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A 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.
Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
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.
Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

New Defender's Study Bible Notes

3:1 many are they. The rebellion of Absalom drew many followers, so that David had to flee Jerusalem (II Samuel 15:12-14). This is the background of Psalm 3, but it also reflects the experiences of Christ, as well as those of many followers of Christ through the centuries.


3:2 Selah. This word, indicating a pause for reflection, occurs seventy-one times in the book of Psalms, first of all here in Psalm 3:2 (also in Psalm 3:4,8). In effect it divides this psalm into three stanzas.


3:5 and slept. A person trusting fully in God can sleep under the most difficult of circumstances (Psalm 4:8; 127:2; Acts 12:6).


3:8 belongeth unto the LORD. Salvation is not the result of either human works or human choice, but is altogether of grace (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Psalm 4 (title) chief Musician. The “chief musician” was evidently someone appointed to lead in the singing of the psalms in worship services in the temple and in connection with the great festivals of Israel. This notation appears in the title of fifty-five of the psalms.

Psalm 4 (title) Neginoth. “Stringed instruments” is neginoth in Hebrews. This Hebrew word is left untranslated in many editions of the Bible. Six of the psalms (Psalms 4, 6, 54, 55, 67, 76) include this notation in their titles.


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