Psalm 3 (Word English Bible)
A Psalm by David, when he fled from Absalom his son.
1 Yahweh, how my adversaries have increased!
Many are those who rise up against me.
2 Many there are who say of my soul,
“There is no help for him in God.” Selah.
3 But you, Yahweh, are a shield around me,
my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
4 I cry to Yahweh with my voice,
and he answers me out of his holy hill. Selah.
5 I laid myself down and slept.
I awakened, for Yahweh sustains me.
6 I will not be afraid of tens of thousands of people
who have set themselves against me on every side.
7 Arise, Yahweh! Save me, my God!
For you have struck all of my enemies on the cheekbone.
You have broken the teeth of the wicked.
8 Salvation belongs to Yahweh.
Your blessing be on your people. Selah.
Background and Context of Psalm 3
Psalm 3 is one of the psalms attributed to King David and is unique because it is one of the few psalms with a superscription that explicitly connects it to a specific event in David’s life: his flight from his son Absalom (see 2 Samuel 15–18).
Historical Context:
- Absalom, David’s son, rebelled against him, seeking to overthrow him as king. This led David to flee Jerusalem in sorrow and humiliation.
- David’s enemies had grown in number, and even some close allies had joined Absalom’s rebellion. Many openly doubted David’s ability to recover, claiming, “There is no help for him in God” (verse 2).
- Despite his despair, David exhibits trust in Yahweh’s protection, deliverance, and blessing.
Themes:
- Trust in God as Protector: David acknowledges God as his “shield” (v. 3), even amid overwhelming opposition.
- God as Deliverer: David confidently calls on God to act against his enemies, reflecting his deep trust in Yahweh’s justice and salvation (vv. 7–8).
- Peace in God: Despite his trials, David experiences peace, exemplified in his ability to sleep soundly, knowing God sustains him (v. 5).
Structure of the Psalm:
- Verses 1–2: David’s lament over the growing number of his adversaries.
- Verses 3–6: A declaration of trust in God as his protector and sustainer.
- Verses 7–8: A plea for deliverance and acknowledgment of God’s ultimate authority over salvation.
Prayer Inspired by Psalm 3
Heavenly Father,
You are my shield, my glory, and the lifter of my head. Even when I am surrounded by challenges and opposition, I place my trust in You. Just as David rested in Your care during times of distress, grant me peace that surpasses all understanding. Arise, O Lord, and fight the battles I cannot fight alone. Deliver me from all evil, for salvation belongs to You alone. Let Your blessings flow over Your people. I rest in Your promises, knowing You sustain me each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🙏✨
Five Questions to Test Your Understanding of Psalm 3
- What specific event in David’s life is Psalm 3 associated with?
- How does David describe God’s role in his life during adversity?
- What does David mean when he says, “You are a shield around me”? How does this relate to his situation?
- What emotions or attitudes does David express in this psalm? How do they change from beginning to end?
- What is the significance of the phrase “Salvation belongs to Yahweh” in the context of David’s circumstances?
Is Psalm 3 Referenced in the New Testament?
Psalm 3 itself is not directly quoted in the New Testament, but its themes—such as God being a shield, deliverance from enemies, and ultimate trust in His salvation—resonate throughout the teachings of Christ and the apostles. The concept of trusting God during trials and His role as a deliverer is echoed in passages like Romans 8:31 (“If God is for us, who can be against us?”) and Ephesians 6:16 (the “shield of faith”).