Psalms 3

King James Version

Full text for Psalms Chapter 3

1¶ 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.

2Many [there be] which say of my soul, [There is] no help for him in God. Selah.

3But thou, O LORD, [art] a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

4¶ I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

5I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

6I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set [themselves] against me round about.

7Arise, 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.

8Salvation [belongeth] unto the LORD: thy blessing [is] upon thy people. Selah.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

David, facing numerous adversaries who mock his trust in God, expresses his deep distress. Despite the overwhelming opposition, he declares his unwavering faith in the Lord as his shield, glory, and sustainer. He confidently prays for deliverance, affirming that salvation belongs solely to the Lord.

Medium Summary

Psalm 3 opens with David lamenting the multitude of enemies who trouble him, specifically those who declare that God will not help him. Despite this widespread opposition and scorn, David asserts his faith, proclaiming the Lord to be his shield, his glory, and the one who lifts his head. He recounts crying out to God and being heard from His holy hill, demonstrating a direct relationship with the divine. David further illustrates his peace by noting that he laid down, slept, and awoke, sustained by the Lord's power. This confidence leads him to declare fearlessness even against vast numbers of people. The psalm concludes with a plea for God to arise and save him, coupled with an affirmation that salvation is solely of the Lord, whose blessing rests upon His people.

Long Summary

Psalm 3, a psalm of David when he fled from his son Absalom, begins with a poignant cry of distress, as David observes the vast increase of those who trouble him and rise against him. He notes the particular sting of his enemies' taunt: "There is no help for him in God," highlighting the spiritual dimension of his affliction. Yet, immediately following this lament, David pivots to a powerful declaration of faith, asserting that the Lord Himself is his shield, his glory, and the one who lifts his head from despair. He testifies to the efficacy of prayer, stating that he cried unto the Lord with his voice and was heard from God's holy hill, signifying divine attentiveness and presence. This assurance of God's care is further exemplified by David's ability to lie down, sleep peacefully, and awaken, knowing that the Lord sustained him through the night despite the surrounding danger. Such divine sustenance instills in him profound courage, enabling him to declare that he will not be afraid of ten thousands of people arrayed against him. David then petitions the Lord to arise and save him, recalling God's past interventions where He smote his enemies and broke the teeth of the ungodly, invoking God's historical power and justice. The psalm culminates in a foundational theological statement: "Salvation belongeth unto the LORD." This final declaration underscores God's sovereignty over deliverance and blessing, affirming that His blessing is perpetually upon His people, providing a source of hope and security amidst any tribulation.

Core Concepts

  • Distress and OppositionDavid faces numerous adversaries who mock his faith, highlighting the overwhelming nature of his troubles, particularly in the context of fleeing Absalom.
  • Divine ProtectionGod is described as David's shield, glory, and the lifter of his head, signifying His role as protector, source of honor, and restorer of hope.
  • Efficacy of PrayerDavid's cry to the Lord is heard from His holy hill, demonstrating the direct and responsive nature of God to His servant's petitions.
  • God's Sustaining PowerDavid's ability to sleep peacefully and awaken, sustained by the Lord, illustrates God's active preservation and care even in times of extreme danger.
  • Fearlessness in FaithDespite being surrounded by ten thousands of enemies, David declares he will not be afraid, attributing his courage to his trust in the Lord.
  • Sovereignty of SalvationThe psalm concludes with the declaration that "Salvation belongeth unto the LORD," emphasizing that deliverance and blessing originate solely from God.