Psalms 3

Hebrew Original begins:

A PSALM OF  DAVID WHEN HE FLED FROM HIS SON ABSALOM,
Some Psalms begin with, A PSALM OF  DAVID others say, FOR DAVID, A PSALM. S.R. Hirsch explains that David sometimes composed his Psalms as a result of Divine Inspiration and in other cases he used the act of composition as a means to reach up to the necessary level.  So to, we can use music and poetry to draw closer to the Almighty and those who are so gifted may even achieve a degree of inspiration through their own composition. S.R. Hirsch points out that this Psalm 3 comes after Psalm 2 in which the peoples of the world are summoned to acknowledge the authority of the future Messiah descendant of David who will impose a universal code of morality on all mankind.  David himself however had transgressed this very code by taking the wife of another (2-Samuel chapter 11). The revolt of Absalom came upon him as punishment for his sin (2-Samuel 12:11). His enemies took advantage of his predicament to close in for the kill. David however repented and  knows that God will draw him out of his present trouble.

[Psalms 3:1] LORD, HOW ARE THEY INCREASED THAT TROUBLE ME! MANY ARE THEY THAT RISE UP AGAINST ME.
[Psalms 3:2] MANY THERE BE WHICH SAY OF MY SOUL, THERE IS NO HELP FOR HIM IN GOD. SELAH.

Many do-gooders apparently claimed that because David  had sinned God had abandoned him.   SELAH is of uncertain meaning. It had musical implications and also connoted "upliftment", "eternity", and/or "reflection".   Or it is "true", something like "Amen".

[Psalms 3:3] BUT THOU, O LORD, ART A SHIELD FOR ME; MY GLORY, AND THE LIFTER UP OF MINE  HEAD.
[Psalms 3:4] I CRIED UNTO THE LORD WITH MY VOICE, AND HE HEARD ME OUT OF HIS HOLY HILL. SELAH.

This is referring to the  Temple Mount.  Even though the Temple had not yet been built it was already recognized as a holy site.

[Psalms 3:5] I LAID ME DOWN AND SLEPT; I AWAKED; FOR THE LORD SUSTAINED ME.

 S.R. Hirsch points out that David was feeling from his son and beset with enemies all around all striving to physically destroy him and all he stood for. The simple act of falling asleep and awaking refreshed was a source of inspiration for him in time of dire trouble. Sleep can have great therapeutic value.

[Psalms 3:6] I WILL NOT BE AFRAID OF TEN THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, THAT HAVE SET THEMSELVES  AGAINST ME ROUND ABOUT.

David was one of the greatest men who ever lived yet numerous people thirsted for his blood.  So too, we should not be disheartened if we encounter opposition or difficulties.

[Psalms 3:7] ARISE, O LORD; SAVE ME, O MY GOD: FOR THOU HAST SMITTEN ALL MINE ENEMIES UPON THE CHEEK BONE; THOU HAST BROKEN THE TEETH OF THE UNGODLY.

 Teeth are very important: - As someone who now lacks many of his own,  I can vouch for it.  A great many people in the UK and Australia before WW2 and in the following generations had bad teeth.  Nowadays the situation is different.  In Israel people have good teeth and generally look after them.  In Biblical Law, A master who caused the loss of a single tooth of his slave had to set the slave free (Exodus 21:27).  I suppose people of a mystical bent could consider loosing one's teeth an atonement (being set free?) or a punishment (ungodly?), or both?  Not only teeth but a persons health in general is a God-given blessing  that we should endeavor to take good care of.

[Psalms 3:8] SALVATION BELONGETH UNTO THE LORD: THY BLESSING IS UPON THY PEOPLE. SELAH.

Israel is the people of God. We should never forget this.

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