Psalms 3:1

CONTENTS

The title of this Psalm best leads to the contents of it. The first and literal sense of this Psalm should seem to refer wholly to David; but, to an enlightened eye, there is much to be seen in it of Christ. Amidst the afflictions here complained of, There is much of the consolations of Jesus, and his great salvation.

Psalms 3:1

By turning to 2 Samuel 15:1, which I recommend the Reader to do, we shall there find the part of David's life which refers to this history; and, as an history only, it forms a very interesting one. David was now under the chastening hand of God. And what tended greatly to aggravate it, was the consciousness which he could not but have in his own mind, that it was for sin. God had said concerning his transgression in the case of the murder of Uriah, that the sword should not depart from his house; so that David could not but eye God's hand, in the unnatural usurpation of his son Absalom. 2 Samuel 12:10. But Reader, though in the first and general sense of the Psalm, we find David and his trials respecting his son, the subject of it, yet, if we look beyond the King of Israel's history, we shall discern a subject infinitely more important and interesting, in the reference this Psalm hath to the persecution's and afflictions of Jesus. Did not Jesus in the days of his flesh sustain a contradiction of sinners against himself? And was not the Lord of life and glory constrained to the deepest acknowledgements of sorrow, with strong crying and tears, when all his disciples forsook him and fled? Did David at this season when his life was sought for by his son Absalom go up the hill of the Mount of Olives weeping: and will not the Reader recollect how Jesus went forth to the very same spot in the night of his unequalled sorrow, when his life was sought for by his unnatural children, whom he came to seek and redeem? Precious Jesus! how blessed is it to eye thee preeminent in sorrow as also in glory. 2 Samuel 15:30; Hebrews 5:7.