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Daily Devotions

Psalms

Psalms 
Day 
Day 18

"LORD..." Psalm 3:1

Text: Psalm 3

ANOTHER TYPE OF PSALM

We are introduced to another type of psalm- “Lament Psalm”. The characteristic features include the following:

1. Sorrow is felt by the author.

2. Reasons for the sorrow felt are sometimes elaborated upon.

3. Prayer is always offered.

4. Trust and Triumph complete the features.

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE OF THE SUPERSCRIPTION

The superscription informs us that the historical setting of this psalm was at the period when Absalom usurped the throne of his father, David. This was an act of high treason! Psalm 3 gives us a glimpse of what David did when he fled from Absalom. Here are some things that we could do to help ourselves comprehend Psalm 3 better.

1. Do cross-reference work

2. Read 2 Samuel 13-18

a) We have a brief summary of the life and deeds of Absalom.
b) We will have a better historical grasp of the context behind the writing of Psalm 3.

HUMAN RESPONSES TO TRAGIC EVENTS

It was probably one of the saddest days in David’s life to see his own son commit treason! How could a son do this to a father? How should a father respond?

1. David could have responded by declaring war against his own son.

2. But by doing this he would have plunged the whole country into civil war.

3. Instead, David chose to flee from Absalom.

4. However, he added something important to this alternative. He chose to pray!

“LORD, how they have increased who trouble me!
Many are they who rise up against me.”
Psalm 3:1