◄ Psalm 3 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Deliver Me, O LORD! (2 Samuel 15:13–29) A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom. 1 O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me! 2Many say of me, “God will not deliver him.” Selaha 3But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. 4To the LORD I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy mountain. Selah 5I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me. 6I will not fear the myriads set against me on every side. 7Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. 8Salvation belongs to the LORD; may Your blessing be on Your people. Selah Footnotes: 2 a Selah or Interlude is probably a musical or literary term; here and throughout the Psalms. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 3 Summary Deliver Me, O LORD! Verses 1–2 – Rising Enemies, Piercing Doubts David feels surrounded: “O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me! Many say of me, ‘There is no salvation for him in God.’”. The rush of “many” conveys the sheer size of the threat and the taunt that God Himself has abandoned the king. Verse 3 – The Shielding Glory “But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.” David answers the sneer with a three-fold confession: God protects, honors, and restores dignity. Verse 4 – Cry and Reply “To the LORD I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy mountain.” The distance between exile and Zion is bridged by prayer; the ark may be in Jerusalem, but God’s ear is everywhere. Verses 5–6 – Rest Amid Chaos “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me. I will not fear the myriads set against me on every side.” Security shows up in something as ordinary as a night’s sleep, proving faith’s practical power. Verses 7–8 – Arise, Deliver, Bless “Arise, O LORD! Save me, my God. Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the LORD; may Your blessing be on Your people.” The psalm ends by handing the fight to God and widening the plea to include the whole nation. Psalm 3 is a song of David, composed during one of his most challenging periods when his own son Absalom led a rebellion against him. This psalm provides a glimpse into David's heart and his unwavering faith amidst adversity. It explores the themes of despair, divine intervention, the protection of God, and ultimately, deliverance. Historical Setting Psalm 3 is the first psalm to carry a superscription: “A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom.” The rebellion is recorded in 2 Samuel 15–18. David left Jerusalem by the Kidron Valley, climbed the Mount of Olives barefoot and weeping, and camped in the wilderness east of the Jordan. His own son’s coup multiplied adversaries and accusations, matching the double “many” of verses 1–2. Archaeological Insights • City of David excavations reveal narrow streets and walls that could be quickly overrun, explaining David’s hasty nighttime escape. • Iron-Age Judahite shields, found at sites like Khirbet Qeiyafa, were small, round, and leather-covered—portable yet effective, a fitting metaphor for God’s mobile protection. • Inscriptions showing the Hebrew root yasha (“save”) appear on seals and jar handles from the monarchic era, underscoring salvation as both royal and divine prerogative. Literary Structure and Style 1. Complaint (vv 1–2) 2. Confession of trust (v 3) 3. Testimony of answered prayer (v 4) 4. Peaceful confidence (vv 5–6) 5. Petition and praise (vv 7–8) The symmetrical move from fear to faith and back to battle mirrors Israel’s constant cycle of crisis and rescue (cf. Judges 2:16–19). Key Words and Images • Shield (Hebrew magen) links to Genesis 15:1 (“I am your shield”) and Ephesians 6:16 (“shield of faith”). • Glory reflects the honor God restores to the humiliated king (cf. Psalm 62:7). • Arise echoes Numbers 10:35, Moses’ cry whenever the ark advanced: “Rise up, O LORD!” • Break the teeth is stock imagery for disabling predators (Psalm 58:6), reducing an enemy’s bite to a harmless gum. Connections to Other Scriptures • 2 Samuel 15–18 supplies the narrative backdrop. • Psalm 4 is often paired as an evening prayer, making Psalm 3 the morning counterpart. • Isaiah 26:3–4 promises perfect peace to the one whose mind is fixed on God, much like David’s overnight calm. • Matthew 8:24–26 portrays Jesus sleeping through a storm, embodying divine tranquility amid danger. Messianic Echoes David’s enemies claim God has forsaken him, foreshadowing the mockers at the cross: “He trusts in God; let God deliver Him now” (Matthew 27:43). Yet, just as David rose to a new morning, Jesus rose from the grave, proving that “salvation belongs to the LORD.” Practical