Psalm 3 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
1 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
Psalms Chapter 3 Continued
5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
7 Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8 Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
Key Takeaways from This Psalm:
Psalm 3:3
Verse: יְהוָה, מָגֵן עָלַי, מִי יַעֲמֹד לְנֶגְדִּי
Transliteration: Adonai magen alai, mi ya'amod negdi
English: “The Lord is my shield; my glory, and the lifter of my head.”
Focus Word: מָגֵן (Magen)
- Root: ג-נ-נ (Gimel-Nun-Nun)
- Meaning: “Shield,” “protector,” “defense.”
- Deeper Insight: Symbolically represents God’s protection in both physical and spiritual warfare. In Hebrew, it conveys active safeguarding, not just passive safety.
Biblical Scholars on This Chapter:
| Scholar (Institution & Dates) | Work | View on Psalm 3 |
|---|---|---|
| John Calvin (University of Paris / Orléans, 1509–1564) | Commentaries on the Psalms | Calvin sees this Psalm as David’s trust in God amid persecution, illustrating confidence in divine protection. |
| Charles Hodge (Princeton University, 1797–1878) | Commentary on the Psalms | Hodge emphasizes the believer’s reliance on God’s providence during trials, highlighting prayer and faith. |
| Matthew Henry (Christ Church, Oxford, 1662–1714) | Exposition of the Old and New Testament | Henry focuses on the Psalm as encouragement to trust God in times of danger and opposition. |
| George Buchanan (University of St Andrews, 1506–1582) | Commentarii in Psalmos | Buchanan interprets the Psalm as expressing both personal and communal reliance on God’s protection. |
| Richard Sibbes (Pembroke College, Cambridge, 1577–1635) | The Bruised Reed | Sibbes stresses God’s comfort and deliverance for the faithful who face enemies or distress. |
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