Psalms

The Psalter is Israel’s hymnbook: lament, praise, thanksgiving, royal psalms, and wisdom. It trains the heart to speak to God in trouble and in joy, and it points ahead to the Messiah.

Author: David and others
Date: c. 1400–400 BC
Theme: Prayers and songs for every season of the life of faith.
Key verses: Psalm 23; Psalm 51; Psalm 119:105
King James Version

Psalms 3

1Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. 2Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. 3But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. 4I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. 5I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. 6I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. 7Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. 8Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

King James Version (1769). Public domain in the United States. The 1611/1769 text is not under copyright.