Psalms 3

¹A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

Psa 3:1-8. For the historical occasion mentioned, compare 2Sa 15:1-17:29. David, in the midst of great distress, with filial confidence, implores God’s aid, and, anticipating relief, offers praise. 1. Lord ... increased--The extent of the rebellion (2Sa 15:13) surprises and grieves him.

²Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.

2. say of my soul--that is, “of me” (compare Psa 25:3). This use of “soul” is common; perhaps it arose from regarding the soul as man’s chief part. no help ... in God--rejected by Him. This is the bitterest reproach for a pious man, and denotes a spirit of malignant triumph. Selah--This word is of very obscure meaning. It probably denotes rest or pause, both as to the music and singing, intimating something emphatic in the sentiment (compare Psa 9:16).

³But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

3. But--literally, “and” (Psa 2:6). He repels the reproach by avowing his continued trust. shield--a favorite and often-used figure for protection. my glory--its source. lifter up of mine head--one who raises me from despondency.

⁴I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

4. cried ... heard--Such has been my experience. The latter verb denotes a gracious hearing or answering. out of--or, “from.” his holy hill--Zion (Psa 2:6). His visible earthly residence.

⁵I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

5. the Lord sustained me--literally, “will sustain me,” as if his language or thought when he laid down, and the reason of his composure.

⁶I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

6. ten thousands of people--or, “myriads,” any very great number (compare 2Sa 16:18).

⁷Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

7. Arise, O Lord--God is figuratively represented as asleep to denote His apparent indifference (Psa 7:6). The use of “cheekbone” and “teeth” represents his enemies as fierce, like wild beasts ready to devour (Psa 27:2), and smiting their cheekbone (1Ki 22:24) denotes violence and insult. thou hast broken--God took his part, utterly depriving the enemy of power to injure.

⁸Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

8. An ascription of praise to a delivering God, whose favor is an efficient benefit.