Psalms 3:1-8

This is the first of the 'Davidic' Psalms. It is a morning prayer as Psalms 3:6 suggests. The heading of the Ps. provides a historical setting for it in the revolt of Absalom, and it is the only Ps. specifically dated at that time. There are many features in that revolt (2 Samuel 16-18) which suit the circumstances to which the Psalmist refers. He speaks of the increasing number of his enemies (cp. 2 Samuel 17:11), of the contempt in which many held him (cp. 2 Samuel 16:7), of the danger in which he lay (cp. 2 Samuel 17:2), and of his preservation by Jehovah (cp. 2 Samuel 17:14). The Ps. contains the Psalmist's description of his foes (1, 2); his inward assurance of God's help (3, 4); his statement of his present experience (5, 6); and his prayer for complete deliverance and national blessing (7, 8).