Daily Thought

The divinely-inspired title indicates that this psalm relates to the time when David fled from his son Absalom who was leading a rebellion against him.

Psalm 2 speaks of external opposition, whereas Psalm 3 presents internal opposition. It is one of the many psalms where David is in danger and distress. In such depressing circumstances he found solace and encouragement when praying for the Lord’s deliverance; the graphic historical background is in 2 Samuel chapters 15 to 18.

This psalm is closely connected to Psalm 4 with which it has many similarities. Psalm 3 is a morning hymn after spending a safe night in the midst of danger, whereas Psalm 4 is an evening hymn when the danger is still present. David had many desperate situations to face but none more than the heart-rending rebellion through his son, Absalom. David looks for the salvation of the Lord, v. 8. He was a man after God’s heart, and, although he failed, he loved God and desired the best for God’s people, v. 8.

Psalm 3 relates to one of David’s darkest periods due to the Lord’s judgement on him because of his sins with Bathsheba. The Lord said through the prophet Nathan, ‘the sword shall never depart from thine house’, 2 Sam. 12. 10. Nevertheless, he confidently casts himself upon the Lord for deliverance. Even in his desperate situation through Absalom’s disloyalty, he knows that one man/woman with God is a majority! Rebellion in man is matched by resource in God!

David is convinced that all human schemes are incapable of frustrating the Lord’s purposes and expresses a noble attitude towards God’s people. It is encouraging that in dire circumstances the Lord provided associates who highly regarded the king and would gladly lay down their lives for him, 2 Sam. 15. 15, 21. We, too, may feel the presence of misguided opposition and the intensity of betrayal by those near to us, even close relatives. David illustrates that we should rely solely on the Lord who is an ever-present comfort and able to answer the prayers of His servants. As Psalm 3 puts it, trial (vv. 1, 2), leads to trust (vv. 3-7), and concludes in triumph (v. 8).