absalom
David's son, who has initiated a rebellion against his father, creating a situation of personal and political turmoil for David.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and sustaining power in David's life.

4. Jerusalem
The city from which David flees during Absalom's rebellion, representing both a physical and spiritual center for the Israelites.

5. Sleep and Wakefulness
These events symbolize trust and divine protection, as David is able to rest despite the surrounding threats.Trust in God's Sustenance
David's ability to sleep amidst turmoil is a testament to his trust in God's sustaining power. Believers are encouraged to rely on God for peace and protection in their own lives.

Divine Protection in Times of Trouble
Just as David experienced God's protection, Christians can find assurance in God's promise to be with them in times of distress.

The Peace of God Transcends Circumstances
True peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of God. Believers can experience peace regardless of their external circumstances.

Daily Renewal and Gratitude
Waking up each day is a reminder of God's faithfulness. Christians are encouraged to start each day with gratitude for God's sustaining grace.

Faith Over Fear
David's example teaches that faith in God can overcome fear, even in the most challenging situations. Believers are called to cultivate a faith that trusts God above all else.1. What is the meaning of Psalm 3:5?

2. How does Psalm 3:5 encourage trust in God's protection during difficult times?

3. What does "I lie down and sleep" reveal about David's faith in God?

4. How can Psalm 3:5 inspire your daily prayer and trust in God's care?

5. Connect Psalm 3:5 with Philippians 4:6-7 on peace and anxiety.

6. How can you apply "I wake again, for the LORD sustains me" today?

7. How does Psalm 3:5 reflect trust in God's protection during adversity?

8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 3:5?

9. How does Psalm 3:5 demonstrate the theme of divine security?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 3?

11. Can I lie down and sleep in peace?

12. What does 'God is unlimited and unmeasurable' mean?

13. Can I lie down and sleep in peace?

14. What biblical guidance is there for dealing with insomnia?I lie down

David begins with a simple, deliberate action: he chooses to settle himself on the ground even while enemies pursue him (Psalm 3 superscription; 2 Samuel 15–17). That choice speaks volumes.

• An intentional act of trust—he releases control of the night.

• A calm defiance of fear—threats cannot dictate his routine.

Cross references:

• “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).

• “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them” (Psalm 34:7).

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and sleep

Sleep is vulnerability incarnate; yet David drifts off without dread.

• God-given rest: “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet” (Proverbs 3:24).

• The world still turns—because God is awake: “Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4).

• Jesus later mirrors this trust, sleeping through a storm (Mark 4:38).

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I wake again

Morning arrives, and David opens his eyes. Each sunrise is fresh proof that the night did not win.

• New-day mercies: “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

• Breath borrowed from God: “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4).

• Even a whisper of resurrection hope—waking today previews the final awakening (1 Thessalonians 4:14).

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for the LORD sustains me

Here is the reason behind the restful night and the refreshed morning: constant divine upholding.

• “O LORD, You are the One who upholds me” (Psalm 3:3, implied).

• “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22).

• “In Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17).

Sustain means carry, nourish, and maintain. David’s safety is not self-manufactured; it is supplied moment by moment by the covenant-keeping God.

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summary

Psalm 3:5 unfolds like a quiet testimony: I choose to settle down; God grants real rest; He brings me into a new morning; His sustaining hand makes the whole cycle possible. The verse invites believers today to entrust every night and every dawn to the same faithful Lord who never sleeps and never fails.

Verse 5. - I laid me down and slept; literally, as for me, I laid me down, etc. A contrast seems intended between the king and some of his companions. "I, for my part," he says, "confident in God, calmly laid me down and slept; I did not allow the danger which I was in to interfere with my repose at night." Others, probably, were less trustful. I awaked. When morning came, i.e., I awoke, as usual, from quiet and refreshing slumbers. For the Lord sustained me; rather, sustaineth me. Now and always I am sustained by the Almighty.

Parallel Commentaries ...


I
אֲנִ֥י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

lie down
שָׁכַ֗בְתִּי (šā·ḵaḇ·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7901: To lie down

and sleep;
וָֽאִ֫ישָׁ֥נָה (wā·’î·šā·nāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3462: To be slack, languid, sleep, to grow old, stale, inveterate

I wake again,
הֱקִיצ֑וֹתִי (hĕ·qî·ṣō·w·ṯî)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6974: Arise, be awake, watch

for
כִּ֖י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

sustains me.
יִסְמְכֵֽנִי׃ (yis·mə·ḵê·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 5564: To prop, to lean upon, take hold of


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OT Poetry: Psalm 3:5 I laid myself down and slept (Psalm Ps Psa.)