Overview: (NET)Psalm 3. The psalmist acknowledges that he is confronted by many enemies (vv. 1–2). But, alluding to a divine oracle he has received (vv. 4–5), he affirms his confidence in God’s ability to protect him (vv. 3, 6) and requests that God make his promise a reality (vv. 7–8).
Background: (NET) According to Jewish tradition, David offered this prayer when he was forced to flee from Jerusalem during his son Absalom’s attempted coup (see 2 Sam 15:13–17).
Observations:
1. (NET) The function of the Hebrew term סֶלָה (Selah), transliterated here “Selah,” is uncertain. It may be a musical direction of some kind.
Selah is indicated the end of a section and it is at the end of v.2, 4 and 8. Therefore, v.1-2 section A, v.3-4 section B, and v.5-8 the last section.
2. The emotion in v.1-2 is fearful and being ridicule.
v.1-2 idea of "many" repeated x3, "multitude" and "from all directions" v.6." David could have lost his kingship to his son who rebelled against him. He was informed about the rebel and ran away. Obviously, their enemies were more numerously than the people of David.
3. The emotion in v.3-4 is totally opposite to the previous section. David was worshiping because when he cried out to God, God answered him. (NET, "Sometime after the crisis arose, the psalmist prayed to the Lord and received an assuring answer. Now he confidently awaits the fulfillment of the divine promise.")
Reflection: In difficult time do you turn away from the dangers and worship God? Can you turn your emotion around because you know that God will protects me because He had answered you before?
4. In this last section, David explains why he is so confident that he can sleep in the midst of the crisis situation.
3:5 I rested and slept;
I awoke, for the LORD protects me.
3:6 I am not afraid of the multitude of people
who attack me from all directions.
David is fully confident because:
a. For God is able to deal with the enemies. v.7
Rise up, LORD!
Deliver me, my God!
Yes, you will strike all my enemies on the jaw;
you will break the teeth of the wicked.
(NET), "The expression break the teeth may envision violent hand-to hand combat, though it is possible that the enemies are pictured here as a dangerous animal.
b. David was very confident because
3:8 The LORD delivers;
you show favor to your people
David knew that he is one of His people and God will deliver His people. NET, "In this context God’s “blessing” includes deliverance/protection, vindication, and sustained life (see Pss 21:3, 6; 24:5)."
Reflection: can you rest because you know that God is there in your dangerous situation e,g, Covin -19? Are you confident in His ability? Are you confident because you know He cares?
Summary: Ps 1 is about worship, Ps 2 is about the Lordship of God, Ps is about salvation (the concept or the word of deliverance is the same as salvation in New Testament).
We face danger, but we turn to God. He will pull us out of the situation and help us out. It is because He is able and because we belongs to Him. We can rest in Him.
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