This Psalm purports in the title to be "A psalm of David...” There is nothing in the psalm itself or anywhere else to suggest to the contrary, and so we suggest that the title be accepted as authentic.  The title further claims that David fleeing from Absalom, his son, occasioned it.  This is taken to mean either that it was written then, or with that event in mind.  "The flight of David, which is supposed to be referred to here, is described in II Samuel 15-18.  Absalom rebelled against his father; gathered together a great number of the disaffected in the kingdom; and under pretence of performing a vow which he had made, obtained permission to go to Hebron, having given instructions to his followers to meet him, and having made arrangements to be proclaimed king there." (Barnes).

Title -- A Psalm of David -- literally, belonging to him, that is belonging to him as author.  When he fled -- as he was fleeing, or concerning the flight.  From Absalom -- his son who tried to usurp the throne from him.

1 Lord, how are they increased -- The idea is multiplied, how numerous they are.  It is almost as though at first David thought his enemies to be but a few but now, at long last, he realizes the vastness of their number.  that trouble me! -- lit. "my enemies".  Those who were then enlisted in the service of his son, Absalom.  many are they that rise up against me -- those that have become his enemies.

2 Many there be which say of my soul -- The idea must include not only his soul in the classic sense of the word (as pertaining to the inner man), but also of his life.  Many were speaking of his life, or rather, his dying.  Compare this thought with II Samuel 17:1-4.  There is no help for him in God -- The idea is that even should David turn to God, there he would find no assistance.  He was totally powerless.  Whenever one faces one in whose power he places no confidence, he will fight all the more to gain the victory, not fearing defeat.  David now realizes his terrible plight.  Selah -- of this word, little is known (although much has been written).  Suffice it to say that the probable meaning is eternity, or at least a pause.  David seems to insert the word, as other psalmists, to indicate that the reader (listener) should pause and meditate on the thought just expressed.  David, presumably, sees a desperate picture, much like the Lord when he said, "I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how I am straightened till it be accomplished".

3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; -- Despite the desperation of the situation, David found protection in Jehovah.  my glory, -- Jehovah is the source of all honor and glory, and David properly ascribes any that he might have had to Jehovah.  and the lifter up of my head. -- David's head, as ours would be, is bowed down in despair at his plight.  God stepped in to lift it, so as to indicate victory in the face of seeming defeat.

4 I cried unto the Lord -- As he always did, and as we all should, David indicated that he turned to the only One powerful enough to deliver him from the troubles of this low land of sin and strife.  with my voice, -- He not only thought his prayer to God, but he gave voice to it.  There is strength in verbal prayer.  and he heard me -- What comfort to the afflicted!  We have the assurance of God's ears as well, as "the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16).  out of his holy hill.  That is, out of heaven.  Despite the seeming weakness of the penman, God on High could hear him and would come to his aid.  Selah.  Stop and think about it…

5 I laid me down and slept; -- His troubles and cares could not outweigh the confidence and consolation that comes from righteously turning to God.  I awaked; -- Safe and secure in the arms of a loving God, David did not perish during sleep.  for the Lord sustained me. -- Jehovah had kept him from danger.  We see here David returning thanks unto whom thanks was due.

6 I will not be afraid -- David realized the protection he had from God, and this moved him to courage.  It should be noted that even if he would have died, provided his standing was upright in God's sight, God would allow no harm to come to him in death, rather a reward.  of ten thousands of people, -- lit. "myriads".  This is indicative of a great multitude of enemies, although not taken to be an indication of the actual number of those set against him.  that have set themselves against me -- spoken of those in rebellion against him.  round about. -- It is as though he feels "hemmed in" on every side.  It was as though he were a wild animal, whose every route of escape had been cut off.

7 Arise, O Lord; -- He is calling God to action, summoning Him, as it were, to do the work He had to do.  save me, O my God: -- Despite his confidence in the saving power of God, David saw himself as still being surrounded by his enemies; and, he was now calling on God to do that which he believed Him able to do:  deliver him from his enemies.  for thou hast smitten all mine enemies -- David here seems to refer to what God had done for him in the past; i.e. as he had formerly delivered him, so deliver him now.  upon the cheek-bone; -- The reference is to the custom of slaying wild beasts as tigers and lions by breaking out their teeth, thus rendering them unable to devour their prey.  thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. -- those whose aims and purposes were opposed to and against the aims and purposes of Jehovah.

8 Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: -- He realized his own inability to save himself, and further that his only hope lay in God.  We, too, are in a similar condition as relates to sin.  Apart from God, we have no hope.  thy blessing is upon thy people. -- rather, "Thy blessing be upon thy people", making this a prayer rather than a statement.  David is pleading with Jehovah to show forth His support for the one who served him faithfully.  Selah.  Again, we take this as indicating a time for reflection, a time to allow the truth just considered to “sink in”.

QUESTIONS:  PSALM THREE

 1. To whose pen is this Psalm attributed?
 2. What occasioned the writing of this Psalm?
 3. Who were the ones troubling David?
 4. What 3 things did David say God did for him in verse 3?
 5. With what did David cry unto the Lord?
 6. What did God do concerning this cry?
 7. Where was God when David cried unto him?
 8. Of whom would David not be afraid?
 9. Unto whom does salvation belong?
10. What does Selah mean?