Psalm 3/Overview/Background

From Psalms: Layer by Layer
Jump to: navigation, search

Following are the common-ground assumptionsCommon-ground assumptions include information shared by the speaker and hearers. In our analysis, we mainly use this category for Biblical/Ancient Near Eastern background. which are the most helpful for making sense of the psalm.

  • David's son, Absalom (cf. 2 Sam 3:3) amassed a large following and led a rebellion against David, forcing David to flee (2 Sam 15–19:11). "Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, 'Come! We must flee (וְנִבְרָחָה), or none of us will escape from Absalom (מִפְּנֵי אַבְשָׁלוֹם). We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin on us and put the city to the sword'" (2 Sam 15:14, NIV).
  • The king's misfortune might be a sign that YHWH has rejected him (2 Sam 16:8; cf. 2 Sam 15:26; Ps 71:10-11). And if YHWH has rejected him, then YHWH will not respond to his call for help (cf. 2 Sam 15:26; Pss 41:12; 22:9).
  • YHWH made a covenant with David, in which he promised to never reject him. He also promised to rescue him from his enemies (cf. 2 Sam 7:12-16; Ps 89:21-25).
  • YHWH has always rescued David from trouble in the past (cf. Ps 18:1). YHWH's acts of covenant loyalty in the past are evidence that he will be faithful to the covenant in the future.
  • Night sometimes offers an opportunity to strike an enemy, while the enemy is weak and resting (cf. 2 Sam 17:1-2). Thus, lying down and falling asleep represents a deep trust in YHWH's protection (cf. Ps 4:9).