Psalm 3/Figurative

Figurative

Metaphor

• "shield" = metaphor of divine protection (can be translated with another cultural metaphor or replaced with direct reference to protection)
• “glory” and “lift up my head” indicate that God will give him “success” in this conflict and that he will be “honored” because of his victory. The phrase מֵרִים רֹאשִׁי could be understood to refer to a general strengthening of the psalmist by God during difficult circumstances. However, if one takes the suggestion of the superscription that this is a Davidic psalm written during the revolt of Absalom, the phrase “lift the head” could refer to the psalmist’s desire for restoration to his former position (cf. Gen 40:13 where the same phrase is used).,

Metonymy

• “sustains me” = God empowers him to overcome this conflict
• “strike against the jaw” = indicates an aggressive action against his enemies; can be stated in a more culturally appropriate manner.,

Hyperbole

• “tens of thousands” = hyperbole; can be translated with anything that indicates a large number (against impossible odds),

Rhetorical questions

There are no rhetorical questions in this Psalm. The opening interrogative (מָה) functions as "an introduction to an exclamation" rather than an introduction to a rhetorical question.