Psalm 3

“Lord, how numerous are my enemies! Many attack me. Many say about me, “God will not deliver him.” (Selah) But you, Lord, are a shield that protects me; you are my glory and the one who restores me. To the Lord I cried out, and he answered me from his holy hill. (Selah) I rested and slept; I awoke, for the Lord protects me. I am not afraid of the multitude of people who attack me from all directions. Rise up, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Yes, you will strike all my enemies on the jaw; you will break the teeth of the wicked. The Lord delivers; you show favor to your people. (Selah)”

— ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭8‬‬ 

I can’t read this psalm without hearing the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir version put to music. (It’s more fun to sing it)

2 Samuel 15:13-17 is Absalom’s rebellion and pursuit of David. We could dwell on what it means to have a child try to kill you. But this has happened throughout history…a coup for the throne. Keep in mind this is Israel, near the height of the empire. All as a result of sinning against Bathsheba and Uriah.

So many are attacking the psalmist. They are mocking him and his God. Can God deliver him? Pause for reflection. David (assuming it’s him) has seen this unfold time and time again, so he has confidence, but I imagine every time it can’t be easier.

YHWH is a shield, a refuge. Mark Futato’s book on Psalms shows how YHWH as king implies him as refuge in books 4-5 of Psalms. These ideas flow from the ideas laid out in Psalm 1-2. Seeing Psalms with some sort of literary structure is necessary at times. Adds some flavor to the book.

You are my glory—Also flows from Psalm 2. God gives honor and glory to the king. David is not dependent on his own status. He knows this position comes from YHWH

He cries to the Lord for restoration. He hears him from Jerusalem/Zion. This is where God “lives.” It may show God’s favor/blessing, even after David’s sin

David can sleep and rest in the middle of danger, because God sustains him. God is with him. The presence of God continues to be source of peace. Cf Ps 23

God will break the jaw of the wicked. David has confidence of deliverance. It’s always interesting to read the imprecatory psalms, where David prays for God to crush his enemies, too. This may still be in line with OT promises. As in, God will be faithful to His people. God blesses the obedient and repentant. Those who oppose God and His people are the unjust. So, I wouldn’t suggest praying this. Our enemies are not flesh and blood, but we can have confidence in the presence, goodness, strength, and deliverance of God. He is our refuge as king.