Tag: devotional

Psalms 4 – Prayer for Deliverance

1.0 The Statement

As we have already mentioned in the Preface to Psalm 3, Psalm 4 was written when David was fleeing from his son, Absalom. David crossed the Jordan after being warned by Hushai, his Counsellor and Friend, not to stay in the Wilderness of Judea. Hushai remained with Absalom to confound and confuse the Counsel of Ahithophel, who had sided with Absalom (2Samuel 17:16).

Psalm 4 is called an “Evening Psalm of Trust” – From Psalm 4:4b, 8, we may surmise that David’s Prayer was written at the end of the day:  Psalm 4:4b, 8 “Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still…..I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD make me dwell in safety.” Thus, as Psalm 3 is a devotional for the morning hour, Psalm 4 serves the same function for the evening hour.

Traditionally, Commentators have connected Psalm 4 with Absalom’s Revolt, also the background of Psalm 3. The Godly Person in distress may quietly repose (relax) in the arms of God. The historical occasion for this Psalm is probably the same as Psalm 3. However, here David’s Lament becomes the Song of Trust to express David’s Relief:

  1. God gives Righteousness – Psalm 4:1a “Hear me when I call, O God or my righteousness!”
  2. God is Gracious and Merciful – Psalm 4:1b “You have relieved me in my distress; have mercy on me and hear my Prayer.”
  3. God Relieves Distress – Psalm 4:1b “You have relieved me in my distress; have mercy on me and hear my Prayer.”
  4. God Sets Apart the Godly – Psalm 4:3a “But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly;…”
  5. God Hears Prayer – Psalm 4:3b “The LORD will hear when I call to Him.”
  6. God is Trustworthy – Psalm 4:5b “Put your trust in the LORD.”
  7. God Puts Gladness in David’s Heart – Psalm 4:7 “You have put gladness in my heart more than in the season that their grain and wine increased.”
  8. God Gives Peace – Psalm 4:8a “I will both lie down in Peace and sleep;….”
  9. God Provides Safety – Psalm 4:8b “For your along, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”

David’s Serenity of Tone throughout is the result of his experiences of God’s Help in the Past. Even as God gave rest in his (David’s) previous experiences recorded in Psalm 3:5 “I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.” There is Assurance that He (God) will provide that same Peaceful Rest again. David continued experiencing God’s Help and he (David) admonishes his Enemies that it is useless to attack God’s Servant. The Title of Psalm 4 indicates that it was incorporated into Israel’s Public Worship at an early date. Two additional technical terms are found in the Title of Psalm 4. The Choirmaster or Chief Musician occurs first and then the Name of the Instrument or the Melody, Neginoth (stringed instrument), follows. But Ancient Versions suggest Vocalisation “Nehaloth” = Inheritances. It seems therefore better to read here “Concerning Inheritances.” This suits the Tenor of Psalm 4, which emphasises God our Portion. Two Inheritances are spoken of:

  • First, the LORD in His People – “For the LORD’s Portion is His People; Jacob is the Lot of His Inheritance” (Deuteronomy 32:9).
  • Second, Israel’s Inheritance in the LORD – “The LORD is the Portion of Mine Inheritance and of the cup; thou maintain my lot” (Psalm 16:5).

Spiritual Inheritances are more precious than temporal ones (Hebrews 10:34 R.V). Psalm 4 is also the Davidic Psalm, as the last two words of the Title indicate.

1.1 David Seeks God (Psalms 4:1)

– From Psalm 4:1, David calls upon God to hear him, to the final Psalm 4:8 in which he (David) expresses his profound confidence in his Security in God, we feel the living relationship between God and His Servant, David, is very profound. In the middle Section (Psalm 4:2-6) are Admonitions to People. This is very dynamic at times create abrupt transitions, and changes in subject matter or mood. But this is not an artificial literary composition; rather it is personal communication in prayer. Psalm 4 begins and ends with addresses to God – Psalm 4:1a, 8b “Hear me when I call, O God….O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”  The Movement of David’s Thought in Psalm 4 is from Confidence that God Hears and Answers (Psalm 4:1-3), to Calling to Trust God (Psalm 4:4-5), a Confession of Faith in God (Psalm 4:6-8), and Gladness in His (God’s Presence that allows us to sleep in safety.

1.1.1 David’s Call

Psalm 4:1 “Hear (answer) me when I call, O God of my righteousness. You have enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me and hear my Prayer.” – Psalm 1:1 is an introduction with three Imperative Verbs: “(a) Answer {hear}, (b) have Mercy, (c) And Hear.” David’s appeal to God for deliverance from his Enemies is based on three Facts:

  • First, David’s relationship and fellowship with God – “Hear (Answer) me when I call, O God of my righteousness.” (Psalm 1:1a).
  • Second, David declares God’s Changelessly Holy Character – As literally – “My Righteous God” (Psalm 4:1b).
  • Third, David declares his experience – “You have enlarged me when I was in distress.” (Psalm 4:1c). God will deliver David from his distress because God Character is Unchangeable.

1.1.2 David’s Appeal (Psalms 4:1a)

Psalm 4:1a “Hear (answer) me when I call, O God of my righteousness.”  – The emphasis by repetition in Psalm 4:1 is on God’s Hearing Prayer. Whatever the cause of the distress as indicated in Psalm 4:1, the answer lies in God’s Word and in bold believing Prayer.

  • “Hear (Answer) me when I Call” (Psalm 4:1a).
  • “Have Mercy (be Gracious) on me and hear my Prayer” (Psalm 4:1b).

