I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
The verse belongs to David as a dethroned and crownless king fleeing Jerusalem at the rebellion of Absalom, his rebellious son, betrayed by those who owed him loyalty. Spent with grief and the weariness and exhaustion of flight, he with his company of men, women, and little children tarried beside the Jordan for a few hours rest. He was then awakened to flee again through the darkness, with the whole company required to cross the deep, swift-flowing stream while the forces of his traitor son were hard after them.
Even in such immediate danger and darkest trial, with enemies surrounding him and even ten thousands set against him round about, he trusted God to preserve and keep him. Because the Lord sustained him, he could lie down, sleep, and awake safely. More generally, those who trust in God can lie down in quiet rest and wake under His care because He sustains and preserves life through the night. His protection continues through sleep because He never slumbers or sleeps, human effort cannot secure body or soul, and every moment of life depends on His power.
As an expression of confidence in God amid trouble, the verse is a comforting assurance for the sick and dying that they may rest in God's care.
The verse belongs to David as a dethroned and crownless king fleeing Jerusalem at the rebellion of Absalom, his rebellious son, betrayed by those who owed him loyalty. Spent with grief and the weariness and exhaustion of flight, he with his company of men, women, and little children tarried beside the Jordan for a few hours rest. He was then awakened to flee again through the darkness, with the whole company required to cross the deep, swift-flowing stream while the forces of his traitor son were hard after them.
Even in such immediate danger and darkest trial, with enemies surrounding him and even ten thousands set against him round about, he trusted God to preserve and keep him. Because the Lord sustained him, he could lie down, sleep, and awake safely. More generally, those who trust in God can lie down in quiet rest and wake under His care because He sustains and preserves life through the night. His protection continues through sleep because He never slumbers or sleeps, human effort cannot secure body or soul, and every moment of life depends on His power.
As an expression of confidence in God amid trouble, the verse is a comforting assurance for the sick and dying that they may rest in God's care.