Lessons for Today • Hostile voices may be loud, but God’s word outranks them. • Pray first, plan second—David’s strategy begins with a cry, not a counterattack. • Rest can be an act of faith; a Christian’s sleep testifies to God’s watch. • Personal deliverance should spill over into corporate blessing (“Your people,” v 8), moving believers from self-focus to community care. Psalm 3 and Ancient Warfare Hand-to-hand battles relied on shields and close-quarters strikes, making a broken jaw or shattered teeth decisive. David is not applauding cruelty; he is asking God to end his enemies’ ability to harm. Use in Worship History Early Jewish tradition placed Psalm 3 among morning prayers. Many churches still read it at sunrise services or personal devotions, reinforcing the rhythm: night confides fears, dawn declares trust. Outline for Teaching or Preaching 1. The Size of the Problem (vv 1–2) 2. The Character of God (v 3) 3. The Power of Prayer (v 4) 4. The Gift of Peace (vv 5–6) 5. The Call for Action (vv 7–8) Conclusion Psalm 3 invites believers to trade panic for prayer, regain their footing in God’s shield-like glory, and greet every sunrise with confidence that salvation, finally and forever, “belongs to the LORD.” Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:31 What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Teaching Points Context of Crisis Psalm 3 is set during a tumultuous period in David's life, highlighting the reality that even the most faithful can face severe trials. O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me! (Psalm 3:1). Acknowledgment of Adversity David openly acknowledges the multitude of his enemies and the discouragement they bring. This honesty in prayer is crucial for a genuine relationship with God. God as a Shield Despite the threats, David declares his trust in God as his protector. But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head (Psalm 3:3). Confidence in God's Response David's confidence is rooted in his past experiences of God's faithfulness. I cry aloud to the LORD, and He answers me from His holy mountain (Psalm 3:4). Peace Amidst Turmoil Trusting in God allows David to find peace and rest, even when surrounded by danger. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me (Psalm 3:5). Victory through God David concludes with a declaration of God's power to save and deliver. Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! For You strike all my enemies on the cheek; You break the teeth of the wicked (Psalm 3:7). Practical Applications Honest Prayer Approach God with honesty about your struggles and fears, trusting that He hears and cares for you. Trust in God's Protection In times of trouble, remind yourself that God is your shield and defender, capable of lifting you above your circumstances. Rest in God's Sustenance Find peace in the knowledge that God sustains you, allowing you to rest even when life feels chaotic. Declare God's Victory Speak words of faith, declaring God's power and victory over the challenges you face. People 1. David The author of the psalm, identified in the superscription as "A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom." David is the central figure, expressing his distress and trust in God during a time of personal crisis. 2. LORD (Yahweh) Referred to as "LORD" in the BSB, this is the covenant name of God, derived from the Hebrew "YHWH." David calls upon the LORD for deliverance and protection, acknowledging Him as his shield and the one who lifts his head. 3. Absalom Although not directly mentioned in the verses of the psalm, Absalom is referenced in the superscription. He is David's son, who led a rebellion against him, causing David to flee. This context is crucial for understanding the psalm's background. Places 1. Mount Zion While not explicitly mentioned in Psalm 3, Mount Zion often represents God's holy hill or dwelling place in the Psalms. In verse 4, the psalmist says, "I cried aloud to the LORD, and He answered me from His holy mountain." The Hebrew term for "holy mountain" (הַר־קָדְשׁוֹ, har-qodsho) can be associated with Mount Zion, a central place of worship and God's presence in Jerusalem. 2. The Wilderness The context of Psalm 3 is King David fleeing from his son Absalom, which likely involved traversing wilderness areas. While the wilderness is not directly mentioned in the text, it is a significant backdrop in the narrative of David's flight (2 Samuel 15-18). The wilderness often symbolizes a place of testing and reliance on God in the Hebrew Bible. Events 1. David's Distress and Enemies David begins by expressing his distress over the multitude of enemies rising against him. ^"O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me!"