1 A Psalm of David, on his fleeing from the face of Absalom his son.
2 Jehovah, how have my persecutors multiplied! Many are rising up against me.
3 Many are saying concerning my soul, “There is no deliverance for him in God.” Selah.
4 But thou, Jehovah, [art] a shield round about me; my glory and the lifter up of my head.
5 I cry [with] my voice unto Jehovah, and he answereth me from the mountain of his holiness. Selah.
6 I have lain down and slept, I have awaked; for Jehovah sustaineth me.
7 I will not be afraid of myriads of people which round about have set themselves in array against me.
8 Arise, O Jehovah, save me, O my God; for thou hast smitten all mine enemies [on] the cheek: thou hast broken in pieces the teeth of the wicked.
9 To Jehovah [belongeth] salvation: thy blessing [is] upon thy people. Selah.
Notes on Psalm 3
Here, though it be only the general principle, it is a momentous starting-point. The historical fact that gave occasion is stated in our title, the first verse in the Hebrew: “a psalm of David, on his fleeing from the face of Absalom his son.” No enemy is so trying as the traitor in the midst of God’s people; and the nearer to the king, the more of pain, sorrow, and shame. The king also had known more than one profound humiliation, never one so heart-breaking, yet so public, as this. But in him it was far from being unalloyed; in Christ it was in every sense purer and deeper sorrow. His Spirit operates so that His own may unaffectedly and without presumption make His words theirs. The first word settles all questions, and silences all fears; “Jehovah!” No doubt the dangers look great. But the righteous one is calm, far from the least self-reliance. His one feeling is confidence in Jehovah (ver. 3). Nor is true confidence silent (ver. 4). Then and there the saint can rest and rise unperturbed (vers. 5, 6). It is not doubt but faith that bade him say, “Arise, O Jehovah, save me, O my God; for thou hast smitten all mine enemies [on] the cheek; thou hast broken in pieces the teeth of the wicked” (ver. 7). His confidence anticipates, and, in the spirit of prophecy, sees the end from the beginning. “To Jehovah [belongeth] salvation; thy blessing [is] upon thy people. Selah.” The Christian can sing in still loftier strains. We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.