Mar 18 2007
Notes on Psalm 3
Psalm 3 is generally categorized as a Psalm of lament. This may seem odd since the Psalmist exhibits great trust in God, yet this is a characteristic of the lament psalms. Obviously, if the Psalmist didn’t have trust in his God the prayer would be mere play acting-for what purpose?
The first verse is a sort of superscription which tells us this is a Psalm of David which he spoke out during his flight from his rebellious (and favorite) son Absalom. This was of course a very troubled time for the king, not only because of his son’s revolt, but also because most of his army and one of his most trusted advisers had joined joined Absalom’s side. David was forced to flee Jerusalem, cross the Kidron, and ascend the Mount of Olives as his night of trouble began. Many have seen in the defection of his adviser, Ahithophel, and in his crossing of the Kidron to ascend Olivet, as a foreshadowing of the events surrounding Jesus “on the night he was betrayed.” (see 2 Samuel 15-18; John 18:1-14; Luke 22:39)
(Note: I’ve followed the numbering of this Psalm as it is found in most modern Bibles. Verse 1 identifies the circumstances of the Psalm, the text of which begins in verse 2. Unless noted otherwise I am using my own translation here. It should be checked with a recognized translation and not relied upon as in any way authoritative)
Vs 2 O Lord, how many my enemies have become! Many there are who rise up to oppose me!
Vs 3 Many there are who say of me, “for that one, there is no salvation from God.
Three times the word many (rap) is used in the opening lines. This gives a sense of urgency and, considering who the many are, a sense of danger. The quote of the many in verse 3 reminds me of Shimei’s cursing of David as he fled Jerusalem. No doubt the sentiments of that man were echoed by many (see 2 Sam 16:5-8). Notice the proliferation: 1) the enemies grow; 2) they are active (”rise up”); 3) they declare him destitute on God.
Vs 4 But you are my shield, O Lord, and my glory; you lift up my head.
This verse begins with an emphatic but. In spite of his troubles the Psalmist knows what his enemies deny. God is with him as his protector (shield), and as his support (lift up my head).
Vs 5 With my voice I cried out to the Lord, from his holy mount he answers me.
Vs 6 I lay myself down to sleep and I wake again, for the Lord holds me up.
Vs 7 I have no fear of the many thousands who stand against me on every side.
The enemies might say he has no salvation from God (vs 3), but with a voice and a cry the lie is put to that claim for the Lord answers him (vs 5). Though enemies have risen up to oppose him he can lay down undisturbed in sleep knowing that he will wake again for the Lord holds him up (i.e. sustains him). Thus he has no fear of the Many thousands (see 2-3) who stand against him.
Vs 8 Arise, O Lord, rescue me, O my God! Strike all my enemies upon the cheek, break the teeth of these wicked ones.
Vs 9 Salvation is the Lords; your blessings be upon your people.
Against the opponents who have risen to oppose him (vs 2) the Psalmist asks God to arise. These people had arrogantly claimed that their was no salvation for him from God (vs 3), as if they had a say in whom the Lord would save, and upon whom he would shed his blessing. That their teeth be smashed for speaking such things is seen as fitting punishment
