uW Translation Notes:

Psalm 3 Introduction

Structure and Formatting

1. Foes “rising” against psalmist (1–2)
2. Trust expressed to Yahweh (on his holy hill, see 2:6) (3–4)
3. Trust in Yahweh proclaimed (5–6)
4. Help petitioned from Yahweh (“rising” and saving refer back to 1–2) (7–8)

See 2 Samuel 15–18 for the story of David fleeing from Absalom.

About the Psalm

1. Purpose: to pray for salvation from enemies
2. Content: Yahweh, save me! My enemies are many, but you are my defense.
3. Message: Salvation is of Yahweh

Translation Issues in This Psalm

1. The psalm divides into four sections that are nearly the same length (14 words / 14 words / 14 words / 15 words).
2. The second and third sections share similar beginnings; both begin with an independent personal pronoun (3a: “you;” 5a: “I”). “You” (=Yahweh) is the topic of the second section (3–4), and “I” (=David) is the topic of the third section (5–6).
3. The first section (1–2) and the two middle sections (3–6) are connected by the ideas of “many/multitudes … against me.” See: writing-poetry
4. Yahweh is pictured as a shield.
5. Safety is pictured as sleeping.
6. Yahweh’s salvation from enemies is pictured in violent graphic language.
7. Wicked people’s power is represented by their teeth.

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Psalm

1. Selah: This psalm contains the first instances of the Hebrew word “Selah.” Refer to the introduction to Psalms for more information.
2. Superscriptions: This psalm is the first one which starts with a superscription. Refer to the introduction to Psalms for more information.

(Occurrence 0) לְ⁠דָוִ֑ד

of,David

This could mean: (1) David wrote the psalm or (2) the psalm is about David or (3) the psalm is in the style of David’s psalms.