Psalms 3:1

KJV

¶ A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many [are] they that rise up against me.

KJV (with Strong's)

A Psalm {H4210} of David {H1732}, when he fled {H1272} from {H6440} Absalom {H53} his son {H1121}. LORD {H3068}, how are they increased {H7231} that trouble {H6862} me! many {H7227} are they that rise up {H6965} against me.

Complete Jewish Bible

A psalm of David, when he fled from Avshalom his son: ADONAI, how many enemies I have! How countless are those attacking me;

Berean Standard Bible

O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me!

American Standard Version

Jehovah, how are mine adversaries increased! Many are they that rise up against me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 3:1 opens with a raw, immediate cry from King David, expressing profound distress and an overwhelming sense of being outnumbered by his adversaries. This initial lament, precisely contextualized by its superscription as David's flight from his rebellious son Absalom, encapsulates the shock, pain, and deep betrayal he experienced. It sets the stage for a psalm that courageously transitions from desperate anguish to an unwavering affirmation of trust in God, even when circumstances appear dire and hope seems distant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 3 immediately follows [Psalm 2](/psalms/2 "Psalm 2 - The Reign of the LORD's Anointed"), which majestically portrays the LORD's sovereign rule and the ultimate futility of nations raging against His anointed king. The juxtaposition is striking: [Psalm 2](/psalms/2 "Psalm 2 - The Reign of the LORD's Anointed") presents a triumphant, divine perspective on kingship, while [Psalm 3](/psalms/3 "Psalm 3 - A Psalm of Trust in God Amidst Adversity") opens with David, the divinely chosen king, in a state of extreme vulnerability and flight. The superscription, "A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son," provides the specific historical backdrop, making this the first psalm in the Psalter with such a detailed historical note. The verse itself establishes the problem—overwhelming enemies—which the rest of the psalm then addresses by turning to God for deliverance and finding peace in His protection. It is a classic lament, moving from complaint to confidence, setting a foundational pattern for many subsequent psalms within the Psalter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for [Psalm 3:1](/psalms/3-1 "Psalm 3:1 - David's Lament in Flight") is vividly described in [2 Samuel 15-18](/2_samuel/15-18 "2 Samuel 15-18 - Absalom's Rebellion and David's Flight"). Absalom, David's third son, orchestrated a sophisticated and popular rebellion against his father, capitalizing on public discontent and his own charismatic appeal. This was not merely a political uprising but a deeply personal betrayal, as it came from within David's own household. David, the divinely chosen king, was forced to flee Jerusalem barefoot and weeping, a public humiliation that would have been deeply shaming in ancient Near Eastern culture. Many of his former loyalists and even his trusted counselor, Ahithophel, defected to Absalom's side, intensifying David's sense of isolation and overwhelming opposition. The phrase "many are they that rise up against me" powerfully reflects the widespread nature of Absalom's support and the suddenness with which David's kingdom turned against him, plunging him into profound personal and national crisis.
* **Key Themes:** [Psalm 3:1](/psalms/3-1 "Psalm 3:1 - David's Lament in Flight") introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **overwhelming opposition and human vulnerability**, demonstrating that even God's anointed can experience profound suffering and betrayal. David's lament underscores that faith does not exempt one from deep anguish. Secondly, it immediately establishes the theme of **lament as a legitimate and necessary response to distress**, demonstrating that bringing one's raw pain directly to God is an act of profound faith, not weakness. This sets the stage for the psalm's ultimate theme: **divine refuge and deliverance**. Despite the multitude of enemies, David's immediate cry to the "LORD" (Yahweh) in this verse implicitly acknowledges God as his only true recourse, foreshadowing the confidence he expresses later in the psalm that the LORD is his "shield" and "glory" ([Psalm 3:3](/psalms/3-3 "Psalm 3:3 - God My Shield and Lifter of My Head")). This initial expression of distress serves to magnify the subsequent declaration of trust in God's unfailing protection.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Increased (Hebrew, _râbab'_):** From H7231, this primitive root means "to cast together," signifying an increase, especially in number, to multiply by the myriad. In [Psalm 3:1](/psalms/3-1 "Psalm 3:1 - David's Lament in Flight"), it conveys David's shock and dismay at the sudden, exponential growth in the number of his adversaries, emphasizing the overwhelming scale of the rebellion against him.
* **Trouble (Hebrew, _tsar'_):** From H6862, this word, often used as a noun, denotes a "tight place," "distress," "anguish," or an "opponent" (as one crowding or besieging). It encapsulates the profound sense of being hemmed in, pressured, and afflicted on all sides by his enemies, conveying not just annoyance but a deep, suffocating anguish.
* **Rise up (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** From H6965, this primitive root means "to rise" or "to stand up" in various applications, including literal, figurative, intensive, and causative. When used with "against me" (עַל, _'al_), it denotes an active, aggressive, and often rebellious posture, signifying a direct challenge to authority and a hostile movement aimed at David's downfall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son."**: This superscription, an integral part of the inspired text, immediately grounds the psalm in a specific, traumatic event in David's life. It identifies the author (David), the genre (a psalm, or song set to music), and the deeply personal and painful context of a father fleeing from his own rebellious son, Absalom, as extensively recorded in [2 Samuel 15-18](/2_samuel/15-18 "2 Samuel 15-18 - Absalom's Rebellion and David's Flight"). This crucial detail heightens the emotional resonance and theological significance of David's subsequent lament, transforming it from a general complaint into a poignant expression of profound betrayal and public humiliation.
* **"LORD, how are they increased that trouble me!"**: David's direct address to "LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant name of God, H3068) signifies his immediate turning to God in his profound distress, even before detailing the full scope of the problem. The exclamation "how are they increased!" expresses not just a numerical observation but profound shock, dismay, and a feeling of being utterly overwhelmed by the sudden and vast surge of his adversaries. The word "trouble" (H6862, _tsar'_) powerfully conveys the deep anguish, constriction, and sense of being besieged that he feels.
* **"many [are] they that rise up against me."**: This clause reiterates and amplifies the previous one, emphasizing both the sheer multitude ("many," H7227, _rab_) and the active, aggressive hostility ("rise up against," H6965, _qûwm 'al_) of his enemies. The repetition underscores the gravity of the situation and David's sense of being besieged by a formidable and aggressive force. It highlights the widespread nature of the rebellion and the deeply personal nature of the betrayal, as those who rise against him are not just external foes but his own people, led by his son.

