Study Notes

Psalm 3:1-8

Introduction

The note above Psalm 3 says that this is a psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. Why would anyone flee from their own son? David's son Absalom managed to pull the people's hearts away from David towards himself. He used to stand next to the city gate and when anyone had a case that King David was going to hear to make judgment on,

2Sam. 15:1-4 ...Absalom would call to him and say, "From what city are you?" And he would say, "Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel." Then Absalom would say to him, "See, your claims are good and right, but no man listens to you on the part of the king." Moreover, Absalom would say, "Oh that one would appoint me judge in the land, then every man who has any suit or cause could come to me, and I would give him justice."

He was also very friendly and appeared to love people, hugging them and being "on their side."

2Sam. 15:6 And in this manner Absalom dealt with all Israel who came to the king for judgment; so Absalom stole away the hearts of the men of Israel.

When Absalom finally proclaimed himself king, the hearts of the men of Israel were with him.

2Sam. 15:14 And David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, "Arise and let us flee, for {otherwise} none of us shall escape from Absalom. Go in haste, lest he overtake us quickly and bring down calamity on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword."

This is the situation that David was in when he penned Psalm 3.

3:1-2 Adversaries Against Me

David writes that his adversaries have increased. Here in the midst of a terrible trial, things are actually getting worse for him!

2Sam. 15:12 ...the conspiracy was strong, for the people increased continually with Absalom.

More people against him, worse trials, more frequent attacks, bigger problems. It is always so difficult when you're in a trial that seems like it can't get any worse... and then it does.

3:3 The Lord My Shield

Those who had pledged their allegiance to Absalom were convinced that he was God's man to be king. That David's time was done, that his sin had surely separated him from God's blessings. They were convinced that God wasn't about to help David.

It always amazes me how people will so quickly say "Ichabod," the glory has departed, from this church, this ministry, this minister. Funny how when people like me, they say, "God's really blessing," but when they get bitter over something and leave the church in bitterness, they become convinced that God has removed that blessing. One man who left refused even to walk in the door to talk to me, saying that he was shaking the dust from his feet as a testimony against me.

David's enemies were saying, "God's not going to deliver David. He's forsaken David. After all, look at the situation he's in!" But trials and tribulations don't mean you're being forsaken.

John 16:33 "...In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

Acts 14:22 ..."Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."

Rom. 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

James 1:2-3 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

When you're in a trial, don't buy into the lies that say, "God's forsaken you. He's not going to deliver you."

3:4-5 Crying To The Lord

David was doing what he should have been: crying to the Lord. And God was faithful to answer him. How does God answer the cries of his children? After all, David's trial wasn't over. His enemies hadn't repented.

The way God answered David was giving him peace in the midst of the storm. Notice that he writes, "I lay down, I slept, I awoke, God is sustaining me."

Phil. 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Very often God will answer our cries by sustaining us through the trials rather than delivering us from the trials.

Ps. 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me...

God answered David by giving him peace in the trial, enabling him to sleep and rest assured that God was walking with him.

3:6 Not Afraid

The result of knowing that God is with us gives us the comfort and knowledge to know that no matter how many people oppose us, nothing is going to happen that God doesn't allow.

When the King of Aram was angered at the prophet Elisha,

2Kgs. 6:14-17 And he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." And the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

When we have eyes to see that all of these trials are spiritual battles, we will not be afraid, no matter how many are set against us.

3:7 Arise O Lord

Continuing to cry out to the Lord for help, he recalls past victories, times before when the Lord took care of him by smiting his enemies. How helpful it is in the middle of a trial to stop and remember how many times God has come through for us.

Ps. 77:11-12 I shall remember the deeds of the LORD; Surely I will remember Thy wonders of old. I will meditate on all Thy work, and muse on Thy deeds.

Look at the Lord's track record in Scripture and in our lives, we come to realize that the trial we're in is not going to be the one time in history that He fails.

3:8 Salvation Belongs To The Lord

Now David has complete victory. He knows that his salvation and deliverance is only from God, and that it will come. His blessings will be poured out on all who call upon Him.

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