Psalm 3

text

Psalm 3 BSB

1 O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me! 2 Many say of me, “God will not deliver him.” Selah 3 But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. 4 To the LORD I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy mountain. Selah 5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me. 6 I will not fear the myriads set against me on every side. 7 Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. 8 Salvation belongs to the LORD; may Your blessing be on Your people. Selah

General observations:

Title: reveals circumstances of writing - when David fled from Absalom (2 Samuel 15-17); the prayer of v. 4 may be David’s prayer that God would frustrate the plans of Ahithophel, the traitor.

Written by David

A Prayer to the LORD

“Selah” meaning (probably a musical term - pause, interlude, etc.) - 3x here, after v. 2, 4, & 8

What does this Psalm say about God (His character, works, & promises)?

He is the one to whom we pray (v. 1, 4, 7)

He is “a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head” (v. 3)

He hears and answers prayer (v. 4)

He sustains us (v. 5)

He is the Savior or Rescuer or Deliverer (v. 7-8)

He is the judge of the wicked (v. 7)

He is the rewarder of the righteous (v. 8)

What does it say about people (identity & actions)?

People oppose the righteous (v. 1)

People mock God (v. 2)

People will be judged by God (v. 7)

What emotions or feelings are expressed?

Confidence (v. 3)

Peacefulness (v. 5)

No fear (v. 6)

Desperation (v. 7)

Is there a Theme or Key Verse that stands out to you?

v. 3 - the reality of who God is in spite of who the enemies think He is

v. 4 - God as the one who hears and answers the prayers of His people

What comparisons or contrasts do you notice?

v. 2-3: contrast of what the enemies say about God and what He’s actually like

v. 1-2: Enemies arise vs. v. 7-8: God arises

What other observations do you have?

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Christ Connections

Title, v. 1 - unjustly pursued and mistreated by His own people

v. 1 - many foes - Jewish leaders, sanhedrin, Pilate, Romans, others

v. 4 - “to the LORD I cry aloud” - His words on the cross?

v. 5 - sleep and awaken - foreshadowing the resurrection?

v. 7 - judgment of enemies (judgment against Israel in A.D. 70, final destruction of wicked)

v. 8 - following the suffering of the Righteous one come salvation and blessing for God’s people (all who turn from sin and trust Him)

Applications: In what ways do I need to change based on the truth God reveals here?

(Desires / Feelings, Thinking, Speaking, or Acting)

I must trust God despite my circumstances because He is in control and He is good. I don’t need to be afraid.

Prayer ought to be my go-to response when suffering or mistreatment happens

What prayers can we make based on this Psalm?

Confession - I often forget to trust You, Lord, and turn elsewhere for help instead of turning to You first. Lord I believe, help my unbelief!

Praise - I praise You, God, for your amazing power and control over all things.

Thanks - Thank You, Lord, for protecting me and taking such good care of me.

Petition - Please help me to trust You more and live today by faith, not by sight.