Psalm 3: A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.
Many of you who listening to this message remember your writhing agony of September 11, 2001. You can vividly recall the horrific images that were blasted across our TV screens, computer screens, magazines and newspapers. It was a day of infamy. These painful images will be recalled again and again this week as media sources revisit this tragedy.1 19 terrorists from an Islamic group called “al Qaeda” hijacked 4 airliners to carry out suicide attacks against our nation. They were part of a much larger conspiracy to attack the political and economic nerve centers of the United States. The terrorists flew a Boeing 767 loaded with 20,000 gallons of jet fuel into the 80th floor of the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. Then, less than 20 minutes later, more terrorists flew another Boeing 767 into the 60th floor of the south tower. These crashes and the resulting fires ultimately destroyed the World Trade Center, killing 2,763 people including 403 first responders.
Al Qaeda militants flew a Boeing 757 into the Pentagon building in Washington, D.C. killing 125 members of the military and 64 people onboard. A fourth attack (apparently headed for the Capitol building in Washington) was stymied by the brave passengers of United flight 93 which crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. 44 people died in that crash. Those of you who remember these painful events also remember your shock and outrage. And recent events in our nation have re-opened old wounds. Given the nature of our national leadership, many of us wonder if the new generation of Americans will endure the same tragedies. In the face of those fears, Psalm 3 shows us how to exercise faith in the Lord. Here we see God’s power in answer to a believer’s prayer in the face of persecution and propaganda. You can embrace the Lord by prayer when powerful enemies gather around you.
A Psalm 1 Believer in a Psalm 2 World
In a series entitled, “The Glory of God” we examined this psalm together in a message entitled, “O Lord My Glory” (click here) and notes here. Psalm 3 is the first psalm with a title: “A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.” This refers to the conspiracy of Absalom, Ahithophel and others described in 2 Samuel 15-18. Just try to imagine the pain that David went through when he understood the treachery of his own flesh and blood. As we noted in a previous message, David undoubtedly spent some time in serious self-examination during and after this incident. For our purposes in this message, it is helpful to note the position of Psalm 3 in the psalter. Psalms 1 and 2 have been referred to as “the gateway psalms.” Psalm 1 describes the godly, blessed man in contrast to the unrighteous. Psalm 2 describes the nations and rulers of the world as they conspire against the righteous King. When you read these two psalms together, you get a basic introduction to all of the psalms. Righteous believers live among belligerent rebels. How should they then live? What troubles will befall the godly? How can the faithful be conquerors rather than casualties in dark days characterized by disobedience and despair? Where should we place our trust when we are faced with treachery?
Using Psalm 1 and Psalm 2 together is much like having two eyes. Two eyes give you a wider field of view and depth perception; this is especially helpful in perceiving something or someone who is camouflaged. Using two eyes helps you to see people or things in their larger context and see shades of difference.3 So as you read the psalms, it’s helpful to open your eyes through Psalm 1 and Psalm 2. This becomes immediately apparent in Psalm 3 when King David is faced with conspiracies within his own ranks. Rulers and “want-to-be rulers” set themselves against God’s anointed king. We have sung Psalm 2 and Psalm 3 on many occasions to remind ourselves of these realities.
LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. 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. Salvation belongs unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah. (Psalm 3)
The Miseries of a Child of God, vs. 1,2 and 6
The Scriptures plainly describe the miseries of a child of God. In 2 Timothy 3:12, Paul reminded Timothy that all who want to live a godly life through Jesus Christ will be persecuted. How can believers persevere in the face of such persecution? Paul wrote to the Romans, “For whatever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). Among those things which were written in the Old Testament is Psalm 3. What can we learn from Psalm 3 to help us persevere in persecution?
Troublemakers who cause you trouble
“…how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me.” (v.1)
“…that have set themselves against me round about.” (v.6).
David freely admitted the truth: those who sought to make trouble for him were increasing. This was not an empty, poetic observation, but a reflection of the truth. His enemies were gathering around him. What did he do, and what should you do when you find yourself in this situation? It’s important to learn how to embrace the Lord in prayer when powerful enemies gather around you.
Trials that test the nature of your trust
“…Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.” (v.2)
Enemies routinely use propaganda to try to weaken and discourage an enemy. This is exactly what many of us are hearing from the media and from pagan enemies. In a recent violent attack on an outdoor prayer meeting, members of Antifa taunted the group with these words, “Where is your God now?”6
The Marrow of the Message, vs. 1-8
The single most important aspect of this psalm is the view of God that it portrays. Think of it as the marrow of the message. The word “marrow” usually refers to the innermost substance of a bone. To say, “the marrow of the message” means “the inmost, best, or essential part: core.”2 What is the inmost, best or essential part of Psalm 3? It is the nature or character of our God. To help you capture the view of God in this psalm, try writing your own biography of God. For instance, you could record a summary biography of God in a journal we call “The Character of God Journal” (available here).
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Using this means, you could read, record, retain and review this most important aspect of the Word of God. You could fellowship with the God of the Word by knowing Him better. In this service we will show you how to use this form and record the video for your future use.