When David begins in Psalm 4:1a with the Call upon God to hear him, he also at the same time, identifies the Person to whom he calls: “O God of my righteousness.” David acknowledges that “the righteousness” he possessed, come from God. Furthermore, included in the phrase: “O God of my righteousness,” is that God has proven Himself to be righteous and capable of deliverance. David’s past experiences led him to believe that God will again meet his (David’s) desperate needs. The term “righteousness” (sedeq) in the Old Testament is rich in meaning:

  • God is Righteous because of He is Consistent and Absolute Action.
  • God is His Own Standard of Righteousness, and there is no greater measure.
  • Righteousness implies relationship: God is Righteous in that He keeps His Covenant with His People, upholding His Moral Law, and fulfils His Promises. Thus, as “Righteous,” God is both our just Judge and our Saviour.
  • The God who sees that I and my cause are Righteous and who will certainly lend me help.

David addresses God as “his Righteousness” In a word, God is Righteousness and He has given His Righteousness to David:

  • It is God who has made His Covenant with David – the Davidic Covenant (2Samuel; 1Chronicles 17; Psalm 89; Psalm 132).
  • It is God who has established David’s Kingdom (1Samuel 16:13; 2Samuel 5:3-5; 1Chronicles 11:3; 2Samuel 7).
  • It is God who Promised him a Throne Forever (2Samuel 7:15-16).
  • It also Points to the Final Gift of Righteousness given in Jesus Christ (2Corinthians 5:21).  

It is Christ who is Righteous because He has fulfilled the Law in perfect obedience to the Father (Matthew 5:17; Romans 10:3-4). It is Christ who dies on the cross, not for His own sins (for He had none – 2Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 1Peter 2:22; 1John 3:5; John 14:30 {Amp}), but for our sins (2Corinthians 5:21).

When we received the Lord Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Saviour we receive also His (Christ’s) Righteousness. Paul writes in 2Corinthians 5:21“For He (God) made Him (Christ) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” God hears us, as he hears David, when we call because we are clothed in Christ’s Righteousness, thus, we declared indeed, the God is the “God of my Righteousness.” (Psalm 4:1a).

1.1.3 David’s Experience (Psalms 4:1b)

“You have enlarged (delivered, NKJV) me when I was in distress.” David’s past experiences led him to believe that God will deliver him from his present situation. David’s Prayer draws strength from his Past. David calls on God in his distress, and it was at this time of anguish that God enlarged him.  This speaks of a spiritual enlarging by which we receive a deeper appreciation of God’s Ways and Dealings when we pass through suffering and are troubled by our Enemies.

The Enlargement also means “To make Room for me – set me at Ease.” The enlargement is during the time of his {David’s} distress – The root meaning of “distress” here is “to be bound, tied up, restricted,” much like an Army besieged on all sides by the Enemies. Since God has given relief to David, before; David can expect relief again. David’s Memory serves a twofold Function:

  • First, David reminds God of His {God’s} Past Deliverance and His {God’s} Future Action.
  • Second, David builds his own Faith, in God, to expect help from Him {God} again.

Here we see that Power in Prayercomes in part from our experience in God. Satan tries to discourage us by making us forget our past experiences. As we seek God for help, we need to remember our experiences with God and of His {God’s} Mighty Works. Experiences are not Presumption.

1.1.4 God’s Mercy (Psalm 4:1c)

“Have mercy on me and hear my Prayer.” – Once again, David throws himself before God. Psalm 4:1, is David’s cry, repeated in hundreds of varied forms throughout these Psalms (cf Psalm 5:2; Psalm 6:2; Psalm 9:13; Psalm 27:7; Psalm 30:10, etc). David standing upon God’s Righteousness produces such hope that he {David} presses on to know and experience God’s Mercy and David’s Expectation of Restoration. There is no limit to God’s Restoring Power. 

1.2 David’s Chargem (Psalms 4:2)

“How long, O you sons of men, how long will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love worthlessness and seek after falsehood (leasing)? Selah.” The first words directed to David’s Human Audience are Words of Appeal to People’s Goodwill and Good sense. The three Phrases are clipped and abrupt:

  • The “Sons of Men” turn David’s Glory into Shame (Psalm 4:2a)
  • The “Sons of Men” Love Vanity (Worthlessness – Psalm 4:2b).
  • The “Sons of Men” seek Lies (Seek after Falsehood (Leasing – Psalm 4:2c).”

1.2.1 The Charge (Psalms 4:2a)

“O you sons of men, how long will you turn my Glory {Character & Honour} into shame?” The “sons of men” is not a mere periphrasis (indirectness) for “men.” It is a title of some honour and dignity.The title is equivalent to our “sirs.”

  • David’s Enemies {Absalom & Company} attempt to injure David’s Personal and Kingly Honour (his Glory) by false and evil reports, to promote David’s overthrow and downfall.
  • David’s Character and Office (Kingship) are the two most precious things that David’s Enemies attacked.

Most Commentators take Psalm 4:2 as the substance of David’s Complaint. But this is not the case, while David waits in Prayer before God (Psalm 4:1); he {David} makes the Meditative Appeal to his Opponents (Absalom, Joab, Abishai, and others of David’s Own Party), charging them with dishonouring the Royal Dignity of Kingship he (David) has received from God (1Samuel 16:13; 2Samuel 5:3-5; 1Chronicles 11:3), and recalling the misrepresentations of the facts which had led them to join Absalom’s led Rebellion (2Samuel 15:1-6). Absalom and Company have loved vain schemes and thrived on falsehood (Psalm 4:2b) – Joab’s treachery and falsehood were notorious (2Samuel 3:27 – the Killing of Abner; 2Samuel 20:8-10 – the killing Amasa).  The Context is reference to his son, Absalom’s Revolt, especially since the term “sons of men” is technical, referring to the Leaders of God’s People.

Also, note that these men were Great in the Sight (highly respected – Absalom, Joab, etc) of the Nation of Israel. It is a terrible thing when our Enemies are highly respected, for they have credence in the eyes of others who do not know the whole situation. Such was the case with Absalom’s uprising against King David.

