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Psalms 3 Blessed Assurance in the Lord

1 Psalm 3
A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.
O Lord, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!

2 Many are saying of me,
“God will not deliver him.” Selah

3 But you are a shield around me, O Lord;
you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.

4 To the Lord I cry aloud,
and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah

5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.

6 I will not fear the tens of thousands
drawn up against me on every side.

7 Arise, O Lord!
Deliver me, O my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.

8 From the Lord comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people. Selah

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Analysis of Psalms Chapter 3

Context and Introduction

Verse 1: “LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me.”

Key Insights:

  • Heightened Tension: The verse conveys a sense of urgency; the threat is not just present but growing.
  • Isolation: David feels a profound sense of isolation, abandoned by many of his former supporters.
  • Human Frailty: This verse underscores the human feeling of helplessness when faced with insurmountable odds.

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

Key Insights:

  • Psychological Warfare: The verse highlights a tactic frequently used by adversaries: attacking one’s faith and hope to break their spirit.
  • Divine Abandonment: The notion that even God has forsaken David is a profound assault on his spiritual resilience.
  • Reflection: “Selah” encourages the reader to pause and reflect on the depth of this emotional and spiritual crisis.

Verses 3-4: “But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.”

Key Insights:

  • Divine Protection: Referring to God as a “shield” denotes comprehensive protection—against both physical threats and spiritual despair.
  • Restoration and Dignity: “The lifter up of mine head” symbolizes the restoration of honor and courage.
  • Personal Testimony: David roots his confidence in his experiences of God’s faithfulness, reminding us of the importance of recalling past divine interventions in times of crisis.
  • Pause for Reflection: The second “Selah” invites deeper contemplation of God’s protective and uplifting nature.

Verses 5-6: “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.”

Key Insights:

  • Divine Sustenance: Daily acts of sleeping and waking become testimonies to God’s sustaining power.
  • Renewed Confidence: David’s fearlessness against overwhelming odds highlights his profound faith in God’s protective power.
  • Defiance Against Fear: The verse illustrates a radical shift from paralyzing fear to bold confidence through faith.

Verses 7-8: “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. Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.”

Key Insights:

  • Divine Intervention: The plea for God to “arise” is a direct call for divine action in the midst of crisis.
  • Victory Over the Ungodly: The violent imagery illustrates total victory and the impotence of the wicked against divine power.
  • Sovereignty of Salvation: David acknowledges that ultimate deliverance rests with God, pointing to divine control over human affairs.
  • Communal Blessing: The mention of God’s blessing upon His people extends the psalm’s scope from personal to communal, indicating collective well-being under God’s care.
  • Final Reflection: The concluding “Selah” invites the reader to ponder the complete trust and acknowledgment of God’s sovereign rule in all circumstances.

Overall Themes and Reflections

Themes:

  1. Persecution and Lament: The psalm begins with an authentic portrayal of distress and persecution, capturing the essence of human suffering. It’s a raw depiction of fear, betrayal, and imminent danger.
  2. Faith Amidst Adversity: Despite the overwhelming opposition, David’s faith remains unwavering. He turns to God not just as a last resort but as his fundamental source of protection and strength.
  3. Divine Protection and Sustenance: The imagery of God as a shield and sustainer highlights the dual nature of divine protection—physical safety and emotional uplifting.
  4. Victory and Divine Justice: The depiction of enemies being smitten and broken points to divine justice and the ultimate triumph of the righteous under God’s guidance.
  5. Sovereignty and Trust: The concluding verses affirm that salvation and blessings come from God alone, underscoring the divinely ordained nature of human affairs.

Applications and Lessons

Personal Devotion and Prayer

Faith in Adversity

Reflection and Pause

Communal Assurance

Concluding Thoughts