#### Literary Devices
[Psalm 3:1](/psalms/3-1 "Psalm 3:1 - David's Lament in Flight") employs several powerful literary devices to convey David's anguish. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, as David directly addresses "LORD" (Yahweh), immediately establishing a personal and intimate appeal to God in his distress. This direct address sets the tone for the entire psalm as a desperate yet faithful conversation with the divine. The verse also uses **Hyperbole** to convey the overwhelming nature of David's opposition; while the number of his enemies was certainly great, the phrasing "how are they increased... many are they" emphasizes the *feeling* of being utterly swamped rather than a precise count. This exaggeration effectively communicates David's emotional state of shock, despair, and the perceived impossibility of his situation. Furthermore, the verse functions as the **Exposition** of a **Lament Psalm**, introducing the central conflict and the speaker's anguish, which will then be followed by a plea for help and an expression of trust. The **Superscription** itself acts as a unique literary device, providing crucial historical and biographical context that enriches the reader's understanding of David's emotional and spiritual state, transforming a generic cry into a deeply personal and relatable narrative of betrayal and trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Psalm 3:1](/psalms/3-1 "Psalm 3:1 - David's Lament in Flight") lays bare the universal human experience of feeling overwhelmed and betrayed, even for those divinely chosen. Theologically, it affirms that lament is a valid and necessary component of faith; true piety does not suppress pain but brings it directly to God. David's immediate cry to the LORD, despite the apparent hopelessness of his situation, underscores the biblical principle that God is our first and ultimate refuge, regardless of the magnitude of our adversaries. This verse sets the stage for the psalm's profound move from anguish to an unwavering trust in God's protection and deliverance, demonstrating that even in the darkest valleys, faith finds its anchor in the sovereign power and faithfulness of Yahweh. It connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's people facing overwhelming odds, yet finding their strength and salvation in Him alone.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Psalm 27:1-3](/psalms/27-1-3 "Psalm 27:1-3 - The LORD is My Light and Salvation")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Psalm 3:1](/psalms/3-1 "Psalm 3:1 - David's Lament in Flight") offers profound encouragement and guidance for contemporary believers facing overwhelming challenges, betrayal, or a sense of being outnumbered by life's difficulties. It validates the raw human emotion of distress, showing that even a man after God's own heart, a king, experienced profound anguish and expressed it openly. Our instinct in crisis should be to follow David's example: to turn immediately to the LORD, pouring out our complaints and fears without reservation. This act of honest lament is not a sign of weakness but a powerful demonstration of faith, acknowledging God's sovereignty even over our most painful circumstances. It reminds us that our initial response to trouble should not be to strategize, despair, or lash out, but to bring our burdened hearts before the One who sees, hears, and is able to deliver. It encourages us to lay bare our deepest fears and vulnerabilities before God, trusting that He is both capable and willing to intervene.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When facing overwhelming opposition or betrayal, what is your immediate, instinctive response?**
* **How does David's example of crying out to the LORD in [Psalm 3:1](/psalms/3-1 "Psalm 3:1 - David's Lament in Flight") challenge or affirm your own approach to distress?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you feel "troubled" or that "many rise up against" you, and how can you bring these burdens to God in honest lament?**

