Psalm 3

1Yahweh, how my adversaries have increased! Many are those who rise up against me. 2Many there are who say of my soul, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah. 3But you, Yahweh, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. 4I cry to Yahweh with my voice, and he answers me out of his holy hill. Selah. 5I laid myself down and slept. I awakened, for Yahweh sustains me. 6I will not be afraid of tens of thousands of people who have set themselves against me on every side. 7Arise, Yahweh! Save me, my God! For you have struck all of my enemies on the cheek bone. You have broken the teeth of the wicked. 8Salvation belongs to Yahweh. May your blessing be on your people. Selah.

As the foregoing psalm, in the type of David in preferment, showed us the royal dignity of the Redeemer, so this, by the example of David in distress, shows us the peace and holy security of the redeemed, how safe they really are, and think themselves to be, under the divine protection. David, being now driven out from his palace, from the royal city, from the holy city, by his rebellious son Absalom, I. Complains to God of his enemies (Psa 3:1, Psa 3:2). II. Confides in God, and encourages himself in him as his God, notwithstanding (Psa 3:3). III. Recollects the satisfaction he had in the gracious answers God gave to his prayers, and his experience of his goodness to him (Psa 3:4, Psa 3:5). IV. Triumphs over his fears (Psa 3:6) and over his enemies, whom he prays against, (Psa 3:7). V. Gives God the glory and takes to himself the comfort of the divine blessing and salvation which are sure to all the people of God (Psa 3:8). Those speak best of the truths of God who speak experimentally; so David here speaks of the power and goodness of God, and of the safety and tranquility of the godly.

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

Cross-references: Ps 3:1 · Ps 3:2 · Ps 3:3 · Ps 3:4 · Ps 3:5 · Ps 3:6 · Ps 3:7 · Ps 3:8

Introduction