Psalms 3-5

Thoughts

Psalm 3 Save Me, O My God

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

“O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me;
many are saying of my soul, ‘There is no salvation for him in God.’ Selah”

• David laments the multitude of enemies rising against him.

“But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah”

• God is described as:
  • Shield 
  • Glory 
  • Lifter of my head 

“I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.
I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.”

• Despite crisis, David experiences peace
• God protects him.

“Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.
Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people! Selah”

• David calls for God to save him from his enemies.
  

Psalm 4 Answer Me When I Call

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

“Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have given me relief when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!”

• David begins with urgency
• He remembers God’s past help 

“O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for Himself;
the LORD hears when I call to Him.”

• David confronts his accusers-likely nobles or followers of Absalom.
• They chase false hopes

“Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD.”

• David turns from his enemies to instruct the people.
• “Be angry and do not sin”  it means feel awe or conviction but don’t lash out.

“There are many who say, ‘Who will show us some good?’
Lift up the light of Your face upon us, O LORD!
You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.”

• The world seeks happiness in prosperity.
• David’s joy is deeper and lasting, it comes from God’s favor 

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”

• David can sleep because God, not his situation, is his security.

Psalm 5 Lead Me in Your Righteousness

To the choirmaster: for the flutes. A Psalm of David.

“Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning.
Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God,
for to You do I pray.
O LORD, in the morning You hear my voice;
in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for You and watch.”

• David begins his day by bringing everything before God

“For You are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with You.
The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all evildoers.
You destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.”

• David reflects on who God is 
• His holiness repels all evil

“But I, through the abundance of Your steadfast love,
will enter Your house.
I will bow down toward Your holy temple in the fear of You.”

• David contrasts himself with the wicked 
• David displays humble worship before holiness.

“Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies;
make Your way straight before me.
For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction;
their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue.”

• David seeks moral and spiritual direction 
• He knows that deceit surrounds him; only God’s guidance can keep him from stumbling.
• Paul later quotes verse 9 in Romans 3:13 

“Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels;
because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out,
for they have rebelled against You.
But let all who take refuge in You rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy, and spread Your protection over them,
that those who love Your name may exult in You.
For You bless the righteous, O LORD;
You cover him with favor as with a shield.”

• David prays for justice and that evil will collapse on itself.
• The wicked rebel against God; the righteous take refuge in Him.
• Joy and protection belong to those who love His name.
• God’s favor is like a shield 

Questions

What does it mean to offer right sacrifices

Application
Psalm 3 calls us to cry out in times of fear. David called on God to strike his enemies and save him in his time of need. Psalm 4 is a reflection of our heart. We are called to meditate and put our trust in the Lord. As we lie down for the night, peace can replace anxiety. Finally, Psalm 5 shows us how to get up and start our day with God. This can set the tone for the entire day.