1.2.2 The Question (Psalms 4:2b)

“How long…….will you turn my glory to shame?/How long will you love worthlessness (shame) and seek falsehood?” Many Notable People followed Absalom because they were superficial in their relationship with God and were therefore void of God’s Wisdom. Because they lacked spiritual discernment, they sided with the wrong People {Absalom and Company}, and many of them died in consequence of their wrong judgement. Here we can see the importance of having discernment and siding with the Godly. –  Shame (Psalm 4:2b) – The “shame,” the Hebrew word may also mean “worthlessness,” and “falsehood;” would refer to their attack upon David which is at the same time an attack on God who made him {David} King (1Samuel 16:13; 2Samuel 5:3-5; 1Chronicles 11:3).

1.3 David’s Confidence (Psalms 4:3)

Psalm 4:3 “But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is Godly; the LORD will hear when I call to Him.”  David’s Assurance – “But know that the LORD has set apart him who is godly for Himself.” (Psalm 4:3a). David wishes that we might know that God Sovereignty sets apart the Godly for Himself. It is interesting that coupled with that truth is the one regarding our ability to call on Him. So, on the one hand God calls, or set apart, the godly and on the other hand He hears those who call on Him. In the one instance God initiates the action, and in the other man does. In Psalm 4:1-3, then, David addresses God in Confidence:

  • God’s Righteousness is David’s Righteousness (Psalm 4:1).
  • God is David’s Justification (Psalm 4:1).   
  • God has delivered David and will continue to deliver him (Psalm 4:1).
  • God has set David apart (Psalm 4:3).

Nothing can keep David from boldly coming to God. In coming to God’s Character and holding God to His own Character and Calling upon the God who delivered him from danger in the past (Psalm 4:1). This is the basis of David’s Assurance: “The LORD will hear when I call unto Him.” Although David was disgraced, by others (Psalm 4:2), yet still David is God’s Servant, set apart to God’s Service, and therefore he (David) shall be heard by Him (God – Psalm 4:1). He will hearken to and grant David’s prayer:

  • Prayer is the Natural Language of Faith.
  • Prayer is an Expression and Exercise of our Personal Relation to God (Psalm 119:73, 94).    

1.4 David Warns (Psalms 4:3)

“But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly; the LORD will hear when I call to Him.” – David reinforces his appeal by a warning reminder of his special place in God’s Providential ordering of affairs. David’s Opponents do not know that despite his failures, David was a man who sought to please God and was set apart by God for His {God’s} good pleasure (Psalm 4:3). David does not refer to his position as the LORD’sAnointed but simply to his Godly Character. Being innocent of their charges, he confidently trusts God to intervene for him (Psalm 66:18).

1.5 Stand In Awe (Psalms 4:4)

Stand in awe, and sin not; commune with your own heart upon your bed and be still. Selah – David’s Confidence in God now leads to a Series of Exhortations:

First, Stand in Awe and Sin Not – Be angry and do not sin, seems strange until we remember that Anger unexpressed yields many a restless night. On the Psychological Level, we release our anger to God, which prepares us for Restful Sleep. The Exhortation Indicates:

Second, the Concern shown by David is to his own men, who are warned against excessive Anger and its natural result. This rendering is preferred by Dr. Kay, Heng Stenberg and others. This is parallel to Paul’s Teaching in Ephesians 4:26a “Be ye angry, and sin not.”

Third, David’s Rebuke – This could also be taken as David’s rebuke again those Nobles who had revolted against him. David tells them to stand in awe of what God is doing because God allowed Absalom to revolt against David, for His (God’s) Purposes. Therefore, he (David) urges them not to run with the Wicked, for God will shortly destroy them. Think it out prayerfully upon your bed at night, tremble, and sin not. In quietness David’s Opponents should meditate on their needs and sin not. They should speak to their own conscience and be silent.

Fourth – Meditate – “Commune with your own heart upon your bed” – When our Anger is expressed and released, we are ready for the Next Imperative “Meditate within your heart on your bed and be still.” As we turn from all the injustice and rebellion done to us, our hearts are open to God, His Truth (God’s Logos Word), His (God’s) Word and His Will.  The phrase “meditate within your heart” employs a Hebrew verb (amar) which means “to consider, to reflect.” We are to think carefully in our hearts to reach clear conviction. The verb is parallel to “meditate” (hagah) in Psalm 1:1. As we reflect, our minds actively consider the day now behind us, our Plans for the Future, our Problems, our needs, and God’s Word in relation to all of this.

Fifth, Paul’s Injunction: “Let not the sun go down upon your wrath” (Ephesians 4:26b). Anger cools is a little time be suffered to pass – if a night be allowed for reflection, and no action be taken till the morrow.  As ever, human anger trembles on the brink of sin (Ephesians 4:26; James 1:20) and before continuing in their opposition they would do well to listen to the voice of conscience speaking in their hearts.

Sixth, “Be still” – David continues “And be still.” After our minds have been active in meditation, we must stop and be silent. In the silence, God speaks to us. When, after a time of reflection, I am silent before God, I find I am receptive to what God wants to say to me. I receive a phrase from Scripture, directive, or an impression from God. Too often our Prayer is one way. We tell God what we want, we think over our problems, and then we complain that God does not speak to us. Anthony Campolo says it is as if we called Someone on the phone, talked a blue streak, and then hung up complaining of their silence, before they ever had a chance to say anything in return. As we are “still” before God, insight, direction, and healing will be ours.

Seventh, Selah = Selah means “Pause before going on.” The Second Strophe being ended, another “Pause” is to take place, during which David’s exhortation may be made the subject of consideration. The word “Selah” seems appropriate here in view of the words “be still” which precede.

1.6 Contrite Heart (Psalms 4:5)

“Offer the sacrifices of righteousness and put your trust in the LORD.” – The Hebrew verb used here for “offer” is the basic word for ritual sacrifice. In its noun form it means animal sacrifice. The literal execution of this command for “righteous sacrifice” would be to offer the proper slaughtered animal. Since this would be impossible while lying upon his bed, however, David is probably referring to the “Sacrifice of Joy” before God (Psalm 27:6; Hebrews 13:15-16).

