Psalm 3

Read Psalm 3 ESV

Who - David speaking to the LORD when he was fleeing from Absalom.  

What - Ultimately it is David’s request for the LORD to rescue him.  David is fleeing, he is in danger of being overrun by Absalom’s attackers.  He has his wives and children with him, and only a small fighting force.  He is in a precarious situation, worsened by the number and who has betrayed him to Absalom’s coup (2 Sam 15 - 17).  David knows he is in need of God’s help against all the advisers, and leaders who have become his enemies.

When - At the time David is fleeing Jerusalem because of Absalom’s coup.

Where - Unstated, but from its context and 2 Sam 15-17 I speculate it was either ‘fords of the wilderness” (17:16) or Mahaniam (17:24).  David is not in his bunker or palace away from Jerusalem.  He is totally exposed.

Why - From 2 Samuel 15-7 we see David was greatly outnumbered and at a political disadvantage.  Absalom controls the government and many of the people are backing him.  David’s situation was as dire as when he was fleeing Saul.  Only God could save him.  

How - David first tells God of his plight, people are saying God will not save David this time.  So David juxtaposes God’s name and promises against David’s attackers.  Then David recounts what God has done for him, and how God has already acted to protect David.  Thus David says he will not be afraid.  Then David makes his request, that God act powerfully, forcefully and publicly against his enemies.

So What - When our situation (physical, emotional or spiritual) is as dire as David’s:

1. We can follow David’s example of how to approach God.
2. We can be encouraged and hopeful remembering how God answered David’s request and all God did for David in this crisis by reading 2 Sam 14-19.
3. We, like David, can recount the times in the past God has acted for us and delivered us in previous crisis.
4. We can look to something David did not have.  We can rely on the work of Christ and His promises to completely restore and redeem us.  No matter the outcome here on earth He will ultimately deliver us into His perfect kingdom.