When David Fled from His Son

Commentary

Psalm 3 is the first psalm with a title, “A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.” In 2 Samuel 15-17, David had to flee Jerusalem quickly, as Absalom, his favorite son, stole the hearts of the people of Israel (2SA 15:6) and seized the throne. He crossed the Kidron Valley, up the Mount of Olives, “weeping, barefoot, and with his head covered” (2SA 15:30). He escaped across the Jordan River to Mahanaim, a stronghold city in Gilead.

David writes, “many are rising against me” (PSA 3:1). The rebellion “grew strong” and “kept increasing” (2SA 15:12). Among the traitors was Ahithophel, his trusted counselor (2SA 15:31). Absalom got a new general, Amasa, to replace Joab, and gathered a large army. “Thousands of people set themselves against” David (PSA 3:6; 2SA 18:7). They mocked, saying, “There is no salvation for him in God” (PSA 3:2).

This psalm shows David turning fear into faith while still on the run. In the middle of this battle, David cried out loud to the LORD, “O LORD, save me, O my God. O LORD, You are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head” (PSA 3:3,7). He was the one Who put David on the throne. “I will not be afraid” (PSA 3:6). And here, God ‘answered from His holy hill,’ from the mercy seat on top of the ark of the covenant in Jerusalem (2SA 15:24-29). God saved him, as Absalom ‘happened’ to ride under an oak tree, was caught in its low branches, killed, and the rebellion ended (PSA 18:9-15).

David says, “I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me” (PSA 3:5). And he closes with confidence, “Salvation belongs to the LORD; Your blessing be on Your people” (PSA 3:8).

Application

When I feel I’m facing a battle, surrounded by problems or people who speak against me, will I let fear control my heart, or will I trust God to be my shield? When I feel weak, can I look to Him to lift my head? How will I rest in His care today and believe that my help and my victory come from the Lord alone?SMN