^ (Psalm 3:1) The Hebrew word for "foes" (צָרַי, tsaray) indicates adversaries or oppressors, highlighting the overwhelming nature of David's predicament. 2. Doubt and Discouragement David notes that many are saying there is no help for him in God. ^"Many say of me, 'God will not deliver him.'"^ (Psalm 3:2) The term "deliver" (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshuah) is rooted in salvation or rescue, emphasizing the doubt cast on God's willingness to save. 3. God as Protector and Sustainer David declares his trust in God as his shield and the one who lifts his head. ^"But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head."^ (Psalm 3:3) The word "shield" (מָגֵן, magen) signifies protection, while "glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod) refers to honor or weightiness, indicating God's majestic support. 4. Crying Out and Answered Prayer David recounts how he cried out to the Lord and was answered from His holy mountain. ^"To the LORD I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy mountain."^ (Psalm 3:4) The phrase "holy mountain" (הַר קָדְשׁוֹ, har kodsho) refers to Zion, symbolizing God's presence and authority. 5. Peaceful Rest and Divine Sustenance David describes lying down and sleeping, sustained by the Lord. ^"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me."^ (Psalm 3:5) The verb "sustains" (סָמַךְ, samak) conveys support and upholding, reflecting God's continuous care. 6. Confidence in the Face of Adversity Despite the multitude of enemies, David expresses confidence and fearlessness. ^"I will not fear the myriads set against me on every side."^ (Psalm 3:6) The term "myriads" (רִבְבוֹת, rivvot) indicates a vast number, underscoring the magnitude of opposition. 7. Call for Deliverance and Divine Justice David calls upon the Lord to arise and deliver him, striking his enemies. ^"Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked."^ (Psalm 3:7) The imagery of striking and breaking (שָׁבַר, shavar) conveys a decisive act of divine justice against the wicked. 8. Acknowledgment of Salvation and Blessing David concludes by affirming that salvation belongs to the Lord and pronounces a blessing on His people. ^"Salvation belongs to the LORD; may Your blessing be on Your people."^ (Psalm 3:8) The word "salvation" (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshuah) reiterates the theme of deliverance, while "blessing" (בְּרָכָה, berachah) signifies favor and prosperity bestowed by God. Lessons from Psalm 3 1. Trust in the Lord's Protection Psalm 3 begins with David's cry for help as he faces overwhelming enemies. Yet, he confidently declares, "But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head" (Psalm 3:3). This verse reminds us that no matter the challenges we face, God is our ultimate protector. Trusting in His shield means we can face life's battles with courage and assurance. 2. God Hears Our Cries David's plea in Psalm 3:4, "To the LORD I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy mountain," assures us that God is attentive to our prayers. When we call out to Him, He listens and responds. This lesson encourages us to maintain a vibrant prayer life, knowing that our Heavenly Father is always ready to hear and answer. 3. Rest in God's Peace Despite the turmoil surrounding him, David finds peace, saying, "I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me" (Psalm 3:5). This teaches us that true rest comes from trusting in God's sustaining power. When we place our burdens on Him, we can experience peace that surpasses understanding, even in the midst of chaos. 4. Fear Not the Multitudes David boldly states, "I will not fear the myriads set against me on every side" (Psalm 3:6). This lesson encourages us to stand firm in faith, regardless of how daunting our circumstances may appear. With God on our side, we need not fear any opposition, for He is greater than any force against us. 5. Salvation Belongs to the Lord In Psalm 3:8, David proclaims, "Salvation belongs to the LORD; may Your blessing be on Your people." This powerful truth reminds us that our ultimate deliverance and hope come from God alone. It is a call to rely on His saving grace and to share the message of salvation with others, knowing that He desires to bless His people. 6. God is Our Glory David refers to God as "my glory" in Psalm 3:3. This teaches us that our true worth and honor come from our relationship with God. In a world that often measures success by external achievements, we are reminded that our identity and value are rooted in being children of the Most High. 7. Lifted Heads in Adversity The phrase "the One who lifts my head" (Psalm 3:3) paints a picture of God restoring dignity and hope. When life tries to bring us down, God lifts our heads, giving us the strength to face each day with confidence. This lesson encourages us to look to Him for encouragement and renewal. 