Psalms 3

LORD, how are they increased that trouble me? many are they that rise up against me He well say so: for almost all his people joyned in that Con... racy..

M... y there be which say of my soul (i. e.) Of me: the soul being commonly put for the person, as. 46. 2. 6. 8. compare with Gen. 22.... 6., There no help for him in God... od... th utterly forsaken him for his many crimes, and... ill never... lp him more.. S... lah This word is no where used but in... ook of the, and in the Song of. p. 3. 3... 13. Which makes that opinion probable that it was a musical, directing the singer either to lift up his Voice, or to make a short stop or pause, or to lengthen out the tune. But, it is generally placed at some remarkable passage: which gives occasion to think that it served also to quicken the attention or observation of the singer and hearer..

But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me Or about me, on every side, where also mine enemies are.: my glory Either, 1. The author of my princely Glory and Majesty. Thou didst first give it, and I doubt not, thou wiltst defend and restore it. Or, 2. The matter of my glorying, thou hast formerly and frequently given, and wil... st further give me occasion of glorying or ho... sting of thy power and favour to me., and the lifter up of my head Thou dost and wiltst enable me to look up to thee with comfort and chearfulness, and upon mine Enemies with confidence, and thou wiltst lift me out of the mire in which I now lye, and restore me to my former power and dignity from which I am fallen. For the Phrase see Gen. 4. 7. Iob. 11. 15. Luke 18. 13..

I cried unto the LORD with my voice The witness of my faith and fervency of affections., and he heard me out of his holy hill Either out of Heaven, so called Psal. 15. 1. compare Isa. 66. 1. Or rather, 2. Out of the hill of Sion, where God was especially present, the Ark being there at this time: towards which the Saints then used to direct their Prayers, and from thence God heard and answered and blessed them, Psal. 128. 5. and 134. 3.. Selah.

I laid me down and slept To wit, securely, casting all my cares and fears upon God, and relying upon his help.; I awaked In due time and manner, after a sweet and undisturbed sleep., for the LORD sustained me Or, supported me, as it were with his right hand, that I should not fall under my burthen. He upheld my spirit, and person, and cause..

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that have set themselves against me round about So that I see no humane way to escape..

Arise Bestir thyself on my behalf, and be no longer as an idle spectator of my Miseries., O LORD, save me, O my God Who art mine by special relation and covenant, and I am thy son and thy servant: Lord save thine own., for thou hast smitten all mine enemies Thou hast hitherto helped me, do not now leave me. upon the cheek-bone Which implies either contempt and reproach, as this phrase signifies, 1. Kings. 22. 24. Mich. 5. 1. Iohn. 18. 22. and 19. 3. or the smartness and soreness of the blow, whereby, as the next clause explains it, their teeth were struck out, and so they did not only receive hurt themselves, but were disenabled from doing that mischief to others which they desired and were accustomed to do.: thou hast broken the teeth (i. e.) Their strength and the instruments of their cruelty. He compares them to wild Beasts. of the ungodly.

Salvation belongeth unto the LORD I expect not salvation from my forces, but from thy power and favour alone.: thy blessing Or rather, let it be. So he closeth with a prayer. is upon thy people Either upon my friends and followers, who alone are thy people, the rest being Rebels to thee as well as to me. Or, upon all thy people Israel, to preserve my friends, to convince and convert mine enemies, and to save the body of the Nation, which without thy mercy are likely by this civil War to be brought to utter ruine.. Selah.