DAWN

     Explanation: In Psalm 3 David expressed his confidence in God in spite of the fact that his son Absalom wanted to murder him and usurp his throne. The painting above depicts a pilgrim, who like David in his flight from Absalom, was able to find sleep despite the difficulty of his circumstances. And, considering the fact that David's circumstances were not merely unpleasant, but horrific, David's sleep is one of the most remarkable aspects of the incident.

          [ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: 2 Samuel 15:13-37. ]

          [ CHRONOLOGY: General. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]

          [ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]

          [ COMMENTARIES, ETC: GENERAL: Bible Study Tools; Bible Hub: Study Light; Blue Letter Bible // PSALMS: Monergism: Precept Austin: The Treasury of David; John Gill; John Calvin - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

          [ MUSIC: GENERAL: The Cyber Hymnal // PSALMS: Psalm 3. ]

     The header of Psalm three states that it was composed by David when he was forced to flee from his son, Absalom, who wanted to usurp the throne and kill David. This is described in 2 Samuel 15:13-37. David begins by stating his distress. He suddenly went from being beloved and secure in his kingdom to being surrounded by a multitude which wanted to kill him, including his son Absalom who incited them. They said that there was no help for David in God (1-2). But David knew that God was his glory and the lifter up of his head, because he had cried to the LORD, and the LORD heard him (3-4). Therefore David laid down and slept in peace. And when he awoke, even though he was surrounded by tens of thousands who wanted to kill him, he was not afraid (5-6). Instead, he again lifted his prayer to God, to save him, and to smite his enemies on the cheek bone, breaking their teeth. This would disable them from "biting" and "devouring" David like ferocious animals. And, depending on the force with which the blow was administered, it could be a death blow. David therefore confessed that salvation (or deliverance) belongs to the LORD and that his blessing is upon his people -- i.e., those who serve him (7-8).

¹A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.

LORD, how are they increased that trouble me!
many are they that rise up against me.
² Many there be which say of my soul,
There is no help for him in God. Selah.

³ But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me;
my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
⁴ I cried unto the LORD with my voice,
and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

⁵ I laid me down and slept;
I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
⁶ I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people,
that have set themselves against me round about.

⁷ Arise, 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.
⁸ Salvation belongeth unto the LORD:
thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

[To the chief Musician on Neginoth -- Transposed from the heading of Psalm 4].

NOTE: On Opening and Closing Comments in the Psalms.
[Some commentators take the Psalm in Habakkuk 3 to be a standard model for the Psalms.
Habakkuk's Psalm begins with the name of the composer (Habakkuk) and a musical notation ("upon Shigionoth").
It closes with a dedication or a "send to" notice ("To the chief singer on my stringed instruments").
I have arranged similar material, where it is found in the Psalter, in accord with the model in Habakkuk.]