8. The Power of God's Presence David's assurance in God's presence is evident throughout Psalm 3. This presence is a source of comfort and strength, reminding us that we are never alone. As we cultivate an awareness of God's presence in our lives, we can navigate challenges with a sense of peace and purpose. 9. The Importance of Faithful Prayer David's example of crying out to God highlights the importance of consistent and heartfelt prayer. By bringing our concerns to God, we invite His intervention and guidance. This lesson encourages us to develop a habit of prayer, trusting that God is actively working in our lives. 10. Blessings for God's People The closing verse, "May Your blessing be on Your people" (Psalm 3:8), is a reminder of God's desire to bless His followers. As we walk in obedience and faith, we position ourselves to receive His abundant blessings. This lesson inspires us to live in a way that honors God, knowing that His favor is upon us. Topics 1. David's Distress and Enemies Psalm 3 begins with David expressing his distress over the multitude of enemies rising against him. The Hebrew word for "enemies" (צָרַי, tsaray) conveys the idea of adversaries or foes who are causing him trouble. David's lament highlights the overwhelming nature of his situation: "O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me!" (Psalm 3:1). 2. Doubt and Discouragement The psalm continues with David acknowledging the discouragement from those who claim that God will not deliver him. The phrase "There is no salvation for him in God" (Psalm 3:2) reflects the Hebrew word יְשׁוּעָה (yeshuah), meaning salvation or deliverance. This doubt is a significant theme, as it challenges David's faith in God's protection. 3. God as a Shield and Protector Despite the doubts, David affirms his trust in God as his shield and protector. The Hebrew word מָגֵן (magen) is used to describe God as a shield, emphasizing His role in providing safety and defense: "But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head" (Psalm 3:3). 4. Crying Out to the Lord David describes his action of crying out to the Lord and receiving an answer. This reflects a deep, personal relationship with God, where David confidently seeks divine intervention: "To the LORD I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy mountain" (Psalm 3:4). 5. Peace and Rest in God's Protection The psalm highlights the peace and rest that come from trusting in God's protection. David's ability to lie down and sleep, despite his circumstances, signifies his confidence in God's sustaining power: "I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me" (Psalm 3:5). 6. Fearlessness in the Face of Adversity David expresses a fearless attitude, even when surrounded by numerous adversaries. This courage stems from his faith in God's deliverance: "I will not fear the myriads set against me on every side" (Psalm 3:6). 7. Prayer for Deliverance The psalm concludes with a prayer for deliverance and a declaration of God's power to save. David calls upon the Lord to arise and deliver him, using the Hebrew word יָשַׁע (yasha), which means to save or deliver: "Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God!" (Psalm 3:7). 8. Acknowledgment of God's Blessing Finally, David acknowledges that salvation and blessing come from the Lord. The psalm ends with a recognition of God's sovereignty and the blessing He bestows upon His people: "Salvation belongs to the LORD; may Your blessing be on Your people" (Psalm 3:8). Themes 1. Distress and Adversity The psalm begins with David expressing his distress due to the multitude of enemies rising against him. The Hebrew word for "enemies" (צָרַי, tsaray) emphasizes the pressing and adversarial nature of his situation. ^“O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me!”^ (Psalm 3:1) 2. Doubt and Derision David's adversaries express doubt in God's deliverance, highlighting a theme of derision and scorn. The Hebrew term for "deliverance" (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshuah) is significant, as it is often associated with salvation and victory. ^“Many say of me, ‘God will not deliver him.’ Selah”^ (Psalm 3:2) 3. Divine Protection and Honor Despite the adversity, David acknowledges God as his shield and source of honor. The Hebrew word for "shield" (מָגֵן, magen) conveys protection and defense. ^“But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.”