After the “Sacrifice of Praise and Thank-giving” we are ready to find our Trust in Him (God) as the final exhortation: “And put your trust in the LORD” (Psalm 4:5b) or literally, “Upon” the LORD, is fulfilled. This is not merely an intellectual act; it is throwing ourselves upon God – all that we are, much as John learned upon Jesus’ breast (John 13:23).  

The logical parallel is that of Trust in God to whom they offer these Sacrifices: “Right sacrifices,” – David now instructs those who have hearkened to his impassioned plea to offer the Sacrifices of Righteousness, which flow from a broken and contrite heart (Isaiah 66:2b; Isaiah 57:15; Psalm 34:18; Psalm 51:17). Therefore, it is appropriate that Sacrifice must be accompanied with Trust, in Him (God).  When the heart is right relationship with God, He (God) will show whose side He is on and whom He favours.

This is also an indicative of the heart desirous of being at Peace with God, offer the Way of Restoration, and in calling his opponents to take this course David summons them from their baseless reliance on Absalom to “Trust in the LORD.”

1.7 God’s Backing (Psalms 4:6)

“There are many that say, who will show us any good? LORD, lift thou up the Light of thy Countenance upon us.” – Pessimists are numerous in all Ages.  Even among David’s own Followers there were those who were questioning whether God would bless them. They were beginning to doubt David because of all the adversities he was facing. Many who doubted and desponded, anticipating nothing but continued suffering and hardship. What turmoil David had all around him!

But David recalls that in contrast to the many Opponents of Psalm 3:1 there are many looking to God alone for alleviation, and resting as they do this on God’s Unchanged Character as shown in the Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:26 “The LORD lift up His countenance upon thee and give thee Peace.”

Yet, in the midst of all this, David’s Greatness shines even brighter. David is wholeheartedly confiding in God, and his relationship with God attained new heights in this trial. When there was no one to encourage him, he turned to God and found his comfort in Him (1Samuel 30:6).

1.8 Gladness (Psalms 4:7)

“You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season (time) that their grain and the wine increased.” – Many Individuals are discontented and pessimistic, lacking the gladness which David knew.

David is an example to the desponding Followers. Notwithstanding his sufferings and calamities, God has looked on him, and so “put gladness in his heart.” God is always the Initiator and Provider.

C.S Lewis points out; we will never know joy by seeking it. Joy and gladness come as a side-effect of God’s Presence – Acts 3:19b “So that the Times {Kairos} of Refreshing may come from the Presence of the Lord.” –  When Lewis became a Christian, he was in his words “surprised by joy.”

God’s Joy of His Presence, David continues, is more than that of the Harvest when “Grain and Wine increased.” It is more because we are:

  • Experiencing the Creator {God}rather than the Creation.
  • Experience with the Person rather than with things.
  • Eternal Presence rather than the Passing Material Gain.

David knows that God’s help in a time of need causes more gladness than bumper crops – Psalm 4:7 “You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season (time) that their grain and the wine increased.” David confesses joyfully that in his own desperate plight he experiences an inward sense of Divine Grace, which far surpassed the material blessings of food brought by the aged Barzillai (2Samuel 17:27-30):

  • David Source of Joy is God Himself (Nehemiah 8:10b). How often do David luxuriates (enjoy) in telling what God was to him – Rock, Shield, Sun, High Tower, Fortress, Refuge, Strength, Salvation, and his Exceeding Joy.
  • One excellent feature of God’s Joy is the sense of security it brings with it in the most perilous surrounding.

The Quality and Degree of God’s Joy – Psalm 4:7b“More than in the time that their grain and the wine increased” 

  • God’s Gladness imparted is of a Far Higher Quality.
  • God’s Gladness is a Gladness of Greater Zest.
  • God’s Gladness is a Gladness remarkable for its Persistency.
  • The Believer’s Joy in God Surpasses the Joy that the World gives.
  • God’s Joy never palls upon the taste “The world passes away, and the lust thereof; but he that does the Will of God abides forever.”

It is the experience of true forgiveness for his sins that sustained David through all these adversities and conflicts. Those who experience true Repentance will also know the Renewal of the Joy of God’s Deliverance as David does. The joy David experiences in the Deliverance from his Enemies is far greater than the Joy of the farmer when he reaps a good harvest. It was this Joy and Gladness that sustained David during the time of his Flight from Absalom.

1.9 Peaceful Sleep (Psalms 4:8)

“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You, LORD, only makes me dwell in safety.” – It is God’s Gladness imparted that have invaded David’s heart. The consequence of God’s Presence is sleep and serenity. David concludes: “I will both lie down in Peace, and Sleep.” The stress is “on Peace” (Shalom). Literally, he writes: “In Peace – together I will lie down and sleep.”  Out of God’s Assurance that He (God) hears David’s Prayer (Psalm 4:1); and out of the Worship and devotion of his (David’s) Heart, now God’s Peace and Wholeness are David’s as he surrenders to sleep, a sleep that comes from the Security of Yahweh: “For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” It is only God who guards him (David), through the night and fill him with His Presence. This assurance: “Dwell (lie down) in Safety” (Psalm 4:8), is found repeatedly in the Old Testament (Isaiah 14:30; Hosea 2:18; Deuteronomy 12:10; Jeremiah 23:6). This Security in the Lord Jesus is the basis of our Confidence.

1.10 Psalms 4 Closes

with the picture of Peaceful Sleep possible to the Person who knows God’s care by Personal Experiences. David’s Confidence in God enables him to lay himself down calmly and tranquilly to sleep, whatever dangers threaten him. Even in his moment of anxiety, he is able to have toss-free Sleep. David has the Satisfaction and Assurance in thinking that it is God only who watches over him. All other help would be vain, superfluous:

  • God alone brought Israel through the Wilderness (Deuteronomy 32:12).
  • God alone established Israel in Canaan (Psalm 44:2-3).

