Psalm 3/Overview/Introduction
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Author
- David
Book
- Book 1 of the Psalter (Chapters 1–41)
Psalm 3: A Brief Summary
- In Psalm 3, David, the anointed king, experiences the worst kind of rebellion and betrayal: his own son seeking to steal the throne. More and more people claim God has abandoned David, and David must ask himself: is it true? Will God no longer save him?
- But the threat of tens of thousands ultimately means nothing. Victory belongs to YHWH, not to great armies. He made a covenant with David and he will be faithful to that covenant—so David has no need to fear. God fought for him in the past, and nothing has changed: God will still bring victory. Victory belongs to YHWH, alone.
"Victory is YHWH’s!" This title is a memorable phrase that helps remember the unique character and content of this psalm.
- A helpful way to remember this psalm is the phrase “Victory is YHWH’s!” — it’s the truth that answers the lies of all David’s enemies. No matter how many enemies came against David, they could not change the truth that YHWH alone determines who is victorious.
Purpose The Purpose was the psalmist's probable intent or reason for writing this psalm.
- To ask YHWH for protection and victory from many enemies.
Content The Content is a concise summary of the whole psalm's content.
- YHWH, save me! My enemies are many, but you are a shield for me.
Message The Message is the main idea the psalmist probably wanted the audience to remember upon or after hearing the psalm.
- "Victory is YHWH's!" (Ps 3:9a; cf. Jonah 2:10).