Psalms 3:1

LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

Title. - A psalm, х mizmowr (H4210), from the Piel conjugation of zaamar (H2167), to sing]. Gesenius explains it 'a song cut or divided in rhythmical numbers.' Mendlessohn, 'a song accompanied by a musical instrument, by which it is divided into portions.' But Hengstenberg takes the root х zaamar (H2167)] to mean to decorate, dress, adorn (compare Hebrew, Leviticus 25:3; Isaiah 5:6, where the word is applied to the dressing of a vineyard): hence, to sing to the Lord in ornate speech and with well-executed music: so the Hebrew is used Judges 5:3.

Of David - i:e., written by David. His name means 'the beloved' [and comes from dowd (H1730), or yaadad (H3032), he loved'] (whence Solomon's name, Jedidiah, 2 Samuel 12:25, margin, 'Beloved of the Lord').

When he fled from Absalom - (2 Samuel 15:16.) The reason why Absalom is not mentioned by David in the psalm, is partly owing to the great love which, as a father, he bore to Absalom (2 Samuel 18:5; 2 Samuel 18:12; 2 Samuel 18:29; 2 Samuel 18:32): chiefly because merely personal particulars were unsuited to the purpose of the Psalms, which are designed for the liturgical service.

This psalm was probably sketched out by David on his way to Mahanaim, where he had fled beyond Jordan, after having heard of Ahithophel's counsel, and that all Israel had joined Absalom (2 Samuel 17:1; 2 Samuel 17:21; cf. Psalms 3:1; Psalms 3:6 here). It describes his confidence in the Lord on his first night, the most critical one in the rebellion (cf. Psalms 3:4 with 2 Samuel 16:14; 2 Samuel 17:15).

Psalms 3:1.-David's troubles (Psalms 3:1); his shield (Psalms 3:3); his past resource prayer and its answer (Psalms 3:4); his confidence against foes, so that he lies down calmly through the Lord's help (Psalms 3:5); his prayer (Psalms 3:7); his praise (Psalms 3:8).

Many ... rise up against me. So the Antitype, Christ, said to the armed band led by Judas, "Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?" (Luke 22:53.) As Ahithophel, David's former counselor, rose up against him, so Christ's "familiar friend" (Psalms 41:9), and one of the twelve, "lifted up his heel against Him:" the treachery and suicide of both correspond. When fleeing from Absalom, David passed over the Brook Kidron; so Jesus on the night of His betrayal (John 18:1). The Mount of Olives was the scene of the tears of both David and the Son of David (cf. 2 Samuel 15:30 with Matthew 26:30; Matthew 26:38; Luke 22:44).