Psalm 3–4

A David Psalm, When He Escaped for His Life from Absalom, His Son

^1–23God! Look! Enemies past counting!

Enemies sprouting like mushrooms,

Mobs of them all around me, roaring their mockery:

“Hah! No help for him from God!”

^3–4But you, God, shield me on all sides;

You ground my feet, you lift my head high;

With all my might I shout up to God,

His answers thunder from the holy mountain.

^5–6I stretch myself out. I sleep.

Then I’m up again—rested, tall and steady,

Fearless before the enemy mobs

Coming at me from all sides.

⁷Up, God! My God, help me!

Slap their faces,

First this cheek, then the other,

Your fist hard in their teeth!

⁸Real help comes from God.

Your blessing clothes your people!

A David Psalm

¹4When I call, give me answers. God, take my side!

Once, in a tight place, you gave me room;

Now I’m in trouble again: grace me! hear me!

²You rabble—how long do I put up with your scorn?

How long will you lust after lies?

How long will you live crazed by illusion?

³Look at this: look

Who got picked by God!

He listens the split second I call to him.

^4–5Complain if you must, but don’t lash out.

Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking.

Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.

^6–7Why is everyone hungry for more? “More, more,” they say.

“More, more.”

I have God’s more-than-enough,

More joy in one ordinary day

^7–8Than they get in all their shopping sprees.

At day’s end I’m ready for sound sleep,

For you, God, have put my life back together.