Psa. 3:0 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.
The events that prompted this Psalm are told beginning in 2Samuel 15. His son Absalom and former members of David’s support base conspired to take over the kingdom, forcing David to flee from Jerusalem with those who remained loyal to him.
I liked Ironside’s observation: “David, the true king, was rejected and Absalom, the usurper, was reigning; and that is the condition of things now. Our Lord Jesus, the true King, is rejected and an usurper is on the throne; so we can expect suffering and sorrow. David’s experience pictures in a very wonderful way what the people of God will go through during the day of the Lord’s rejection.”
Psa. 3:1 LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
Psa. 3:2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
David is facing many troubles and is overwhelmed by the number of his enemies, and it results in his decision to basically abdicate the throne and flee. The Hebrew references “trouble” as being in a tight place, affliction, feeling crowded. David’s enemies are mocking him as one seemingly rejected by his God—the God he so honored and praised in his many songs.
David’s enemies mirror those in the world today that draw the same conclusion when true followers of the LORD go through times of trouble. They conclude that the LORD is not faithful or is not interested enough to take care of His followers or that the trouble must evidence God’s disfavor.
Selah = a suspension of music, a pause
Psa. 3:3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
David has not lost confidence in the Lord in spite of the circumstances. His faith is in God as his shield (protector), his glory (the source of his honor and riches), and the lifter up of his head (the one with the power and authority to place him in an exalted position).
The Hebrew for “shield” references “the scaly hide of the crocodile.” This seems to reference complete protection, not just a piece of armor that provides partial protection.
Psa. 3:4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
David is confident that when he cries out to the Lord in prayer, he is heard. Why? Because he knows that God honors His word and will keep his promises to David.
2Samuel 7:28-29 And now, O Lord GOD, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant: Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.
This truth is affirmed by the prophet Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Psa. 3:5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
Psa. 3:6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
David’s is so secure in his faith in the Lord that he is able to lay down in peaceful sleep. He awakens with confidence that it is God who is sustaining him. Though his enemies are numerous, he would not be afraid if they were tens of thousands in number. I am sure that these verses reference lessons learned while being hunted by Saul, determined to wait upon the LORD’s timing to make David king.
Psa. 3:7 Arise, 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.
It was interesting to look at the Hebrew for the word “arise”; it included “accomplish, confirm, make good, perform, strengthen, and succeed” among others. This is a call from David to the Lord asking Him to show Himself as Almighty God on David’s behalf. Even as he cries, David speaks of his request as a deed already accomplished.
Psa. 3:8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
David began this Psalm with a troubled spirit and ends it with a spirit of praise and confidence in “YHWH.” He knows that his deliverance will come through God’s sovereignty. He also knows that this deliverance will result in blessing upon the people of Israel since David will rule as a follower of God and will continue to point the people to God through word and example.
One of the reasons the Psalms of David are so wonderful is because he is so transparent with his heart. He’s vulnerable, he’s weak, he gets under the circumstances---but inevitably he ends up by expressing his faith and trust in God as righteous and faithful and true--The Source of all that he needs or wants.
It’s wonderful to be able to relate to a man with faults like me and know that God could still consider him a man “after God’s own heart.”
Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
Psa. 4:0 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David.
NLT: “For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.”
“Neginoth” = “instrumental music…a stringed instrument; by extension, a poem set to music….”
Psa. 4:1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
“mercy” = to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e. move to favor by petition):
David is calling out to God for mercy in a time of distress, a time of trouble. The word “hear” means more than listen; it means to listen attentively and respond with an answer, an action. David recognizes that he can only be righteous and prosperous as the Lord provides for him. The word for “distress” implies being in a tight, narrow place. David is saying that it is the Lord who gives him relief by enlarging him, giving him room to breathe and be comforted; he knows this from past experience. David is acknowledging God’s power and authority and recognizing his helplessness before and dependence upon the Lord by asking for mercy.
Psa. 4:2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
“leasing” = falsehood, deceitful
David is speaking to the men of Jerusalem, of Israel. It would seem that David is bothered by the actions of the people that separate them from himself as a follower of God. God is the one who has honored him. When they dishonor David as King, they are in effect dishonoring God. Their time and efforts are spent in participating in worthless activities, following lies and allowing themselves to be deceived.
“Selah” = suspension (of music), a pause
Psa. 4:3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
David is declaring his confidence in God. He knows that he has been set apart for God’s purpose as one who is godly (kind, good, and merciful). He is confident that God will answer him when he calls out to Him for deliverance and comfort.
This is a truth that is important to every Christian today. We have been “set apart” as God’s representatives to the world to share His truth and His love. As we serve Him in obedience, He will supply our every need as we call out to Him in prayer.
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Psa. 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
“awe” = to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)
After looking up the word “awe,” I immediately thought of the following verse: Ephesians 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.
Reminder - David is talking to the men of Jerusalem, of Israel. He is telling them that anger or fear is not an excuse for sin. He wants them to be honest with themselves and recognize their need for repentance as they reflect on their character in the still of the night. He is encouraging them to exercise self-discipline and faith in God.
“commune with your own heart”- That is a phrase with which I greatly identify. The problem is that the heart is “deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9). One of the things to which I most look forward in eternity is being able to know that my heart is pure and free from sin and deceit.
Psa. 4:5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
True repentance will result in responding to God with a sincere heart. A person can go through the motions of performing a sacrifice without a right heart attitude. David is encouraging these men to repent and obey God and live in a way that shows that you are sincerely trusting YHWH.
Samuel gave the same message to Saul when he disobeyed the Lord after conquering the Amalekites.
1Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
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Psa. 4:6 There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
“countenance” = face
I think David is speaking of people who realize, along with him, that you cannot depend upon man for right treatment. Their only hope for good (the Hebrew denotes the best things) is through the mercy of YHWH. For YHWH to lift up his countenance upon them is understood as being in a position of blessing as stated in Numbers.
Numbers 6:23-26 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Spurgeon: “If we have the favour of God, and know that we have it, we need ask for nothing else, for every other blessing is assured to those who have the favour of God.”
Psa. 4:7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
David’s expression becomes personal praise for the Lord at this point. He credits the Lord for the extreme joy, gladness and pleasure that he is experiencing in his heart—a joy that exceeds the kind of joy produced in those, even his enemies, who experienced great harvests (which was a source of great joy in the lives of the people of that time).
Psa. 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
David is so secure in his faith in the Lord that he is confident of a peaceful night’s sleep. His heart is right with God, so he isn’t plagued by guilt or unrest. He isn’t worried about possible evil; he knows that his safety and security rest firmly in YHWH’s control. As mentioned in the previous psalm, I believe this is something David learned while running from Saul and waiting for the LORD to make him king.