Types of Psalms Table

3:title A psalm The Hebrew word used here, mizmor, is one of several names for compositions within the psalter. A mizmor is a song that is usually accompanied by a musical instrument.

of David David is associated with the authorship of the Psalms as a whole. However, the Hebrew phrase often translated as “of David” (ledawid) does not necessarily indicate authorship. The Hebrew preposition lamedh (le-) can mean “to,” “for,” “by,” or “about.” This makes it unclear whether the phrase “of David” in psalm titles means that the psalm was written “by David” or “for David” or was dedicated “to David.” In addition, the psalm titles were most likely added later.

David and the Psalm Titles

his fleeing from the presence of Absalom, his son The story of David fleeing Absalom is found in 2 Sam 15–18.

3:1 how many are my enemies The psalmist emphasizes how many enemies he has (Psa 119:157).

3:2 There is no deliverance for him from God The enemies taunt him for trusting in God. The psalmist points this out in hopes that God will act and prove them wrong.

3:3 are a shield around me His enemies’ taunts have not caused him to doubt God. The psalmist trusts Yahweh to protect him like a shield—a common metaphor for God’s protection (7:10; 18:2, 30; 28:7).

the one who lifts up my head A lifted head signaled confidence and pride (27:6), while a lowered head signaled defeat and disgrace (Judg 8:28).

3:4 he answers God responds to the psalmist’s cries.

his holy hill Refers to the temple mount—Mount Zion—the place where Yahweh established His king (Ps 2:6).

3:5 I lay down and slept The psalmist is so confident of Yahweh’s protection that he leaves himself defenseless, despite his multitude of enemies. The psalmist often finds comfort in the night by remembering Yahweh (63:6; 77:6).

3:6 the ten thousands of people The psalmist again describes the number of his enemies: they are like a large army surrounding him.

3:7 Rise up, O Yahweh After expressing confidence in Yahweh, the psalmist petitions Yahweh to act. He has trusted God to protect him; now he encourages God to take action and save him.

3:8 To Yahweh belongs deliverance The psalmist’s enemies believe God is unable to save him. He knows, however, that salvation comes only from Yahweh.