Triumph in ones darkest hour

David fleeing Absalom his Son

Psalms 1–72: An Introduction and Commentary Psalm 3. The Dark Hour

This is the first psalm to bear a title (see Introduction, pp. 47ff.), and is one of fourteen that are thereby linked with historical episodes, all in the life of David (Pss 3, 7, 18, 30, 34, 51, 52, 54, 56, 57, 59, 60, 63, 142). His flight from Absalom is recounted in 2 Samuel 15:13ff.

Davis was dealing with a

A. Rising wave of disloyalty

B. Perception that God had withdrawn from him II Sam 15:26

David cried out to the Lord because of his enemies.

A. Note the generic plural reference to those who troubled David.

B. He was devastated over his Sons treason but spoke of many more than his son.

C. They mocked his relationship with God Psalm 3:2

Psalm 3:2 KJV 1900

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

2 Samuel 16:8 KJV 1900

The Lord hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the Lord hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man.

The blessing of the enemies is it forces one to draw nearer to God in humble dependence.

David is found (he finds himself) when all is lost!

In this case perception was not reality. David’s way down was with his murder of Uriah and Adultery with Bathsheba. The irony of this was it was there very point at which he was at the peak of his world power. Many calamities followed this tragic sinful abuse of his power, not the least of which his own son seeking to dethrone him.

Commentary on the Old Testament Psalm 3

His kingdom is taken from him, but Jahve is his glory. With covered head and dejected countenance he ascended the Mount of Olives (2 Sam. 15:30), but Jahve is the “lifter up of his head,” inasmuch as He comforts and helps him. The primary passage of this believing utterance “God is a shield” is Gen. 15:1 (cf. Deut. 33:29). Very far from praying in vain, he is assured, that when he prays his prayer will be heard and answered.

David turns to God in humble dependence.

A. But- The strong contrast, the jarring correction of the perception is stated in v3.

B. God was a shield from all attacks.

C. God was the healer and encourage r “The lifter up of my head”

David finds a God who hears! v4,5

A. this is a call for all who have been hurt, and abandoned, to cry out to the God who hears!

B. I cried out = I shouted, leaving the image of a child screaming in fear and desperation for their fathers help.

C. Though driven from the temple, the presence of God, he could still have confidence in his God. The God who was still in the holy of holies was hearing and acting on his behalf. No barrier wither space or created things can succeed in keeping Gods children from Him.

D. David then finds rest for his soul and mind pictured in his ability to sleep and wake rested because he rested in the loving care of his God.v5

David Receives courage in the Character of God!

A. I am not afraid

B. of ten thousand people- of overwhelming odds because I serve a God who hears, protects, and cares for me!

C. Aris, O lord save me- The cry of David is one of confidence for he has witnessed His Lords rescue at times before.

D. For you have smitten could be translated you are the one who is characterized as smiting (destroying ) the enemy. This is who he is and what he does for his children.

David rewards evil with good! v8

A. David directs praise and depedence towards God who provides and is salvation.

B. David then appeals for a blessing upon the people of the nation “blessings upon thy people. Selah” (God be lifted up).