THE CHEEK BONE … THE TEETH

The violent imagery of these verses may shock the reader accustomed to New Testament exhortations to turn the other cheek and ‘love your enemies’, Matt. 5. 39, 44. Nevertheless, it is understandable when the context of this psalm is grasped. Throughout his life, David was often threatened by danger­ous enemies, such as Saul and the Philistines, 1 Sam. 17. 1; 19. 1. He was well acquainted with the hard pathway of the refugee, and repeatedly faced persecution and the rigours of exile. In Psalm 3, he was in mortal danger from his disloyal son Absalom, who was joined in his mutiny by some of David’s own former officials, 2 Sam. 15. 12. To have one’s own family members and past friends turn on one is especially hard to bear. The Lord Jesus was all too familiar with this sort of oppo­sition, Ps. 69. 8; Mark 3. 21.

Such betrayal was not only personally heart-breaking, it was also contrary to God’s law. David was the Lord’s anointed, and therefore was the divinely ordained ruler of the land. To revolt against his authority was in reality an act of war against God. Crimes like these demand strong action and harsh punishment. Admittedly, striking the cheek (some authorities translate it as ‘jaw’) and breaking the teeth are strong metaphors. Neverthe­less, in light of the sin of these violent usurpers, who wantonly spoke against David and sought his destruction, the penalty cer­tainly fits the crime. They spoke against the rightful king, v. 2, thus they should be slapped in the face. More than simply a per­sonal offence against David, it was also an affront to the Almighty; therefore, his cry goes beyond individual vengeance to divine justice.

Psalm 3 records David’s personal feelings during a difficult time, but also demonstrates God’s justice in action. What is more, verse 7 tells of the Lord’s proven record of delivering the beleaguered king and others like him, saying ‘thou hast smitten’ - this is something that He has done in the past. He fights for His people, defending them from their enemies, and eventually puts down the wicked. His methods may seem harsh until one remembers that sin is heinous and merits severe judgement.