David’s unwavering confidence in God remains an inspiration to believers in every generation.
In Psalm 3:1-2Psalm 3:1-2 commentary, commentary David begins this psalm with a heading that identifies him in a moment of fear and urgency, revealing the context in which these words were penned: A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. Historically, David reigned as king over Israel from around 1010 BC to 970 BC. His son Absalom, consumed by the desire for power, staged a rebellion that forced David to flee from Jerusalem. This setting underscores how David’s trust in the LORD was tested during one of the most distressing family crises of his reign.
As he departed Jerusalem, David left behind the royal city, situated in the hill country of Judah. Jerusalem held spiritual and political significance as the capital David established. The descent from the capital into places of hiding and uncertainty must have grieved his heart, given both the threat to his kingdom and the betrayal of his own child. Yet, this heading sets the theme for how adversity can drive one deeper into dependence on God, even when some of those adversaries are from one’s own household.
In these words, the text implies David’s trust did not waver; even though he was on the run, he sought refuge in God’s presence. The mention of when he fled highlights a very real human predicament—being hounded by those who wish him harm—and sets the stage for the heartfelt appeal he makes in the following verses.
David’s prayer is revealed in his cry: O LORD, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me (v. 1). Here, the psalmist declares his utter dismay at the sheer number of people who have turned against him. Having once been a celebrated king who united tribes and led a strong nation, David now finds his loyal supporters overshadowed by a growing force of those who seek his downfall. This painful realization underscores humanity’s vulnerability and the fragility of earthly security.
The sense of growing hostility often accompanies moments of crisis in our lives. Like David, we can experience a season where trouble multiplies, friends scatter, and uncertainty looms large. Yet, this verse reminds us that when opposition seems overwhelming, the LORD remains the constant refuge. In the face of adversity, biblical examples such as the trials of Jesus—where the crowds turned against Him leading to the crucifixion (Luke 23Luke 23 commentary)—remind us that the world’s disfavor need not be the final verdict.
In continued desperation, David laments: Many are saying of my soul, ‘There is no deliverance for him in God.’ Selah (v. 2). This shows that not only do his enemies multiply, but they also attack him by casting doubt on God’s willingness or ability to rescue him. It implies a slanderous accusation: if God truly favored David, surely he would not be in such peril. In this way, the psalm illustrates how trials can generate both external threats and internal temptations to question divine faithfulness.
David’s plight also reflects an intense spiritual battle. Although the physical pursuit by Absalom’s forces was very real, hearing so many voices proclaiming that there was no deliverance could have driven fear deeply into his soul. Yet, as other passages show, the LORD’s proven faithfulness does not depend on the opinions of skeptics. God delivered David from Goliath (1 Samuel 171 Samuel 17 commentary) long before David reigned as king, and He would prove Himself a deliverer again, foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance accomplished by Jesus Christ on the cross (John 19John 19 commentary).
David, facing a national crisis, family conflict, and personal humiliation, still turns to the One he knows as his Redeemer—confident that mocking voices do not negate God’s power to save.
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Psalm 3:1-2 meaning
In Psalm 3:1-2Psalm 3:1-2 commentary, commentary David begins this psalm with a heading that identifies him in a moment of fear and urgency, revealing the context in which these words were penned: A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. Historically, David reigned as king over Israel from around 1010 BC to 970 BC. His son Absalom, consumed by the desire for power, staged a rebellion that forced David to flee from Jerusalem. This setting underscores how David’s trust in the LORD was tested during one of the most distressing family crises of his reign.
As he departed Jerusalem, David left behind the royal city, situated in the hill country of Judah. Jerusalem held spiritual and political significance as the capital David established. The descent from the capital into places of hiding and uncertainty must have grieved his heart, given both the threat to his kingdom and the betrayal of his own child. Yet, this heading sets the theme for how adversity can drive one deeper into dependence on God, even when some of those adversaries are from one’s own household.
In these words, the text implies David’s trust did not waver; even though he was on the run, he sought refuge in God’s presence. The mention of when he fled highlights a very real human predicament—being hounded by those who wish him harm—and sets the stage for the heartfelt appeal he makes in the following verses.
David’s prayer is revealed in his cry: O LORD, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me (v. 1). Here, the psalmist declares his utter dismay at the sheer number of people who have turned against him. Having once been a celebrated king who united tribes and led a strong nation, David now finds his loyal supporters overshadowed by a growing force of those who seek his downfall. This painful realization underscores humanity’s vulnerability and the fragility of earthly security.
The sense of growing hostility often accompanies moments of crisis in our lives. Like David, we can experience a season where trouble multiplies, friends scatter, and uncertainty looms large. Yet, this verse reminds us that when opposition seems overwhelming, the LORD remains the constant refuge. In the face of adversity, biblical examples such as the trials of Jesus—where the crowds turned against Him leading to the crucifixion (Luke 23Luke 23 commentary)—remind us that the world’s disfavor need not be the final verdict.
In continued desperation, David laments: Many are saying of my soul, ‘There is no deliverance for him in God.’ Selah (v. 2). This shows that not only do his enemies multiply, but they also attack him by casting doubt on God’s willingness or ability to rescue him. It implies a slanderous accusation: if God truly favored David, surely he would not be in such peril. In this way, the psalm illustrates how trials can generate both external threats and internal temptations to question divine faithfulness.
David’s plight also reflects an intense spiritual battle. Although the physical pursuit by Absalom’s forces was very real, hearing so many voices proclaiming that there was no deliverance could have driven fear deeply into his soul. Yet, as other passages show, the LORD’s proven faithfulness does not depend on the opinions of skeptics. God delivered David from Goliath (1 Samuel 171 Samuel 17 commentary) long before David reigned as king, and He would prove Himself a deliverer again, foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance accomplished by Jesus Christ on the cross (John 19John 19 commentary).
David, facing a national crisis, family conflict, and personal humiliation, still turns to the One he knows as his Redeemer—confident that mocking voices do not negate God’s power to save.