Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
Read it in contextA Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son
Start reading at Psalms 3:1 (Psalms 3:1 to Psalms 3:8).
The entire chapter constitutes a single psalm, a prayer of David during his flight from Absalom.
3:1Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
3:2Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3:3But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
3:4I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
3:5I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
3:6I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
3:7Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
3:8Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Multiple writers contributed to Psalms, including David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and Moses; some psalms have no named attribution. The traditional Hebrew headings distinguish many of these contributions. Biblical references: Acts 2:25; Acts 4:25. book background
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Psalms 3:1–3:8): The psalmist addresses the LORD while facing many adversaries. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Israel's worshipping community, including individuals and assemblies using the psalms for prayer, praise, lament, and instruction. A particular psalm may speak directly to God, to the congregation, or to another group. Biblical references: Psalms 22:22; Psalms 78:1; Psalms 100:1. book background
What
What is the main event or theme? The main theme is David's lament and prayer of trust to God amidst overwhelming opposition from his enemies, specifically during his flight from Absalom. He expresses his distress over the increased number of those who trouble him but affirms his confidence in the LORD as his shield and deliverer.
What is God revealing? God is revealing His character as a faithful protector and deliverer for those who trust in Him, even when they are surrounded by numerous adversaries and feel abandoned. He hears the cries of His people and sustains them.
What is the literary style? The literary style is Hebrew poetry, specifically a psalm of lament and trust, characterized by direct address to God, expressions of distress, and declarations of faith.
When
When was it written? The book of Psalms was collected between approximately 1400 and 450 B.C. This particular psalm was written by David during the time of the events it describes. book background
When does the event take place? The event takes place during David's reign, specifically when he fled from his son Absalom's rebellion. traditionally held
Where
Where did it happen? The events described happened in Israel, specifically as David fled from Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion. traditionally held
Where was the author located? The author, David, was located in Israel, fleeing from Jerusalem. traditionally held
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son (Psalms 3:1 to Psalms 3:8).
Start reading at Psalms 3:1. The entire chapter constitutes a single psalm, a prayer of David during his flight from Absalom.
How
How does it fit the broader context? Psalm 3 is the first psalm with a superscription detailing its historical context, setting a pattern for understanding many psalms as personal prayers and expressions of faith from specific life situations. It introduces the theme of a righteous individual trusting God amidst overwhelming opposition, a theme common throughout the Psalter. interpretation
How does it point to Christ? This psalm foreshadows Christ, who also faced overwhelming opposition and betrayal from 'many' who rose up against Him, even to the point of crying out to God. Like David, Jesus trusted in God as His shield and the lifter of His head, ultimately being sustained and raised from the dead by the Father, demonstrating God's salvation. interpretation
How do I apply it today? Believers today can apply this psalm by bringing their anxieties and fears to God when they feel overwhelmed by troubles or opposition. It encourages trusting in God as a personal shield and source of strength, knowing that He hears prayers and sustains His people, even when circumstances seem dire. interpretation
David and others, including Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and MosesNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe superscriptions name their writers: David most often, and also Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and Moses. The New Testament quotes psalms as David's words. Psalm 3:1Psalm 90:1Acts 2:25Acts 4:25
Early traditionJewish and Christian tradition preserves the superscriptions as ancient.
What is debatedSome scholars regard certain superscriptions as later additions. The collection was assembled over centuries.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Psalms 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Psalms is a collection of prayers and songs with multiple attributed writers and many unspecified occasions. Read each psalm as a poetic unit and distinguish a speaker's lament, petition, vow, and praise. The five-book arrangement does not make all psalms one continuous speech. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement. A quoted heading uses the opening KJV words of that stanza; the speaker and the psalm as a whole still govern its meaning.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The opening collection brings individual and communal prayer into the setting introduced by Psalms 1 and 2, ending with a doxology.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The opening collection brings individual and communal prayer into the setting introduced by Psalms 1 and 2, ending with a doxology.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Psalms
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Psalms is a collection of prayers and songs with multiple attributed writers and many unspecified occasions. Read each psalm as a poetic unit and distinguish a speaker's lament, petition, vow, and praise. The five-book arrangement does not make all psalms one continuous speech.
Connection to the wholeThe opening collection brings individual and communal prayer into the setting introduced by Psalms 1 and 2, ending with a doxology.
Connection to the wholeThe second collection continues varied prayers and songs and closes with royal prayer and a doxology; its individual psalms retain distinct voices and occasions.
FocusThe sanctuary, the nation, and covenant questions
Connection to the wholeThis collection gives prominent space to communal distress and worship, ending with the tension between the Davidic promise and the king's humiliation.
Connection to the wholeThese psalms include reflection on human frailty, the LORD's kingship, worship, and Israel's history, and close with a doxology.
FocusThanksgiving, pilgrimage, and concluding praise
Connection to the wholeThe final collection gathers varied songs, the songs of degrees, and concluding calls to praise. Each psalm should first be read in its own poetic movement.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.