Psalms 3:6
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אִ֭ירָא
I will not be afraid
H3372
אִ֭ירָא
I will not be afraid
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
2 of 8
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
מֵרִבְב֥וֹת
of ten thousands
H7233
מֵרִבְב֥וֹת
of ten thousands
Strong's:
H7233
Word #:
3 of 8
abundance (in number), i.e., (specifically) a myriad (whether definite or indefinite)
עָ֑ם
of people
H5971
עָ֑ם
of people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 8
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 8
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
סָ֝בִ֗יב
themselves against me round about
H5439
סָ֝בִ֗יב
themselves against me round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
6 of 8
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
Cross References
Romans 8:31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?Psalms 23:4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.Psalms 46:7The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.2 Samuel 18:7Where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men.Psalms 2:2The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,Psalms 46:2Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Historical Context
During Absalom's rebellion, David had only a small loyal remnant while thousands joined his son's insurrection. The numerical odds were staggering. Yet David remembered God's past deliverances (Goliath, Saul, various enemies) and trusted that divine power trumps human numbers. This demonstrates the pattern of biblical faith tested through historical trials.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'ten thousands' seem arrayed against you right now, and how is God calling you to trust Him?
- How do God's past deliverances in your life strengthen your faith in present difficulties?
Analysis & Commentary
Faith triumphs over fear in this powerful declaration. Despite being surrounded by 'ten thousands' (Hebrew 'rebabah' - myriads), David refuses to give in to terror. This verse illustrates biblical faith: not the absence of danger, but confidence in God's protection despite overwhelming odds. The phrase 'set themselves against me round about' paints a picture of complete encirclement, yet David's trust remains unshaken. This foreshadows Christ's confidence even when surrounded by hostile crowds and Roman soldiers.