Psalm 3 has a very interesting back story. A synopsis of the back story follows.
2 Samuel 13-19 one of the longest continuous narratives describes the whole messy situation. King David, Absalom and Amnon (Davids’s sons) and Tamar (David’s daughter); Joab (Commander of David’s army) and an unnamed woman and other bit players are the cast for the story. Tamar is describes as a beautiful woman (2 Samuel 13:1). Amnon believed he loved Tamar (2 Samuel 1:4)
- 2 Samuel 13 describes a plot leading to a Tamar’s rape followed by the murder of Amnon, who raped Tamar, by Absalom. Absalom then flees to Geshur living there for three years.
- 2 Samuel 14 Jonadab, using a subterfuge, gets King David to recall Absalom. Absalom returns and after 2 years sets fire to Joab’s barley field. After the fire, Joab arranges a meeting between David and Absalom.. Absalom goes to David and kisses his ring as a sign of submission and loyalty.
- 2 Samuel 15 and 16 Absalom launches a successful insurrection against King David, his father. David flees Jerusalem toward the Jordan river along with his whole palace including David’s army.
- 2 Samuel 17 Absalom wants to pursue King David (with 12,000 men) but Hushai, formerly an adviser to David but now a spy in Absalom’s court, convinces Absalom not to pursue and attack.
- 2 Samuel 18 King David’s army defeats the army of Absalom. Absalom is killed by Joab.
- 2 Samuel 19 Joab rebukes King David for his obsessive and counterproductive mourning over Absalom which is threatening to destroy the victorious army. David pulls himself together averting the crisis
PSALM 3
Morning Prayer of Trust in God. A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.
O Lord, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me. Many are saying of my soul, “There is no deliverance for him in God.” But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.
I was crying to the Lord with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessing be upon Your people!
King David is monarch of a regional super power with lots of enemies, one more enemy is hardly a numerical increase. I think the increase is not in quantity but in category or type. A new type of enemy has arisen, betrayal by a family member. In the midst of his distress, David worships God (Psalm 3:3-4) which brings peace and comfort allowing David to sleep (Psalm 3:5). After sleeping David once again worships God by acknowledging God’s power and protection while asking God to strike down his enemies (Psalm 3: 6-7). David closes in a triumphant acknowledgment that salvation (in any form) come from God (Psalm 3:8).
The backstory raises questions.
- David is obsessed with Absalom yet waits 3 years to recall him to Jerusalem and an additional 2 years to actually see his son. That’s 5 years!
- David flees along with his army (2 Samuel 18.1)! Not by himself with a few close advisors but with his army. When the time comes David creates a successful battle plan.
- In spite of the insurrection, the flight, the battle and death of Absalom David remains obsessed regarding Absalom to the detriment of his army and kingdom.
What questions come to your mind as you read this post?
Some Hints:
- Why did David flee?
- What can we learn about David’s parenting style?
- ???