David feels that he needs no other Helper and Protector. God alone gives David Protection and that makes him to dwell in safety even when he was alone. Because of this Joy and Gladness, David said as he fled across Jordan that he would experience the blessed sleep of God, for as Psalm 127:2 says, God “Grants sleep to those He loves” (NIV).

Peace (Shalom) is the Word loaded with meaning. Our English Word does not do justice to that word “Peace” (Shalom). Included in the Peace are the ideas of:

  • Economic and Physical Satisfaction.
  • Of Health.
  • Of Peace with God and men.

All this was possible in David’s day, and is also possible in ours, because God makes us dwell in safety.

Example: On the night preceding the execution of Nicholas Ridley (AD1500 – 1555), Bishop of London, his brother offered to pass his last hours in his company, but the bishop refused, saying that he meant to go to bed and sleep as quickly as he ever did in his life – “I will lay me down in peace, and take my rest, For it is Thou, Lord only, that makest me dwell in safety.”  The Next Morning, he was chained to the stake in the town ditch, opposite the south front of Billiol College, Oxford, As the flames rose round him he exclaimed with a wonderful loud voice: “In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum. Domine, recipe spiritum meum. “And then in English: “Lord, Lord, receive my spirit.”Application-Psalm 4 is the Rewarding Exercise for the Evening. By following Psalm 4’s Guidelines and Directive for devotion, it becomes the Perfect Prescription for Peace and good night sleep. Out of the heart of trust in the LORD will result in the Serenity and Joy of His (God’s) Effective Presence. “The LORD will hear when I call. …put your trust in the LORD for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”

Application-Psalm 4 is the Rewarding Exercise for the Evening. By following Psalm 4’s Guidelines and Directive for devotion, it becomes the Perfect Prescription for Peace and good night sleep. Out of the heart of trust in the LORD will result in the Serenity and Joy of His (God’s) Effective Presence. “The LORD will hear when I call. …put your trust in the LORD for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”


Psalm 3 – God, Our Security

1.0 The Statement

Psalm 3 is the First Psalm with a title, called “A Morning Psalm” Psalm 3:5). The Contents of Psalm 3 described the several difficult circumstances/situations which David experienced when he {David} fled from Absalom, his son. Psalm 3 is One of the Fourteen Psalms that are linked with Historical Episodes, all in David’s Life (Psalm 3; Psalm 7; Psalm 18; Psalm 30; Psalm 34; Psalm 51; Psalm 52; Psalm 54; Psalm 56; Psalm 57; Psalm 59; Psalm 60; Psalm 63; Psalm 142).

David’s flight from Absalom is recounted in 2Samuel 15:13. The word rendered “Psalm” in this Title appears 57 times in other Titles. The historical background for this Psalm is found in 2Samuel Chapters 15 to 18 where David had to take flight from his own palace to hide himself from his rebellious son, Absalom, as indicated by the historical note at the top of Psalm 3.

Many refer to this as a “Morning Prayer” to God (Psalm 3:5). This Psalm has been a favourite of many people facing troubles. If worry (discouragement – Psalm 3:1-2) keeps us from getting a good night’s sleep, Psalm 3 and Psalm 4 are what we need, because God never sleep (Psalm 121:3-4), so why should we stay awake and worry.

Psalm 3 and Psalm 4 are related as being Prayers of the morning and evening, in each case following a period of great danger and God’s Protection. A careful reading of Psalm 3 and Psalm 4 will show that they are closely related in structure, circumstances, and time.

  • Psalm 3 and Psalm 4, in each Psalm are four stanzas of 2 Verses each.
  • Psalm 3 and Psalm 4, each reflects a time of great danger, and the danger appears to be one and the same in both Psalms. Both tell of the faith of God’s Anointed (David) when the Kingdom was opposed, not from without (Psalm 2), but from within.
  • The Titles of both Psalm 3 and Psalm 4 are ascribed to David. Psalm 3 and Psalm 4 were written when David was exiled from Jerusalem because his son, Absalom, had stolen the Kingdom (2Samuel chapters 15 to 18).
  • Psalm 3 is “a Morning Prayer” (Psalm 3:5) and Psalm 4 is “an Evening Prayer” (Psalm 4:8).

The occasion indicated by the Title is completely suitable to the content of the Psalm 3. David’s distress of heart arose from the magnitude of the rebellion (Psalm 3:1, 6; cf 2Samuel 15:13). Troubles drives David to God in Prayer, not from Him in disbelief (Psalm 3:3; cf 1Samuel 30:6). David knew that God was for him:

  • God surrounds him (Psalm 3:3) – Protection (Shield), Presence (Glory), Restorer of his dignity (Lifter of his head).
  • God sustains him (Psalm 3:5).
  • God saves him (Psalm 3:7).. 

Psalm 3:3-8 expresses David’s reaction, are a sublime expression of unquenchable trust in God. 

1.1 David’s Distress

Psalm 3:1-2 “LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there are who say of my soul, there is no help for him in God. Selah.” – David was in distress as set forth in Psalm 3:1-2.  David wrote Psalm 3 when he ran away from his son, Absalom.  Absalom was the third son of David (2Samuel 3:3), and he (Absalom) usurped the Kingdom of Israel from his father, David.

We know nothing about the second son named Chileab or Daniel (1Chronicles 3:1). The oldest son, Amnon, was in line to be the King after David, but he sinned against his sister and Absalom killed him (2Samul 13:14,28).

So, Absalom was the oldest son in line for the throne, but he could not wait for his father, David to die. He stole the hearts of the People for himself and then to take the throne of his father (2Samuel 15:6,10). At first David ran away from Jerusalem, but he returned when Absalom had been killed. David wrote this Psalm 3 as a Prayer that God would save him from his Enemies.

