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This psalm written by David at the time of Absalom's revolt, reminds one of the poet's lines -

"Most wretehed men
Are cradled into poetry by wrong;
They learn in suffering what they teach in song.

I. A COURSE OF AGGRAVATED TROUBLE AND DANGER.

1. Caused by a tenderly beloved son. And yet David never mentions him; a sign how deeply he was wounded. The silence tells more than speech would do.

2. Not only his throne, but his life, was in danger. See the account of David's flight in 2 Samuel 15:3. His enemies charge him with being abandoned of God. As well as deserted by the people. His late sin with Bathsheba would make the charge plausible, and tend to shake his faith in God.

II. DAVID'S RESOLUTE FAITH IN GOD.

1. Inspired by his past experience. (Vers. 3, 4.) God had been his Defence, Inspiration, and Help in times past, in answer to his constant cries. "Shield" (Genesis 15:1). "Lifter up of my head." The head hangs down in trouble. "Holy hill:" Zion, where was the ark of the covenant.

2. Inspiring a present sense of peace and security. (Vers. 5, 6.) The Divine arm was his pillow, and he slept; the Divine hand raised him up, and he woke with such a sense of security that he was not afraid of the thousands that were encamped against him.

III. A PASSIONATE CRY FOR HELP AND VICTORY IN HIS PRESENT STRAITS. Urged again by an appeal to the past. "Thou that didst save me from the teeth of the lion and the bear, and didst destroy mine enemies on every side, rise up now for me against them that rise up against me." "Help me, O God!" This is his courageous answer to the mocking exultation of his enemies when they say, "There is no help for him in God. He replies, "To Jehovah belongeth help, or the victory; help, not in this strait only, but help for the needy in all times and in all places.

IV. A NOBLE PRAYER FOE HIS MISGUIDED, REBELLIOUS SUBJECTS. He thought of the horrors of a civil war, and he forgot himself in his anxiety for the welfare of his people. This is royal and generous - when we in our utmost danger can cherish a deep concern for the safety of others. David reminds us of St. Stephen, who, with the spirit as well as the face of an angel, cried, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge;" and preeminently of him who said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." - S.

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Parallel Verses

KJV: {A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.} LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

WEB: Yahweh, how my adversaries have increased! Many are those who rise up against me.