Psalm 3 Study Notes

Ps 3 title This is one of fourteen psalms (3; 7; 18; 30; 34; 51-52; 54; 56; 57; 59; 60; 63; 142) that are linked directly, by virtue of their titles, with specific events in the life of David. Though the titles reference specific events in David’s life—in this case the time when he fled from his son Absalom—the actual content of these psalms is generalized. For this reason God’s people who face the sort of life circumstances discussed in these psalms can identify with the author’s words and be blessed. The episode of Absalom’s rebellion and David’s escape from him is recorded in 2Sm 15-18. David was grieved over the actions and death of his son (2Sm 18:33), but in this psalm he showed his dependence on the Lord as his deliverer from those who attacked him.

3:1-2 In these verses the Hebrew root rbb shows up three times: increase (rabbu) in v. 1 and many (rabbim) appearing twice, once in each verse. This is the same root used in God’s command to humankind to “multiply” on the earth (Gn 1:28) and in God’s promise to Abraham that he would “multiply” his descendants (Gn 17:2). The problem in this psalm is that the situation is reversed, and it is the enemies of God and of his servant who are multiplying. These enemies are the aggressors actively attacking the psalmist and declaring that God will not rescue him. In lament psalms, attacks on the psalmist and attacks against God are closely linked and are often used as an appeal for God to act because of his own reputation. The meaning of the Hebrew term Selah is obscure (see word study at 46:3,7,11).

3:3 The image of God as a shield is common, especially in the Psalms (18:30; 115:9; 144:2). It represents protection during a time of attack. A more unusual description is identifying God as one’s glory. The Hebrew word kavod (lit “heavy”) is often used of a person’s reputation or significance, sometimes being translated as “honor.” Its use here seems to indicate that the psalmist found his own significance and honor linked to his relationship with the Lord rather than in his own strength.

3:4 The word answers expresses the idea of completed action in the Hebrew (sometimes translated in the past tense: “answered”), but it seems to be used here in the sense of confidence that God always answers. The holy mountain is Zion, which is the place where God dwelt among his people (Jl 3:17).

3:5-6 To lie down and to sleep are poetic and tangible ways to describe a state of security. Only a person who feels secure will be able to sleep undisturbed by troubling thoughts. Ps 4:8 uses the same combination of verbs and adds the phrase “in peace.” The psalmist was confident that he would wake again because it is the Lord himself who sustained (i.e., supported or helped) him. The psalmist’s security was unrelated to his circumstances even though he was surrounded by enemies. Confidence in God’s protection does not depend on one’s circumstances.

3:7-8 Although the fact that the psalmist was calling out to the Lord is stated in v. 4, it is v. 7 that identifies the content of his plea. The request is rather brief and made up of two imperatives: rise up and save. The first of these describes a change of state from rest to action. The action that brings salvation is expressed in vivid terms. Verse 8 contains a timeless theological truth—only the Lord can be trusted to save his people.