### FAQ
**Why is the superscription "A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son" so important for understanding [Psalm 3:1](/psalms/3-1 "Psalm 3:1 - David's Lament in Flight")?**

Answer: The superscription is critically important because it provides the essential historical and biographical context that unlocks the depth of David's anguish. Without it, [Psalm 3:1](/psalms/3-1 "Psalm 3:1 - David's Lament in Flight") would simply be a generic lament about enemies. Knowing that David is fleeing from his own son, Absalom, as detailed in [2 Samuel 15-18](/2_samuel/15-18 "2 Samuel 15-18 - Absalom's Rebellion and David's Flight"), transforms the verse from a general complaint into a poignant expression of profound personal betrayal and public humiliation. It highlights the unique pain of a father being rejected and hunted by his own flesh and blood, making David's cry "how are they increased that trouble me!" all the more agonizing and relatable for anyone who has experienced deep personal hurt. This specific context amplifies the psalm's themes of trust in God amidst overwhelming and deeply personal adversity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Psalm 3:1](/psalms/3-1 "Psalm 3:1 - David's Lament in Flight"), with David's cry of overwhelming opposition and profound betrayal, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the life and passion of Jesus. David, the anointed king, suffering at the hands of his own people and even his son, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate suffering of the Son of David, Jesus Christ. Jesus, too, experienced a multitude of adversaries; indeed, "many... increased that trouble[d] Him" and "many... that [rose] up against Him," culminating in His passion. He was betrayed by a close disciple ([Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47-50 "Matthew 26:47-50 - Judas Betrays Jesus")), abandoned by His followers ([Mark 14:50](/mark/14-50 "Mark 14:50 - The Disciples Flee")), and rejected by His own nation ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). Yet, unlike David, who fled, Jesus willingly faced His adversaries, trusting in His Father's ultimate redemptive plan. David's lament in [Psalm 3:1](/psalms/3-1 "Psalm 3:1 - David's Lament in Flight") is a human cry for help, but Christ's suffering, though equally real, was a deliberate, redemptive act, absorbing the full weight of human sin and opposition. Through His suffering, death, and resurrection, Jesus became the true "shield" and "glory" ([Psalm 3:3](/psalms/3-3 "Psalm 3:3 - God My Shield and Lifter of My Head")) for all who trust in Him, offering deliverance from the ultimate enemies of sin, death, and the grave, thereby fulfilling David's hope in a way far grander than David could have ever imagined.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 17:7

Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust [in thee] from those that rise up [against them].

2 Samuel 17:11

Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that [is] by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.

2 Samuel 17:13

Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.

2 Samuel 16:15

¶ And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.

2 Samuel 15:1

¶ And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.

2 Samuel 15:18

And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.

Matthew 27:25

Then answered all the people, and said, His blood [be] on us, and on our children.