1.1.1 The Increase

Psalm 3:1a “LORD, how are they increased that trouble me!” –  David laments to the LORD that his enemies are numerous and increasing, in their opposition against him. These formidable enemies had joined with Absalom, David’s son, in the rebellion against him (David). Three times the Hebrew root for “many” occurs (translated “increased” in Psalm 3:1).

  • David’s son, Absalom has gathered a formidable force against David, his father (2Samuel 15:1-6). Absalom stole the hearts of the People of Israel – 2Samuel 15:6 “In this manner Absalom acted toward Israel who came to the King for judgement. So, Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.”  
  • The Book of Samuel records that “the conspiracy was strong, for the People increased continually with Absalom” (2Samuel 15:12). Again, “Absalom, and all the People, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.” (2Samuel 16:15).

Ahithophel proposed to pursue David with 12,000 men (2Samuel 17:1-3), until David becomes tired and discouraged. Then they would strike David and return David’s men to Absalom. This plan, Ahithophel said, would bring peace to Israel. 2Samuel 17:4, states that “this advice seemed right in the eyes of Absalom and all the Elders of Israel.” The actual number that goes against David is larger than 12,000 men, as 2Samuel 18:7 states that some 20,000 men were killed. Whenever adversity strike, we have a choice:

  • We can turn from God, or we can turn to God.
  • We can use suffering to justify unbelief, or we can use suffering as a spur to belief.

This threat of pursuit by thousands of Absalom’s men, is the background of David’s plea in Psalm 3. David leads the way; he turns to God in direct address. To be in the minority is itself a test of nerve; more so when the minority is shrinking. David’s Enemies were becoming more numerous than they have ever been before. Physically, David is in grave danger:

  • David is compassed with foes. There is a consciousness of danger.
  • Surrounded with plots and snares. There is a feeling of being abandon by friends.
  • Scoffed at for his Piety: “There is no help for him in God.” There is a feeling of helplessness.

1.1.2 The Opposition

Psalm 3:1b “Many are they that rise up against me.” David’s Opposition is active – “Rise up against me.”  With the troubles of David mounting, many of his distrustful friends deduced that he is doomed to death. Thus, they abandoned him (David).

If we must struggle hard with Opposition, let us remember that we have “Companion in tribulation” and that the experience of David recorded in Psalm 3 is here to help us.  We may not lead Nations, but if we take a bold stand for Christ our Enemies will increase. Our families, our circle of friends, our business associates, our “public” will feel the effect. Harry Truman stated: “The Price of Leadership is loneliness.” Harry Truman used to say: “If you cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”  

1.1.3 Their Justification

Psalm 3:2 (NKJV) “Many are they who say of me, there is no help for him in God. Selah.” – The “bottom line” of David’s adversity lies not simply in the strength of his (David’s) Enemies but also in the charge: “There is no help for him in God.” Here is the threat of practical Atheism. It bears many nuances:

  • The first attack is that God has abandoned David.
  • The second attack is that David is not worth God’s attention, anyway.
  • The third attack is in the conclusion that David should give up his faith in God and turn elsewhere for help.
  • David’s spirit was weighed down by his Adversaries taunts to the effect that he is beyond the help of God.

The Accusation – For the thrust is primarily against David rather than God. These disheartening comments of “unkind cut,” are like those directed toward Job (Job 2:11-13).

  • When David’s Enemies declared that God has forsaken him (David), it is intended to create fear in him that he (David) has been abandoned by God, in his difficulties.
  • When Absalom rebelled against David, there is no doubt that many expected Divine intervention on behalf of David against the Rebel. But when David fled, and with so few Followers (2Samuel 15:18), and in his flight spoke so doubtfully of his prospects (2Samuel 15:26).
  • And when no help seemed to arise from any quarter, then their opinion changed, and they concluded that David is God-forsaken and would succumb to his Enemies.

Absalom saw in David’s expulsion from the city as Divine judgement (2Samuel 16:8). The word “help” is the same word as “salvation” in Psalm 3:8.

“Selah” (Psalm 3:2, 4, 8) – In this Psalm each Stanza, except the third, ends with “Selah.” Selah first occurs in this Psalm, where it is found three times. The word “Selah” is found 73 times in the Book of Psalms and three times in the Book of Habakkuk.  It is probably derived from the Hebrew root “Salal” meaning “Lift up.”  “Selah” means “Stop and Pray.” The frequent use in Psalms of the Hebrew word, “Selah,” possibly marks those places where a musical rest in the chanting or a change of instrumental accompaniment stressed a shift of mood. The word “Selah” often comes after an impressive statement, hence the pause for intensified reflection.

1.2 David’s Deliverer

Psalm 3:3-4 “But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the LORD with my voice, and He heard me from the holy hill.” – David now moves from the Character of his Enemies to the Character of God.  In the midst of his troubles, David remembers God’s past Deliverance. David’s trust in God grows from reassurance to buoyant confidence. He testified on Four Facts about God’s Deliverance:

1.2.1 David’s Shield

Psalm 3:3a “But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me.” –  David is exposed to the darts of false friends and false accusation, but God is his “Shield” – To protect him, as the Rebels had attacked his Person.

  • David focuses on God’s Protective Power, the Power that is also Personal: “You…are a shield for me.”
  • The God who rules the Heaven guards David’s heart. The expression has a special significant to David, being a “Man of War,” he fully appreciates the Protecting Power of the Shield.  
  • David also knows that God had promised to be the Shield for Abraham (Genesis 15:1), and he believed that God would be the Shield for him.

David discovered what Corrie ten Boom witnessed in the Nazi Concentration Camp at Ravens brook when she and her sister were condemned to death for hiding Jews from the Gestapo, she said that in the depths of despair God was deeper still.

