Psalm 3: I Shall Rest in Peace

Psalm 3 is traditionally associated with King David as he fled from his son Absalom. Whether or not the Psalm was actually written while David fled for his life during a revolt, the Psalm is certainly full of fears and anxieties–with a side order of vengeance. But more than that, the Psalm is full of trust. Even though all hell is breaking loose, the Psalmist talks about going to bed: “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. I am not afraid…”

In this setting of Psalm 3, “I shall rest in peace” becomes a repeated refrain throughout. “Rest” not only indicates peaceful sleep but “rest in peace” is a euphemism for death. It seems to me that many people who might read Psalm 3 or sing this song may be fighting the enemy of disease, age, or death itself. Even in death, we can rest in the Lord. 

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