LORD, vs. 1, 3, 4, 5, 7. 8
This word “LORD” (in all caps) translates the personal name of God, and His most frequently used name in the Scriptures (occurring 5321 times) in the Old Testament. In English, His name is commonly translated as “Jehovah.” Scholars have spent a good deal of time discussing the actual meaning of this name; they are trying to discover which Hebrew verb is at the root of this name. Some say the name means, “Self-existent One.” As one author noted, “As to the meaning of the name, we are safer if we find the character of God from his works and from the descriptions of him in the Scripture rather than to depend on a questionable etymology of his name.”4 This is a helpful explanation. Sometimes the Scriptures express who God is, but they also frequently show us who God is by describing what He does.
In Psalm 3 the LORD is the One whom David knew could help him. The LORD is the believer’s Protector and Encourager. The LORD hears the voice of His children when they cry unto Him. The LORD sustains His own and strikes His ungodly enemies. He alone is the Savior – deliverance is His privilege alone. Every other view of God in Psalm 3 flows directly out of this understanding of the LORD.
PROTECTOR (Shield) v. 3 In a recent message, we studied the Shield of Faith, part of the Christian’s complete armor. Just as in Proverbs 30:5, Psalm 3 instructs us to turn to the LORD as our Protector, our shield. Taking a firm grip on the shield of faith is essential, especially when the enemies of God insist, “There is no help for him in God.” Taking cover in the Christ who sacrificed His life for the sins of mankind means putting your complete trust in Christ to protect you. If you try to manufacture your own shield, it’s like carrying cardboard to protect yourself in a forest fire. Too late you will realize that your best shield is not yourself, it is the LORD. Christ died and rose again to protect you. When David stood before Goliath, he proclaimed the name of the Lord of hosts as his trustworthy shield (1 Samuel 17:45).
GLORY, v. 3 The LORD is uniquely excellent above all, as we studied in an earlier message.5 This glorious LORD is worthy of our passionate pursuit. Psalm 29:2 reminds us, “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.”
ENCOURAGER, v.3 The LORD is the One who lifts up my head. Especially when enemies gather around, it is so important to remember that the LORD is the One who gives us new courage. In 1 Samuel 30:6, we learn that David encouraged himself in the Lord at a place called “Ziklag” and the Lord helped him.
ATTENTIVE, v. 4 The LORD hears our prayers! He pays attention to them. Use Psalm 40:1 to encourage your heart to pray.
SUSTAINER, v. 5 If you are not fully trusting in the LORD, you will have trouble sleeping at night. Trade your worry for the worship of the one true God and get some sleep! When you awaken, rejoice in the LORD who sustains you, using verse 5.
AVENGER, v. 7 In Deuteronomy 32:41, the Lord declared, “I will render vengeance to my enemies and will reward those who hate me.” (See Romans 12:19.)
SAVIOR, v.8 Deliverance belongs to the LORD. It is His privilege and His prerogative. Read again the thrilling story of 2 Chronicles 32. Study the way Sennacherib, king of Assyria, defied the one true God; that pagan king insisted that the Lord could not deliver His people. But King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah prayed to the Lord, and the Lord destroyed Sennacherib’s army.
BLESSER, v. 8 The LORD is the God of blessing who showers His favor on His children.
HOLY, v. 8 The Holy LORD is the One who sets apart His people and blesses them.
The Ministry of a Child of God in Prayer, vs. 1,4 and 7
In verse 2, the enemies of God say, “There is no help for him in God.” But David demonstrated that those words were false, and you can too. Verses 1-3 are directly expressed to the Lord in prayer, as is verse 7. If you are troubled in the same way that David was troubled, why not use these very words to pray this week? “LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head … 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” (Psalm 3:1-3, 7)
Learn what it means to revert to this ministry in the midst of your miseries. The ministry of a child of God in prayer is a powerful, but much-neglected weapon in this current warfare.
Yes, it’s important for all of us to remember 9/11 and the tragic events 20 years ago. But it is more important for us to reflect upon the LORD and remember that He delivers His children.
Pastor Gordon Dickson, Calvary Baptist Church, Findlay, Ohio www.cbcfindlay.org
1 See Oliver Darcy, “Marking 20 years since 9/11: Media outlets plan special coverage to commemorate deadly attacks” CNN September 3, 2021 accessed at https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/03/media/september-11-coverage-reliable-sources/index.html
2“Marrow” Merriam-Webster Dictionary accessed at https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marrow
3 See “Binocular Vision” in Wikipedia, accessed at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binocular_vision#:~:text=It%20can%20give%20stereopsis%20in,the%20camouflage%20of%20another%20creature.
4 J. Barton Payne, “484” ed. R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke, Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (Chicago: Moody Press, 1999), 211.
5 https://www.cbcfindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Psalm-3-O-Lord-My-Glory.pdf
6 See, “Wrestling with the Darkness” accessed at https://www.cbcfindlay.org/wrestling-with-the-darkness/