^ (Psalm 3:3) 4. Prayer and Assurance David's response to his distress is prayer, and he expresses assurance that God hears him. The act of crying out and being heard is central to the relationship between the believer and God. ^“To the LORD I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy mountain. Selah”^ (Psalm 3:4) 5. Peace and Rest Despite the turmoil, David finds peace and rest, trusting in God's sustaining power. The Hebrew root for "sustain" (סָמַךְ, samak) implies support and upholding. ^“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me.”^ (Psalm 3:5) 6. Courage and Confidence David expresses courage and confidence in the face of overwhelming odds, trusting in God's deliverance. ^“I will not fear the myriads set against me on every side.”^ (Psalm 3:6) 7. Divine Intervention and Justice David calls upon God for intervention and justice against his enemies, reflecting a theme of divine retribution. The imagery of breaking the teeth of the wicked symbolizes the defeat and disempowerment of his foes. ^“Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.”^ (Psalm 3:7) 8. Salvation and Blessing The psalm concludes with a declaration of God's salvation and blessing upon His people, emphasizing the communal aspect of divine favor. ^“Salvation belongs to the LORD; may Your blessing be on Your people. Selah”^ (Psalm 3:8) Prayer Points Thanksgiving for God's Protection Thank God for being your shield and protector in every situation. Strength to Trust Pray for the strength to trust in God's faithfulness, even when circumstances seem dire. Peace in Turmoil Ask God to grant you peace and rest, knowing that He sustains you through every trial. Victory over Adversity Pray for God's deliverance and victory over the challenges and adversaries you face. As we reflect on Psalm 3, may we be encouraged to trust in God's unfailing protection and find peace in His sustaining presence. Answering Tough Questions 1. Psalm 3:1 references David fleeing Absalom—where is the archaeological evidence confirming this historical event? 2. How can Psalm 3:3 describe God as a literal shield if such protection contradicts observable natural laws? 3. Psalm 3:4 claims God answers from “his holy mountain”—why is there no scientific confirmation of divine communication from a specific location? 4. Does Psalm 3:7, which portrays God striking enemies, conflict with other biblical passages emphasizing mercy or nonviolence? 5. If Psalm 3 assures the faithful of protection, why do many believers still face hardship or unanswered pleas today? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does David describe his enemies in the initial verses? How might this relate to challenges or adversaries you face today? 2. How does David transition from expressing despair to acknowledging God’s protection? What causes this shift in perspective? 3. What role does prayer play in David's journey through adversity? How might prayer be a source of strength in your own life? 4. Despite his situation, David is able to sleep peacefully. What does this tell you about the nature of his faith? 5. How does David's expression of God as his shield relate to your own understanding of God's protection? 6. How does David's faith influence his response to his enemies? 7. In what ways does Psalm 3 encourage you to handle present-day adversities? 8. How does David's affirmation that salvation belongs to the Lord influence your understanding of deliverance? 9. How can you apply the lesson of seeking God's intervention in your life, as David did in verse 7? 10. How does David's blessing of peace on God's people at the end of the psalm reflect his confidence in God's care? 11. What does Psalm 3 teach about the role of faith in overcoming fears? 12. How does the context of this Psalm (David fleeing from Absalom) enhance your understanding of David's faith and desperation? 13. In your life, how can you use David's example to maintain faith during difficult times? 14. How can you echo David's recognition of God's salvation in your own life? 15. How does this Psalm speak to the reality of suffering in the believer's life? 16. What elements of David's relationship with God can you apply in your personal relationship with Him? 17. How can David's experience inspire you to handle betrayal or adversity from close relations, as was the case with Absalom? 18. How does the trust and confidence David had in God inspire you in your faith journey? 19. How would you put into your own words the declaration in verse 8, "Salvation belongs to the Lord"? 20. What is one practical step you can take to apply the lessons from Psalm 3 in your daily life? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions