Psalms 3

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

My soul - Of me: the soul being commonly put for the person. In God - God hath utterly forsaken him. Selah - This word is no where used but in this poetical book, and in the song of Habakkuk. Probably it was a musical note, directing the singer either to lift up his voice, to make a pause, or to lengthen the tune. But withal, it is generally placed at some remarkable passage; which gives occasion to think that it served also to quicken the attention of the singer and hearer.

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

A shield - My defence. My glory - Thou hast formerly given, and wilt farther give occasion of glorying in thy power and favour. Lifter up - Thou wilt restore me to my former power and dignity.

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

His hill - Out of heaven, so called, Psal 15:1.

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

Slept - Securely, casting all my cares upon God. Awaked - After a sweet and undisturbed sleep.

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.

Cheek bone - Which implies contempt and reproach. Teeth - Their strength and the instruments of their cruelty. He compares them to wild beasts.