3 But thou, O Jehovah, art a shield about me; My glory and the lifter up of my head.
And now shall my head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me. And I will offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto Jehovah.
Jehovah is my strength and my shield; My heart hath trusted in him, and I am helped: Therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; And with my song will I praise him.
Thou art my hiding-place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
Jehovah is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; My God, my rock, in whom I will take refuge; My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower.
The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but Jehovah will be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.
He will drink of the brook in the way: Therefore will he lift up the head.
With God is my salvation and my glory: The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
And the city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine upon it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamp thereof `is' the Lamb.
But know that Jehovah hath set apart for himself him that is godly: Jehovah will hear when I call unto him.
A light for revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of thy people Israel.
And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the year that he began to reign, did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison;
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Commentary on Psalms 3 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 3
Ps 3:1-8. For the historical occasion mentioned, compare 2Sa 15:1-17:29. David, in the midst of great distress, with filial confidence, implores God's aid, and, anticipating relief, offers praise.
1. Lord … increased—The extent of the rebellion (2Sa 15:13) surprises and grieves him.
2. say of my soul—that is, "of me" (compare Ps 25:3). This use of "soul" is common; perhaps it arose from regarding the soul as man's chief part.
no help … in God—rejected by Him. This is the bitterest reproach for a pious man, and denotes a spirit of malignant triumph.
Selah—This word is of very obscure meaning. It probably denotes rest or pause, both as to the music and singing, intimating something emphatic in the sentiment (compare Ps 9:16).
3. But—literally, "and" (Ps 2:6). He repels the reproach by avowing his continued trust.
shield—a favorite and often-used figure for protection.
my glory—its source.
lifter up of mine head—one who raises me from despondency.
4. cried … heard—Such has been my experience. The latter verb denotes a gracious hearing or answering.
out of—or, "from."
his holy hill—Zion (Ps 2:6). His visible earthly residence.
5. the Lord sustained me—literally, "will sustain me," as if his language or thought when he laid down, and the reason of his composure.
6. ten thousands of people—or, "myriads," any very great number (compare 2Sa 16:18).
7. Arise, O Lord—God is figuratively represented as asleep to denote His apparent indifference (Ps 7:6). The use of "cheekbone" and "teeth" represents his enemies as fierce, like wild beasts ready to devour (Ps 27:2), and smiting their cheekbone (1Ki 22:24) denotes violence and insult.
thou hast broken—God took his part, utterly depriving the enemy of power to injure.
8. An ascription of praise to a delivering God, whose favor is an efficient benefit.