Psalms 3

David complaineth of the multitude and insolence of his Enemies; conforteth and encourageth himself against it by his confidence in and relying on God, and the manifold experience of his experience of his gracious assistance in former times; and Prayeth for his own and the churchs salvation.

1. A Psalm of David, when he fled before the face of his Absalom.

2. O LORD how are mine adversaries multiplied? [For all the Tribes almost were fallen off to Absalom. See 2 Sam.15.10,11,12. And 17.11,13, 24, &c.] many do rise up against me.

3. Many do say of my soul; [i.e. of me, of my person, see Gen.12.on v.5. Oth. Unto my soul] He hath no salvation [The Hebrew word, signifying salvation, or preservation, hath a letter more here then ordinary, which some do hold to imply an emphasis or exaggeration, and render it, no salvation at al] by God. Sela! [The music, which was used by the people of God in the Old Testament being not known now, there are different opinions about this particle Sela: yet most conceive, that it served to intimate a peculiar stirring, and devotion of the heart, which the enditer (inspired going; which also in the reading, rehearsing and singing, were to be expressed accordingly, with attentive raising, lifting up and strengthening, or slacking and falling of the voice: it is commonly found at the end of the verses, save Psa.55.20. and 57.4. and hab.3.3, 9. Where is standeth in the middle.]

4. But thou, LORD, art a shield for me, [Or unto me, what sides, or in what manner so ever the Enemies may assault me; see Gen.15.1. Deut.33.29. Psa.84.12.] mine honour, [i.e. the Author of mine honour] and he that lifteth up my head [i.e. that by gracious Deliverances, Victories and Triumphs, enableth me to look up cheerfully; or to shew my face with cheerfulness. See Psal.27.6. and 110.7.]

5. I called with my voice unto the LORD, and he heard me from the hill of his holiness, [(as above Psa.2.6.) viz. Where the Ark of the LORD was: see 2 Sam.15.on v.32. This David speaketh of former times, grounding himself thereon, that God would not forsake him, neither at present, in regard of the promises he had made him.] Sela! [see above v.3.]

6. I laid (me) down and slept: I awakened, for the LORD supported me. [This kind of expression doth imply a very quiet, secure and safe condition or estate, wherein one needeth to fear no hurt nor danger, enjoying a good conscience before God, and casting the care of all upon him. See Lev.26.on v.6. Job.11.19. Psa.4.9. Prov.3.24. Ezek.34.25.]

7. I shall not fear before ten thousand of the people, that set themselves against me round about.

8. Arise, LORD, [Spoken of God, after the manner of men: as we use to say to such as sit still, and put no hand to the work; get you up, and fall to your work; or up and about your business: So David here entreateth God that he would be pleased speedily to take in hand the work and perfecting of his salvation.] Save me my God, for thou hast smitten all mine Enemies upon the jaw-bone, [i.e. thou hast here to fore put all them that persecuted me wrongfully to open shame and confusion: Now do the like, I pray to these also. Compare Job 16:10.] thou hast broken the teeth of the wicked. [See Job 29.on v.17.]

9. The salvation is the LORDS: [Or, by, (with) the LORD, i.e. unto him it belongeth, or appertaineth to save and deliver: by him alone there is deliverance, preservation, victory ad salvation: both for my self (he meaneth) and for all the godly. This he opposeth against the saying of his Enemies, above v.3.] Thy blessing is [or, be] over [or, upon] thy people. Sela! [see above v.3.]