1.2.2 David’s Glory

Psalm3:3b “My glory.” – David appeared to be plunged into gloom, but God is David’s “glory” – To restore his dignity, as the Rebel desired his Kingdom:

  • Dignity and Power – When Joseph said to his brothers “You shall tell my father of all my glory,” he meant the dignity and power to which God’s Wonder-working Providence has raised him from the dungeon.
  • Provision – God is also David’s Provision, his Victory, his Glory. The word “Glory” (Kabod) literally means “Heavy.” Troops going to battle went out light, and when they are victorious, they came back heavy, bringing the spoils with them. Thus, they brought “Glory” and they received “Glory” for their triumph. In this battle the spoils, the “Glory” is God’s not David’s.
  • God’s Glory is Eternal, Essential, and Unchangeable, His own: “My Glory will I not give to another.” But David by faith requested God to bestow his “glory” (dignity).

1.2.3 David’s Lifter

Psalm 3:3c “And the Lifter up of mine head.” – The verb “lift” may echo an earlier use of the term in Psalm 3:1. Lowered head signifies shame and humility. God is to be trusted as the Person who shall vindicate David against his (David’s) Enemies and Detractors, to lift David’s head (honour).

Before his rebellion, Absalom had been rejected by David and then restored to favour. This restoration is recorded in 2 Samuel 14:33: “He (Absalom) came to the King and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the King.”

What David does next, lift him (Absalom) up: “Then the King (David) kissed Absalom.”  Later David’s head is lowered in shame by Absalom’s revolt, but the God who Protects and Provides will go on to lift David’s head in triumph.  

Although David’s Enemies rose, God raised him, yet higher. Man had cast David down, but God “lifted him {David} up.” God as his (David’s) Lifter – To give him (David) new courage, as the Rebels sought his downfall. As God had raised David to the Throne (2Samuel 5:3-5; 1Chronicles 11:3) and prospered in his wars (2Samuel 8:1-14) and exalted him above all the other Kings of the period, so God is able to restore him to his rightful place, as the King.

1.2.4 David’s Prayer

Psalm 3:4 “I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and He (God) heard me out of His holy hill. Selah.” – David derives comfort from past experiences. His cry is both constant and earnest. It has been his habit to Pray, and the LORD had always answered him:

  • Audible – David’s Prayer is audible. He “cried out.” If our mind wanders in Prayer, try praying out loud. It is an excellent discipline; it will help to keep us focused on God.
  • Effective – David’s Prayer is also effective; “he {David} got through {“He heard me out”}” – God hears. There is a confidence that comes in Prayer itself, not simply in answers to Prayer. When we pray in faith and are open to the Holy Spirit, we receive the assurance that God hears, that we are in Communion with Him.
  • Directed – David’s Prayer is directed toward Mt Zion, God’s “Holy Hills,” where God’s Presence is symbolised by the Ark of the Covenant. Though David is in exile at Mahanaim (2Samuel 17:24), his {David’s}thoughts revert to Jerusalem, to the Holy Hill of Zion, and the Ark of God, which he {David} has there “Set in its Place.” (2Samuel 6:17); and he knows that God, who “Dwells between the Cherubim” (1Samuel 4:4), will hear him, though so far off.

The Sombre Developments of the Day are summed up in David’s Morning Prayer and left with God in confidence that He (God) has heard and heeded:

  • The Rebels has attacked his (David’s) Person – In his danger, God is his (David’s) Shield (Psalm3:3a) – “Shield” = To Protect him (David). 
  • The Rebels desired his (David’s) Crown – In his (David’s) humiliation, God is his (David’s) Glory {Honour – Psalm 3:3b} – “Glory” = To Restore his (David’s) Dignity.
  • The Rebels seek David’s Downfall – In their (Rebels’) Accusation, God is the Lifter of his (David’s) head (Psalm 3:3c) – “The Lifter of my (David’s) head” = To Restore David’s Honour.
  • The Rebels has driven David from Zion – In fleeing, God is David’s Sanctuary (Psalm 3:4). “The Holy Hill” = God’s Presence.

The Verbs of Psalm 3:4 should be frequentative: “Whenever I call, He (God) Answers!” Having God, David has everything, even if he is bereft of all else (2Corinthians 4:7-11), and God is trustworthy, as the Person who shall vindicate David against his (David’s) Enemies and Detractors, to lift David’s head (honour).

All of David’s Confidence rests upon the experiences of Answered Prayer (the Verbs represent unvaried custom), and upon Revelation of God’s Nature, as He (God) has shown Himself “On His Holy Hills,” this refers to Zion. It is this knowledge of God which enabled David to sleep (Psalm 3:5).

The Sequence of Action from Psalm 3:3 to Psalm 3:4 shows us the Secret of Effective Prayer. We begin by Worshipping God and Calling to Mind of God’s Character. As we described Him (God) and remembered what He had done, our Faith Grows. The Vitality of our Prayers will reflect our understanding of God. Dr. Louis Evans, Jr., said of the Great Christian Educator, Henrietta Mears that when she Prayed, she reached up to Heaven and shook God’s Throne. She Prayed Mighty Prayers because she had the Mighty God.

1.3 David’s Confidence

The Consequences of David’s Cry to God are sketched in Psalm 3:5-6. God sustains him (David). The freshness of body and serenity of faith with which David awoke the next morning are due to an implicit Assurance of Divine Mercy and Preservation. This not only rid ominous (worrying) circumstances of any Power to intimate but initiated a claim to actual triumph over them.  Psalm 3:5-6 mentions features of David’s Deliverance.

1.3.1 The Lord Sustains

Psalm 3:5 “I lay down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.” – David’s freshness of body and serenity of faith with which he (David) awakes the next morning are due to an implicit Assurance of Divine Mercy and Preservation.

