Psalm 3:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Psalms also prophesy about His resurrection. For instance, Psalm 3 declares, “I lie down, I sleep, and I rise, for the Lord protects me.” Would anyone be so foolish as to interpret the prophet's words as merely suggesting that he would sleep and wake, if sleep did not signify death, and waking symbolize the resurrection, which is proclaimed in these terms concerning Christ?

Az drifted into slumber and continued in rest. He refers to the slumber of the spirit, from which he succumbed to sin. The statement, "I have risen," signifies that, transformed by God, I have emerged improved from the hardships that came upon me.

The Holy Scriptures frequently liken adversities to night, as those engulfed in deep anguish perceive themselves lost in darkness. Alongside this concept of night is inherently linked the idea of rest. Consequently, David expresses both his afflictions and his liberation from them. This is clear from his statement, ‘I arose, for the Lord shall take hold of me,’ meaning that through divine assistance, I triumphed over the hardships that beset me. Therefore, as stated in Psalm 3:7, I will not fear the throngs that surround me on every side.

I was overwhelmed by a profound burden of grief, and, as he describes, I found myself utterly disheartened and inaction followed (like one in slumber). This state persisted for a significant duration, he notes. Yet, being aware, as a prophet, that Thou wouldst deliver me, I swiftly rekindled my spirit, which had become despondent. Some scholars interpret this as the prophet declaring ‘(sleep, sleep, sleep, rise)’ in reference to his resurrection, rather than stating: I will fall asleep in death and remain in a deep slumber for an extended time; however, after a designated period, I will awaken. This can refer to Christ's descent into hell to resurrect those confined there or to His ultimate raising of all the dead at the culmination of time.

This is the result of earnest prayer directed toward God! The reward of resting in the Lord is complete tranquility of spirit. I, he reflects, surrounded by numerous adversaries and feeling forsaken, fell asleep—indeed, he found peace in slumber. Concerns did not intrude; his soul's calm did not undermine his rest. For one whose heart is anxious, sleep evades them, leading to restlessness as they sit, stand, and pace, burdened by worry. Yet, his faith in God’s assistance was unwavering. In due time, he awakened, having slept sufficiently, rejuvenated by rest. The promise of God to the righteous remains true: “if thou sleep, thou shalt sleep sweetly” (Proverbs 3:24). This truth holds continually. Placing absolute trust in the Lord yields perfect peace, even amid significant trials.

Death and resurrection The future is portrayed as already having been foretold in the past. It is declared, “I have fallen asleep and slept,” rather than saying, “I shall fall asleep, and sleep, and arise again,” for You, O Lord, are my advocate, my glory, and You lift up my head (Ps 3:4). In calling death falling asleep, it hints at what is to come, pointing to the arrival of the Savior when this prophecy will be realized. Christ, the Son of Man, descended into the abode of the dead, and through His presence among those awaiting deliverance, as well as His victory over death, He baptized all the slumbering bodies of the saints, in whom resides the likeness and spirit of David.

In the Holy Scriptures, calamities and tribulations are frequently referred to as night, which is followed first by sleep, then by awakening and rising. The prophet illustrates both his afflictions and his salvation from them; even amidst the most troubling and perilous situations, he maintains peace under God’s protection.

The demise of Christ is referred to as sleep, for His time in death was brief, and He was placed in the grave; on the third day, He rose from the dead, as the Lord rested, empowered by His divine nature. Through the Man, Christ the Messiah, comes the resurrection of the dead (1 Cor. 15:21-22).