Psalms 3

A psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom

3:Title For Absalom’s conspiracy see 2 Sam 15—18. It was a time of extreme humiliation and danger for David. The spiritual truth of this psalm can be applied to any believer who is in difficulties from enemies, and especially it applied to the Lord Jesus during the last days of His life on earth.⚜

LORD, how they are increased

who trouble me!

Many are those who

rise up against me.

2 Many there are who

say of my soul,

“There is no help for him

in God. Selah

3:2 Ps 22:7-8; 71:11; Matt 27:39-43. The exact meaning of the Hebrew word “selah” is unknown. It may mean “pause” or “slow”, and may have been a sign to the musicians singing the psalm or playing instruments.⚜

3 But you, O LORD, are a shield

for me;

my glory, and the lifter up

of my head.

3:3 In both danger and humiliating circumstances, God is sufficient for the believer (Ps 5:12; 28:7; 62:7; Gen 15:1). Notes on “shield” at Ps 28:7; Gen 15:1; Job 1:10-11; 2:6.⚜

4 I cried to the LORD

with my voice,

and he heard me from

his holy hill. Selah

3:4 In times of trouble, prayer is the believer’s resource, and no enemy can prevent the believer using it. See references to prayer at 1 Thess 5:17. God heard David’s prayer and brought him safely back to Jerusalem and enabled him to reign over Israel once again (2 Sam 19).⚜

5 I lay down and slept;

I awoke, for the LORD

sustained me.

6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands

of people who have set themselves

against me all around.

3:5-6 A good conscience and confidence in God can enable believers to get deep and satisfying sleep even at such times of trouble and danger as David was experiencing – Ps 4:8.⚜

7 Arise, O LORD! Save me,

O my God!

For you have struck all my

enemies on the cheek bone;

you have broken the teeth

of the ungodly.

8 Salvation belongs

to the LORD.

Your blessing is on

your people. Selah