  • It could be stated this way: “I, for my part,” he says, “confident in God, calmly laid me down and slept; I did not allow the danger which I was in to interfere with my repose at night.”
  • When Morning came, that is, David awoke, as usual, from a quiet and refreshing slumbers, because now and always David is sustained by God.
  • David is sustained in sleep. Sleep is the Sign of God’s Peace. David is able to sleep because God is awake (Psalm 121:3-4), and David has given his (David’s) burdens to Him (God). Now through the night David is kept by God: “He gives His beloved sleep” (Psalm 127:2).
  • David awakens: “For the LORD sustained me.” Thus, Psalm 3 is Composed in David’s Morning Devotions.
  • David’s Confidence (Trustfulness) – the Peacefulness of David’s sleep.
  • David’s Present experience also, justified his (David’s) Confidence, in God. David is speaking of the morning after a night of refreshing sleep – not in bed, but out in the open and beneath the stars, hunted by his enemies (2Samuel 22:1).
  • It is not the sleep of exhaustion, but of trust in God, who sustains him (David) all the time (Hebrew).

The Knowledge that God is his (David’s) Helper and Protector makes his sleep possible. Upon awaking, he realizes that it is the LORD who sustained him. Watson: “A good conscience can sleep in the mouth of a cannon; grace is a Christian’s coat of mail, which fears not the arrow or bullet.”

1.3.2 The Lord Protects

Psalm 3:6 “I will not be afraid of ten thousands of People, who have set themselves against me round about.” – David is calm before his (David’s) Enemies. Here is the Fundamental Answer to Prayer as David’s Faith triumphs over his Fears. As is often said, God never Promises to change our circumstances; God always Promises to change us. David knows that there is no real might in “the multitude of a Host” (Psalm 33:16). God could save equally with many or with few, and against many or against few (2Kings 6:15-17).   

David’s Courage (Fearlessness).  David is sure that the LORD would protect him (David), and David could face ten thousand Enemies without Fear. The Hebrew for “ten thousand” is a reminder of the word for “many” in Psalm 3:1-2; and although encirclement (“round about”), now intensifies the Threat, David could confidently face the worst. Numbers are not everything. Absalom had the crowd, but David had God, and the Person with God is the Majority.

1.4 David’s Prayer

But one night of safety has not dispelled the danger, and Prayer remains David’s Resource. Psalm 3:7b “For You has smitten all mine enemies upon the cheekbones; You has broken the teeth of the ungodly,” could be a reference to Past Deliverances.

David’s Past-Experiences stand him in good stead and encouragement. David recalls the Changelessness, Faithfulness of God, and then Psalm 3:8 looks to Him as the Sole Deliverer of Deliverance or Salvation, and the Sole Source of His People’s Blessedness. Psalm 3:7-8 Contains the Prayer of Deliverance, but also includes Statements of God’s Past Accomplishments. Two Verbs form the basis of the Prayer:

  • Psalm 3:7a “Arise, O LORD;”
  • Psalm 3:7b “Save me, O my God!”

The Power and Deliverance of God are invoked by this Petition, as David seeks Divine Intervention.

1.4.1 Prayer for Himself

Psalm 3:7 “Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God; for YOU has smitten all mine enemies upon the cheekbone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.” –

David’s Prayer: “Arise, O LORD.” God’s Power and Deliverance are involved God’s Power and Deliverance are invoked by this Petition, as David seeks active intervention. He is either recalling what God has done on previous occasions or using the Prophetic Perfect. David was in imminent danger:

  • All Israel had come against him (David) (2Samuel 16:15).
  • David Short of Supplies (2Samuel 17:29).
  • David is doubtful how God is disposed toward him (2Samuel 15:25-26).

It is the time, unless God delivers, there is no hope. Hence the intense earnestness of David’s Prayer. With God’s Assurance, David experienced God’s Peace in his heart. David is ready for Battle.

  • David called upon the LORD to fight and is confident of the Outcome. The Call “Arise, O LORD; Save me, O My God” is David’s Petitions to God to go to war, on his behalf. It is Yahweh who fights Israel’s battles. He (God) is the “Commander of the Army” (Joshua 5:14).
  • David’s Psalm of Security concludes with the Statement that the LORD “Has smitten all his (David’s) Enemies upon the check bone,” (Psalm 3:7c), the point of contact (of the check bone) which inflicts the greatest pain and the highest degree of insult (1Kings.22:24; Job 16:10; Micah 5:1).

The “breaking of the teeth” of the ungodly (Psalm 3:7d; Job 4:10; Psalm 58:6) represents the Destruction their Weapons (Teeth).  In our battle against Satan, we are reminded that our Lord Jesus Christ, “the Seed of the Woman” (Genesis 3:15), has mortally bruised the head of the Serpent – Colossians 2:15 “Having disarmed Principalities and Powers, He (Jesus) made a Public Spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.”

1.4.2 Prayer for the People

Psalm 3:8 “Salvation belongs unto the LORD; Your blessing is upon Your People, Selah.” – The Ungodly scoffed at David: “There is no help for him in God,” (Psalm 3:2), but David expresses his Confidence: “Salvation belongs to the LORD” (Psalm 3:8). “Salvation” is the same Hebrew word as in Psalm 3:2 “Help” or “Deliverance.” It means Deliverance/Help in any time of trouble:  

  • It is God who delivers the Godly from their Enemies and brings Victory.
  • It is God who bestow Blessing.

A Leader’s Heart – David has the heart for the People, as he is not deterred, by the revolt of almost the whole Nation against him, from commending them to God, entreating God’s Blessing upon them, and desiring their welfare. He echoes Moses (Exodus 32:31-32). Delivering David from his Enemies, then, is not an end in itself; it is for the sake of blessing the Nation.  God’s People – Psalm 3 ends by looking beyond the “I” and “me” of all the previous Verses to Your {God’s}People (not even “my people”), and Your {God’s} blessing, which goes as far beyond Victory as Health and Fruitfulness go beyond Survival.  Psalm 3:8 is a Benediction, but it is also a Prayer, adapting the Psalm 3 to Public Worship. David joyfully exclaims “Salvation belongs unto the LORD.” God is the Author and Originator of our Salvation, and David glories in the fact that Salvation (Deliverance), as God’s Gift to him is certain.