Thoughts on Psalm 3

In 2 Samuel 15 Absalom, David’s son, has exalted himself and conspired to take the throne of his father by drawing the men of Israel away in his leadership to stand against and overthrow his father David. He sets himself up as a seemingly wise and just judge at the gates in Jerusalem decrying his father’s leadership before the men of Israel and then he takes leave to Hebron to establish himself leader of Israel. The historical context of Psalm 3 is found in 2 Samuel 15-19.

David begins by telling of the oppression he faces (vv.1-2). The men of Israel have joined with Absalom against him, and even some of those close to David in his court. There is also those who decry David before God saying that the judgment of God has broken out against David so that there is no salvation for David from the Lord. David certainly is suffering under the justice of God due to his sin against Uriah and Bathsheba, but not for anything he has done against the house of Saul as is spoken in 2 Samuel 16:8. There may be times in the lives of God’s children where they face great oppression from others. This may be due, as in this instance, to the consequences of sin. David is here suffering because of the consequences of his own sin and in his sin in relationship to his son Absalom. But there may also be times of suffering great oppression from men, not because of any sin on one person’s part, but for the sake of righteousness or because one bears the reproach of Christ as one who is alive in Him. We must never think that while we remain in this world we are free from suffering under the oppression of others. This is the way of the cross while we remain in this world, yet it is the way in which God turns our hearts to Himself as He did His servant David.

My favorite word in Scripture begins David’s next thoughts, “But”. Here David sets in contrast the oppression of men (vv.1-2) with the blessing of God toward those who are His (vv.3-6). David knows God as His protectorate. He does not trust in himself or his mighty men. He knows the Lord Sabbaoth is His name and that the glory of God in power and goodness is toward him. Here David knows that he is a sinner but one who has been cleansed and forgiven. The consequences of sin remain, but the Lord lifts up his head because David trusts in Him for a righteousness that is not his own. And so David can cry aloud to the Lord and be heard because he cries as one by faith believing that God exists and is the rewarder of those that seek Him. David knows God is his salvation and so he seeks him through his appointed means of sacrifice at His holy hill, Zion. Therefore in the midst of oppression David trusts not in man but God who is his Protector, Encourager, Savior and exalted King. This is why he can lay down and sleep in peace (v.5) and rise up without fear of man (v.6). We want to be those who sleep in peace and not fear man, but we rise up in the world and look to the world and man. Therefore we are restless without peace and we fear man at every turn. But the eyes of our hearts must run to God who is over all our lives and a shield round about us, the one who cleanses our hearts of sin through the blood of Christ and cleanses our consciences through his sprinkled blood so that we can draw near to him with a full assurance of faith into the presence of his glory where he lifts our heads and lets us rest.

It is the Lord of glory that rises against all our enemies to bring them under his and our feet in order that we may live in his kingdom forever (v.7). When the Lord arises against our enemies in the power of his might with salvation in his hands there is no foe in heaven or on earth that can stand against us. He delivers them all to impotence by his great omnipotence and his children stand and watch the salvation of our Lord. As indwelling sin oppresses, it is the Lord who arises to destroy it’s power and pollution. As the philosophies, attractions and oppressions of this world stand before us with promise and curses; it is the Lord who arises to overcome this world and establish us in his kingdom. As the prince of the power of the air seeks to oppress the children of God, it is the Lord who arises to crush the head of the dragon. It is the Lord who fights for his children. He is the Lord of salvation and his salvation brings his blessing upon all who trust in him. Come, all who are sorely oppressed and find rest for your souls under the mighty, wise and good hand of our Lord and King Jesus Christ.