Psalmen 3:8 Kommentar

As the foregoing psalm, in the type of David in preferment, showed us the royal dignity of the Redeemer, so this, by the example of David in distress, shows us the peace and holy security of the redeemed, how safe they really are, and think themselves to be, under the divine protection. David, being now driven out from his palace, from the royal city, from the holy city, by his rebellious son Absalom, I. Complains to God of his enemies (Psa 3:1, Psa 3:2). II. Confides in God, and encourages himself in him as his God, notwithstanding (Psa 3:3). III. Recollects the satisfaction he had in the gracious answers God gave to his prayers, and his experience of his goodness to him (Psa 3:4, Psa 3:5). IV. Triumphs over his fears (Psa 3:6) and over his enemies, whom he prays against, (Psa 3:7). V. Gives God the glory and takes to himself the comfort of the divine blessing and salvation which are sure to all the people of God (Psa 3:8). Those speak best of the truths of God who speak experimentally; so David here speaks of the power and goodness of God, and of the safety and tranquility of the godly. A psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 3 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. This is the first of the psalms that has a title, and is called a Psalm; the word for which, "mizmor", comes from one which signifies to "cut" or "prune" (r), as trees are lopped of their superfluous branches; showing this to be a composition of even feet, in proper metre, formed for the modulation of the voice, to some tune or musical instrument; and it is said to be "a psalm of David", which may be rendered "a psalm for" or "to David" (s), as if it was wrote by another for his use, and inscribed to him; or rather that it was given to him by the Holy Spirit, who was the author of it, though he was the penman. It is observed by some, that wherever the dative case is used in the title of the psalm, as it most frequently is, as such a psalm to David, or to Asaph, it may signify that it came from the Lord to him, or was divinely inspired; just as it is said, the word of the Lord came to the prophets; though some render it "a psalm concerning David" (t), his troubles, his faith and security in God, his victory over his enemies, and salvation from the Lord. However, David was the composer of this psalm, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, occasioned by his flight from Absalom; who, having stolen away the hearts of the people of Israel, entered into a conspiracy with them to dethrone his father and place himself in his stead; and the people so increased continually with him, that David thought it advisable to flee from Jerusalem, Sa2 15:12; and at the time of his flight, or after it, he penned this psalm on account of it, and as suitable to it. And now was fulfilled what God had said, by Nathan the prophet, should befall him, because of the affair of Bathsheba and Uriah; see Sa2 12:11. David was an eminent type of Christ, and so he was in his troubles, and in these; as one of his sons conspired against him to dethrone him, and take away his life; so Judas, one of Christ's disciples or children, for disciples were called children, his familiar friend, that did eat of his bread, lifted up his heel against him, and sought to betray him, and did; and who, though he knew the designs of Judas against him, and did not flee from him, but rather went to meet him, yet it is easy to observe that he took the same route from Jerusalem as David did. At this time he went over the brook Kidron, and to the mount of Olives; see Joh 18:1; compared with Sa2 15:23; And indeed the whole psalm may be applied to Christ; and so as the second psalm sets forth the dignity of Christ's person, as the Son of God, and the stability and enlargement of his kingdom, notwithstanding the opposition made to him; this expresses his troubles from his enemies, his death and resurrection from the dead, his victory over his enemies, and the salvation he wrought out for his people. In short, it may be understood of David as the type, of Christ as the antitype, and of the people of God, being suited to their experiences, more or less, in all ages; and in this large and extensive way I shall choose to interpret it. (r) "a radice" "praescidit", Gejerus. (s) "psalmus Davidi", "sub. datus", Genebrardus. (t) "De Davide, vel in Davidem"; so some in Mariana.

