Psalms 3:1

PSALM III

David complains, in great distress, of the number of his

enemies, and the reproaches they cast on him, as one forsaken

of God, 1, 2;

is confident, notwithstanding, that God will be his protector,

3;

mentions his prayers and supplications, and how God heard him,

4, 5;

derides the impotent malice of has adversaries, and foretells

their destruction, 6, 7;

and ascribes salvation to God, 8.

NOTES ON PSALM III

This is said to be A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.] See the account, 2 Samuel 15:1, c. And David is supposed to have composed it when obliged to leave Jerusalem, passing by the mount of Olives, weeping, with his clothes rent, and with dust upon his head. This Psalm is suitable enough to these circumstances and they mutually cast light on each other. If the inscription be correct, this Psalm is a proof that the Psalms are not placed in any chronological order.

The word Psalm, מזמור mizmor, comes from זמר zamar, to cut, whether that means to cut into syllables, for the purpose of its being adapted to musical tones, or whether its being cut on wood, c., for the direction of the singers what we would call a Psalm in score. This last opinion, however, seems too technical.

Verse Psalms 3:1. Lord, how are they increased that trouble me?] We are told that the hearts of all Israel went after Absalom, 2 Samuel 15:13; and David is astonished to find such a sudden and general revolt. Not only the common people, but his counsellors also, and many of his chief captains. How publicly does God take vengeance for the sins which David committed so privately! In the horrible rebellion of Absalom we see the adultery of Bath-sheba, and the murder of Uriah. Now the words of Nathan begin to be fulfilled: "The sword shall not depart from thy house."