Bible Study

*Just for your thoughts.*

Psalms*

Bible Lesson 6*

Meditation Passage: Psalm 3*
Meditating on Psalm 3 in Its Historical Context*
Of the 150 psalms, approximately 116 have titles or superscriptions. The remaining psalms do not have such titles.
When we carefully examine the title and superscription given for each psalm and meditate on its historical background, we can understand that psalm more accurately.
Each title or superscription serves as an important tool for understanding the psalm.
Regarding the third psalm, its title tells us the circumstances in which David wrote it:
“ A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.”
When we examine this historical background, we can understand Psalm 3 more deeply.
Absalom’s Conspiracy
For several years, Absalom had been turning the hearts of the people toward himself against his father, David. Standing at the gate of Jerusalem, he spoke kindly to the people when they brought their disputes before him and gained their support by saying, in effect, “I will see that you receive justice.”
Later, he went to Hebron and declared himself king there. A great multitude followed him.
“The hearts of the men of Israel went after Absalom.”

— 2 Samuel 15:13
David realized that he had to flee before Absalom’s army attacked him. Therefore, he left Jerusalem with his family and faithful servants.
He crossed the Kidron Valley and went up toward the Mount of Olives. 2 Samuel 15:30 records that David went on weeping, with his head covered and barefoot.
This was the emotional background of Psalm 3.
We must meditate on this psalm with an understanding of its historical background.
“How Many Are My Enemies!”
At one time, when David defeated Goliath with a single stone from his sling, the people of Israel looked upon him with pride and admiration. But now, many in that same nation had turned to Absalom’s side.
Seeing that enemies had multiplied around him because of the conspiracy of his own son, David said:
“Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!”

— Psalm 3:1
David clearly realized that enemies surrounded him on every side.
Moreover, his enemies believed that David’s life was over and that God would no longer save him.
Therefore, David wrote:
“Many are saying of my soul, ‘There is no salvation for him in God.’”

— Psalm 3:2
Yet, in the midst of all this opposition, David did not abandon his faith. He placed an unshakable trust in the Lord.
That is why he said:
“I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.”

— Psalm 3:6
What was the foundation of his confidence?
“Salvation belongs to the Lord.”

— Psalm 3:8
This is what David firmly believed.
The Spiritual Lesson of This Psalm
We should not view this psalm merely as a family conflict between a father and his son. In this struggle against David’s life and the promises God had given him, we can also see the power of evil working against God’s plan.
God continued His plan of salvation through David’s lineage. Later, Solomon ruled as king after David. Therefore, although Absalom’s rebellion appeared capable of hindering God’s plan, it could not defeat God’s purpose.
From this, we can learn an important spiritual lesson.
We should not view every struggle in our lives merely as problems caused by people. At times, there may also be spiritual opposition working against God’s work and His purposes.
Therefore, in the midst of our struggles, instead of looking at people with fear, we must look to God.
Recognizing Satan’s schemes while also trusting in God’s power and the ^steadfastness of His plan will strengthen our faith.
Like David, we too can confidently declare this truth:
“Salvation belongs to the Lord.”
In God’s service,

Ezekiel Shanmugavel