Psalm 3 Story behind the Psalm
Overview
In order to understand a psalm, we have to understand not only what is said, but also what is assumed and left unsaid. Psalm 3, like many other psalms, assumes a certain state of affairs (a story "behind the psalm"). In Psalm 3, the story behind the psalm is explicitly identified in the superscription (v. 1) as the story of 2 Sam. 15ff. Absalom stages a rebellion, and David is forced to flee Jerusalem. Despite the odds, David survives the night, and, in the morning, he calls out to YHWH (Psalm 3). His prayer envisions a future in which YHWH will rise and rescue David, Absalom will be defeated, and David will be restored to the throne.
Background Ideas
- YHWH made a covenant with David, in which he promised to rescue him from his enemies (cf. 2 Sam. 7:12-16; Ps. 89:21-25).
- YHWH promised to discipline David and his descendants when they violated the covenant (2 Sam. 7:14; 12:11-12; Ps. 89:31-33), but even in discipline, YHWH said that his loyalty would never leave David (2 Sam. 7:15; Ps. 89:34).
- YHWH's acts of covenant loyalty in the past are evidence that he will be faithful to the covenant in the future.
- Some people interpret the king's trouble as a sign that YHWH has rejected him (2 Sam. 16:8; cf. 2 Sam. 15:26; Ps. 71:10-11).
- If YHWH no longer delights in the king, then he will not respond to his call and rescue him from his enemies (cf. 2 Sam. 15:26; Pss. 41:12; 22:9).
Background Situation
Expanded Paraphrase
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- Close but Clear (CBC) translation
- Assumptions which provide the most salient background information, presuppositions, entailments, and inferences
v. 1
A psalm by David, (the anointed king of Israel, whose throne is in Jerusalem). (After David sinned against YHWH),[1] (YHWH said that he would bring trouble upon David from David's own house).[2] (One of the members of David's house is Absalom, his son). (Absalom plotted a rebellion), (gained a large following), (and was anointed as king in place of David). (If David stayed in Jerusalem, he and his men would be captured by Absalom and the city would be destroyed.[3] Thus,) (David fled from Absalom). (He prayed this psalm during the time) when he fled from the presence of Absalom, his son.
v. 2
YHWH, how my adversaries (led by my son, Absalom,) have multiplied. Many are those rising up against me.
v. 3
Many are those (who assume that you no longer delight in me, that you have rejected me)[4] (For this reason, they are) saying about my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah.
v. 4
But (despite what they say, I do have salvation in God, because) you, YHWH, are a shield around me, (and just as a shield protects a person in battle), (so you will protect me from my enemies). (You will also restore) my honour (which has been turned to shame) (ever since my own son usurped my throne). And (you are) the one who lifts my head (a gesture that symbolizes the restoration of confidence). (I had lost all confidence in my flight from Jersualem,) (but you have restored my confidence).
v. 5
(The reason I can claim that YHWH is the one who protects me is that, time and time again,) Whenever I cry out to YHWH with my voice (during times of trouble like that which I am facing now), he responds to me from his holy mountain (and rescues me from my enemies) Selah.
v. 6
(After YHWH restored my confidence,) I lay down and (as an expression of confidence and security) fell asleep. (Sleeping puts one in a vulnerable position,) (However,) (I was not harmed in my sleep). (Instead,) I woke up, for YHWH supports me. (He protected me throughout the night.)
v. 7
(With YHWH as my protector,) I will not be afraid of myriads of people who have taken position against me all around (in order to harm me).
v. 8
Rise up, YHWH. Save me, my God. (You should do this) Because you have struck all of my enemies on the jaw (an expression of dominance and scorn),[5] (and) You have broken the teeth of wicked people (thereby rendering them harmless).[6] (Since you have done this to all of my enemies in the past,) (I am calling on you to do it again).
v. 9
Salvation is YHWH’s (and YHWH is my God). (Therefore, despite what my enemies say, I do have salvation in God). Your blessing is on your people (on those who align themselves with your chosen king) (and not on those who rebel against you). Selah.
