Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 3

David’s Prayer When Fleeing from AbsalomThis psalm was written during one of the hardest times in David’s life, when he ran away from his son Absalom, who wanted to take both his throne and his life (2 Samuel 15–16 ). David was deeply sad, weeping as he climbed the Mount of Olives, but even then, he found comfort in prayer and praise to God. He showed that even in pain, we can still sing to God. David was also in great danger, as the plot against him was strong and led by his own son. Yet, these troubles brought him closer to God, not further away. He was hurt by the betrayal of people he loved—his son and his subjects—but he remained calm and focused on God. David knew his suffering was partly the result of his own sin concerning Uriah (2 Samuel 12:11 ), but he did not give up hope in God’s mercy. Even though some may have thought he was weak for running away, David’s true courage was his faith in God. This psalm teaches us to seek God when we are in distress and to trust Him even when everything seems lost.v. 1: David tells God about his trouble. He says, Lord

v. 2: David says his enemies are not only many but also very cruel. They say, There is no help for him in God. Some people thought David’s problems meant God had left him, like Job’s friends did. Others believed David was so hopeless that even God could not save him. They tried to make David doubt God’s help, saying these words to his soul (Psalm 11:1; 42:10 ). This was the hardest part for David, since he trusted God deeply. David brings these cruel words to God, just like Hezekiah showed the enemy’s letter to God. David asks God to answer by saying, I am your salvation (Psalm 35:3 ). The word Selah is used here, meaning to pause and think about this.

v. 3: Despite everything, David puts his trust in God. He says, But you, Lord

Confidence in God.In this section, David reflects on how trusting in God brought him comfort during difficult times. He remembers both past experiences of God’s help and looks forward with hope, even though he is surrounded by trouble. David wants us to see how faith in God can give us peace, courage, and confidence even when everything seems against us.v. 4: David remembers that his problems always led him to prayer. He says, I cried unto God with my voice . Difficulties and sadness are good for us if they teach us to pray honestly, not just with words but from the heart. God understands silent prayers, like when Hannah prayed without speaking out loud (1 Samuel 1:13 ). He does not value prayers that are only for show (Isaiah 58:4 ), but real cries from the heart matter to Him.

v. 5: David also remembers that God always answered his prayers. He says, He heard me out of his holy hill (Psalm 3:4 ), which means God responded from heaven, or from the ark on Mount Zion. Even when David was far away from the ark, he trusted that God could still hear and answer him. God’s power and grace cannot be limited by any distance. Through the promises God made, and through Christ who is King on the holy hill of Zion (Psalm 2:6 ), our prayers can be heard.David says, I laid myself down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord

v. 6: David remembers how God often defended him from his enemies. He says, You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; you have broken the teeth of the ungodly (Psalm 3:7 ). God stopped his enemies from hurting him, putting them to shame and taking away their power. When enemies seem strong, we should remember how many times God has already protected us and how He can always defeat those who oppose His people.

v. 7: Because of what God has done before, David looks ahead with courage. He says, I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about (Psalm 3:6 ). Even if he is surrounded by many enemies, David is not scared. He trusts that they cannot really hurt him, and he refuses to let fear control him. He used to be unsure of what would happen, but now his faith gives him peace and confidence. Trusting God helps us stay calm, even in trouble.

v. 8: David’s prayers become stronger. He asks God, Arise, O Lord