Psa 3 | MHM | STEP | David’s Prayer When Fleeing from Absalom This psalm was written during one of the hardest times in David’s life, when he ran away from his son Absalom, who wanted to take both his throne and his life (2 Samuel 15–16 ). David was deeply sad, weeping as he climbed the Mount of Olives, but even then, he found comfort in prayer and praise to God. He showed that even in pain, we can still sing to God. David was also in great danger, as the plot against him was strong and led by his own son. Yet, these troubles brought him closer to God, not further away. He was hurt by the betrayal of people he loved—his son and his subjects—but he remained calm and focused on God. David knew his suffering was partly the result of his own sin concerning Uriah (2 Samuel 12:11 ), but he did not give up hope in God’s mercy. Even though some may have thought he was weak for running away, David’s true courage was his faith in God. This psalm teaches us to seek God when we are in distress and to trust Him even when everything seems lost. v. 1 : David tells God about his trouble. He says, Lord , how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! He is surprised by how many people have turned against him, even though he had been a good king. The number of enemies kept growing, just like a snowball rolling downhill. This teaches us that we should not depend too much on people’s support, because it can change quickly. Even Jesus, the Son of David, faced many enemies (Psalm 146:3 ).

‏ Psalms 3

David’s Prayer When Fleeing from Absalom

This psalm was written during one of the hardest times in David’s life, when he ran away from his son Absalom, who wanted to take both his throne and his life (2 Samuel 15–16 ^a). David was deeply sad, weeping as he climbed the Mount of Olives, but even then, he found comfort in prayer and praise to God. He showed that even in pain, we can still sing to God. David was also in great danger, as the plot against him was strong and led by his own son. Yet, these troubles brought him closer to God, not further away. He was hurt by the betrayal of people he loved—his son and his subjects—but he remained calm and focused on God. David knew his suffering was partly the result of his own sin concerning Uriah (2 Samuel 12:11 ^b), but he did not give up hope in God’s mercy. Even though some may have thought he was weak for running away, David’s true courage was his faith in God. This psalm teaches us to seek God when we are in distress and to trust Him even when everything seems lost.

v. 1: David tells God about his trouble. He says, Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! He is surprised by how many people have turned against him, even though he had been a good king. The number of enemies kept growing, just like a snowball rolling downhill. This teaches us that we should not depend too much on people’s support, because it can change quickly. Even Jesus, the Son of David, faced many enemies (Psalm 146:3 ^c).

v. 2: David says his enemies are not only many but also very cruel. They say, There is no help for him in God. Some people thought David’s problems meant God had left him, like Job’s friends did. Others believed David was so hopeless that even God could not save him. They tried to make David doubt God’s help, saying these words to his soul (Psalm 11:1; 42:10 ^d). This was the hardest part for David, since he trusted God deeply. David brings these cruel words to God, just like Hezekiah showed the enemy’s letter to God. David asks God to answer by saying, I am your salvation (Psalm 35:3 ^e). The word Selah is used here, meaning to pause and think about this.

v. 3: Despite everything, David puts his trust in God. He says, But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. God protects him like a shield on every side (Genesis 15:1 ^f). Even if others take away his honor, God gives him true glory (Isaiah 60:19 ^g). David believes that God will lift up his head, either by rescuing him from trouble or giving him joy and strength during it. When God’s people find joy even in hard times, they know it is God who gives them hope and courage.

When we read or sing this psalm, we should remember the dangers from spiritual enemies that try to turn us away from God. We should also pray for the church, which faces attacks everywhere. Most of all, we should take courage in God, who protects His people and will one day give them victory and honor.

Confidence in God.

In this section, David reflects on how trusting in God brought him comfort during difficult times. He remembers both past experiences of God’s help and looks forward with hope, even though he is surrounded by trouble. David wants us to see how faith in God can give us peace, courage, and confidence even when everything seems against us.

v. 4: David remembers that his problems always led him to prayer. He says, I cried unto God with my voice . Difficulties and sadness are good for us if they teach us to pray honestly, not just with words but from the heart. God understands silent prayers, like when Hannah prayed without speaking out loud (1 Samuel 1:13 ^h). He does not value prayers that are only for show (Isaiah 58:4 ⁱ), but real cries from the heart matter to Him.

v. 5: David also remembers that God always answered his prayers. He says, He heard me out of his holy hill (Psalm 3:4 ^j), which means God responded from heaven, or from the ark on Mount Zion. Even when David was far away from the ark, he trusted that God could still hear and answer him. God’s power and grace cannot be limited by any distance. Through the promises God made, and through Christ who is King on the holy hill of Zion (Psalm 2:6 ^k), our prayers can be heard.

David says, I laid myself down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me . This can mean the simple blessing of sleeping safely each night. Many people do not have a safe place to sleep, or they are too worried or sick to rest. Some people go to sleep and do not wake up again, but David was able to sleep and wake up because God protected him. It can also mean David’s peace of mind during danger. Because he trusted God, he was able to rest calmly, even when everything around him was scary. Some people also see this as a picture of Jesus’ resurrection: Jesus suffered, died, and was buried, but God raised Him up on the third day because He had not abandoned Him.

v. 6: David remembers how God often defended him from his enemies. He says, You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; you have broken the teeth of the ungodly (Psalm 3:7 ^l). God stopped his enemies from hurting him, putting them to shame and taking away their power. When enemies seem strong, we should remember how many times God has already protected us and how He can always defeat those who oppose His people.

v. 7: Because of what God has done before, David looks ahead with courage. He says, I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about (Psalm 3:6 ^m). Even if he is surrounded by many enemies, David is not scared. He trusts that they cannot really hurt him, and he refuses to let fear control him. He used to be unsure of what would happen, but now his faith gives him peace and confidence. Trusting God helps us stay calm, even in trouble.

v. 8: David’s prayers become stronger. He asks God, Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! (Psalm 3:7 ⁿ). Even though David believes God is his Saviour, he still prays for help. God’s promises encourage us to pray more, not less. David ends with hope: Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessing is upon Your people (Psalm 3:8 ^o). God alone can save, and He promises to bless His people. Even if others criticize or attack those who belong to God, His blessing remains on them.

When we read and pray these words, we should remember how much peace and hope we find by trusting in God. We can encourage ourselves and others to keep hoping and waiting for God’s salvation.