Salvation belongeth unto the Lord,.... As the author of it; temporal salvation is of him; all the deliverances of the saints out of their troubles are from him; and to him is owing their spiritual and eternal salvation; this belongs to Jehovah, Father, Son, and Spirit: Jehovah the Father resolved upon it, chose men to it from everlasting, contrived the scheme of it in his infinite wisdom, made a covenant with his Son, in which he secured it, and appointed him to be the author of it, and sent him in the fulness of time to effect it; and Christ the Son of God, being qualified for it, being mighty to save, came into this world for that purpose, and is become the author of eternal salvation; his own arm has brought it to him, though there were many difficulties in the way; such as fulfilling the law, satisfying justice, making an end of sin, grappling with all the powers of darkness, and undergoing an accursed death: and the Spirit of God, he makes men sensible of their need of this salvation; he brings it near to them, and works faith in them to lay hold upon it, and shows them their interest in it; and in consequence of all this the glory of salvation belongs to the Lord, Father, Son, and Spirit, and should be given to the Father as the contriver of it, to the Son as the author of it, and to the Spirit as the applier of it; see Rev 7:10; thy blessing is upon thy people; or it may be considered prayer wise, let "thy blessing be upon thy people" (b); either upon those that were on the side of David, or on those, as others interpret it, who had imprudently joined themselves to Absalom; which latter sense, if right, shows in what a divine frame and disposition of mind the psalmist was, to pray for his enemies: or the words are an assertion, that the blessing of the Lord was come upon his covenant people, and does descend upon them as they are called by grace; even all spiritual blessings, the blessings of a justifying righteousness, of pardon of sin, of reconciliation and peace by the blood of Christ, of adoption, and of eternal life; the blessing of grace, and the blessing of glory. Selah; on this word; see Gill on Psa 3:2. (b) "sit benedictio tua", Junius & Tremellius, Tarnovius, Gejerus, Michaelis. Next: Psalms Chapter 4

This psalm can pertain to David or to Christ, and through him to all the saints.

"Salvation is of the Lord; and upon Your people be Your blessing" [Psalm 3:8]. In one sentence the Psalmist has enjoined men what to believe, and has prayed for believers. For when it is said, "Salvation is of the Lord," the words are addressed to men. Nor does it follow, "And upon Your people" be "Your blessing," in such wise as that the whole is spoken to men, but there is a change into prayer addressed to God Himself, for the very people to whom it was said, "Salvation is of the Lord." What else then does he say but this? Let no man presume on himself, seeing that it is of the Lord to save from the death of sin; for, "Wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death? The grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord." [Romans 7:24-25] But bless, O Lord, Your people, who look for salvation from You.

He who gives salvation is called “the salvation of the Lord,” and he is likewise our salvation who received him.

What is the blessing to people who overcome unless it is the will of the Father concerning the coming of his Son into the world?

What is this blessing of the Lord? Without a doubt it is peace, just as Scripture says in many places: “Peace be over Israel.” Through these words he wishes to show that in the place of blessing peace is conferred on the people.

In a single sentence he both commands us what to believe and promises what we can receive from him.

Finally when he says, "of the Lord," he shows that divine help extends to the whole people. And first with regard to preservation from evil; and so he says, "salvation is of the Lord." And therefore prayer must be directed to God. Second, with regard to the multiplication of goods; and so he says: "upon your people be your blessing," that is, upon the people who hope in you and in you, and not in another, be your blessing. The blessing of the Lord always implies the multiplication of goods. Prov. 10: "The blessing of the Lord makes rich." This Psalm can also be read otherwise according to the Gloss, so that the whole Christ speaks, that is, the Church and her Head, situated amid the storms of persecution. Or morally, this Psalm can be read in the person of any individual believer who is assailed by vices and desires. And according to this, by David is understood any believer, and by Absalom vices and carnal concupiscences, as is clear in the Gloss.

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. (Psa 3:1-8) Lord . . . increased--The extent of the rebellion (Sa2 15:13) surprises and grieves him.

An ascription of praise to a delivering God, whose favor is an efficient benefit. Next: Psalms Chapter 4