David
Psalm 3
A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.
Scripture (KJV)
1LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
2Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
5I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
6I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
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.
8Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
Summary
Psalm 3 is the first psalm identified with a historical setting: David fleeing from his son Absalom. The opening verses ring with mounting trouble—enemies increasing, adversaries rising, and voices whispering that God has abandoned him. The word "Selah" at the end of verse 2 marks a pause, as if David stops to weigh the despair against what he knows to be true.
The turning point comes in verse 3: "But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head." From that confession flows courage. David recalls that God heard his cry from His holy hill, that he lay down and slept and woke again because the LORD sustained him, and that he will not fear even ten thousand enemies. The psalm closes with a prayer for deliverance and a declaration that salvation belongs to the LORD, whose blessing rests on His people. The major themes are trust, protection, deliverance, and peace in crisis. Practically, the psalm teaches that sleep in the midst of danger is itself an act of faith. The great lesson is that the LORD sustains His people even when the odds are overwhelming.
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 3
LORD, when trouble increases and enemies rise against me, be my shield, my glory, and the lifter up of my head. When voices whisper that there is no help for me in You, silence them with Your faithfulness. I cry to You with my voice—hear me from Your holy hill. Let me lie down and sleep in the confidence that You sustain me, and let me wake to Your mercies new every morning. Though thousands set themselves against me, I will not fear, for salvation belongs to You. Save me, O my God, and let Your blessing rest on me as on all Your people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1What "increasing trouble" feels overwhelming to me right now?
- 2How does verse 5—sleeping and waking under God’s sustaining—speak to my anxieties?
- 3What does it mean that God is "the lifter up of mine head"?
- 4How can the truth that salvation belongs to the LORD quiet my fears today?
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