I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
I laid me down and slept. Thus this verse would be joined to Psalms 3:3-4; referring to past times, in which God had given him calm sleep amidst troubles. But the "Selah" at the end of Psalms 3:4 marks the break in the music and the sense, at the end of the second strophe. Rather, therefore, refer this 5th verse to his present danger, in which he anticipates safe repose: 'I lay me down and sleep; I awake; because the Lord sustains me.' Faith sees what is not as if it were, the awaking as surely as the lying down (Hengstenberg). (Hebrews 11:1; cf. Psalms 4:8.) The "I" х 'ªniy (H589)] is emphatic. "I," whom ye imagine to be without "help" from God (Psalms 3:2), 'lay me down and sleep,' sustained by Yahweh. So it was according to his faith. Ahithophel's counsel was defeated, and David slept secure (2 Samuel 17:1; 2 Samuel 17:16; 2 Samuel 17:22; 2 Samuel 17:24). So Jesus composed Himself to sleep in the storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:38; Mark 4:40); and in prospect of the antitypical sleep of the tomb, He could say, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit," (Luke 23:46; Psalms 23:1.)