THE THREE CRIES OF A KING
Psalm 3:1-8

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.   2 Samuel 12:11a

 

Thus said the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house…

 

1.    These words were spoken to David by Nathan the prophet when he was confronted about his sins of adultery and murder.

2.    Even though David confessed his iniquity, there were consequences he would face.  God was going to raise up evil against him from his own house.

 

B.   One of those evils involved one of his sons, Absalom. 

1.    Absalom sought to take the kingdom from his father.

2.    His initial efforts caused David to flee from his palace and from the city of Jerusalem (2 Sam. 15:17).

 

And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.

 

C.   At some point during his escape from the capital, David penned Psalm 3.  Notice the title of the psalm:  “A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.”

 

D.   We will be looking at this psalm in this lesson.  We have entitled our study:  “The Three Cries of A King.”

 

I.             THE CRY OF TROUBLE (Ps. 3:1-2)

 

LORD, how are they increased that trouble me!  many are they that rise up against me.  Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God.

 

A.   The Multitude of Troublers

1.    This is documented with two words:

a.    They are increased (v. 1) 

1)    BDB:  to become many, much, or great

2)    Strong (7231):  to be multiplied by the myriad

b.    Many there be (v. 2)

2.    Those who rose up against David were children, captains, counselors, and common people.

3.    2 Samuel 15:13

 

And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.

 

B.   The Maltreatment of the Troublers

1.    This is also revealed in two words.

a.    “…that trouble me…” (v. 1)

1)    Strong (6862):  a narrow, tight space

2)    BDB:  narrow, straits, distress

3)    They were very oppressive.

b.    “…that rise up against me…” (v. 1)  The troublers were not working behind the scenes.  They were on the offense.

2.    David’s oppressors were determined to take the kingdom.

C.   The Mockery of the Troublers (v. 2)

 

Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God.

 

1.    David had been forsaken by his trusted and powerful cabinet.

2.    He was distraught and greatly distressed.

3.    It appeared as if God had withdrawn his assistance from David.

4.    Thus, his opposition cried:  “There is no help for him in God.”

 

D.   Application:

1.    We have all been in similar types of situations.

2.    Our oppressors are many. 

Their mistreatment of us is extremely distressing.

For a period of time, it appears that God is not near and is not listening.

 

II.           THE CRY OF TRUST (Ps. 3:3-6)

 

But thou, O LORD art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.  I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill.  Selah.  I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.  I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that have set themselves against me round about.              

 

A.   The Mindset

1.    How we deal with trouble begins in the mind.

2.    In verse 3, David reveals his mindset about the God he served.

3.    He notes three things about God.

a.    God is my protection:  shield, a small shield to protect one’s body and heart from the blows of an enemy as they fought in close combat.

b.    God is my pride:  glory, David’s goal in life was to honor, magnify, and exalt his heavenly Father.

c.    God is my patron, the lifter up on my head

1)    When we are distressed and hurting, our bodies and heads sag.

2)    2 Samuel 15:30

 

And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot…

 

3)    A patron is a supporter.  God comes to our aid and lifts us up.  He encourages us.  He helps us to regain our senses, our focus, and our strength.

 

B.   The Manner

1.    David’s mindset of faith drove him to his knees before God to PRAY to God.

a.    He cried unto the Lord with his voice.

1)    This was not a silent prayer.

2)    It was an audible, fervent prayer that sprang from a horrible situation and a dependent heart.

b.    The act was simple.  However, it took great faith to do it.

1)    God is there.

2)    God hears.

3)    God cares.

4)    God will act.

2.    David’s faithful manner of prayer caused God to PROCURE his supplication.

a.    “…and he heard me…” 

b.    David said that God heard him out of his holy hill.

1)    This is Jerusalem, the mountain of God.

2)    It contained the temple, the house of God.

3)    Within the temple was the mercy seat, the presence of God.

 

C.   The Manifestations

1.    The manifestation of PEACE

a.    He had multitudes of enemies stationed against him.

b.    David’s heart is not so troubled that he cannot sleep.

c.    I laid me down and slept.

d.    His trust in God was rewarded.  “I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.”

2.    The manifestation of POISE

a.    I will not be afraid.  I will not be fearful or terrified.

b.    The number that comes against me does not matter, even if it is ten thousands of people.

 

D.   Application:

1.    We must come to understand and trust who and what God is to us:  a shield, our glory, the lifter up of our heads.

2.    Never hesitate to cry out unto God in times of trouble.

3.    God hears our cries.

4.    Let the actions that follow our prayers manifest our trust in Him.

a.    Lay down and sleep.  Embrace peace.

b.    Do not be afraid of multitudes who set themselves against you.  Maintain your courageous poise.

 

III.         THE CRY OF TRIUMPH (Ps. 3:7-8)

 

Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God:  for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.  Salvation belongeth unto the LORD:  thy blessing is upon thy people.

 

A.   The Mandate:  “Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God.”

1.    The words spring forth from the psalmist’s lips like a command.

2.    This is the author’s third and final cry.

3.    His desire is very simple:  “Save me!

 

B.   The Melee: 

1.    I have heard that if you want to win a battle against an enemy:

a.    Hit him first.

b.    Hit him hard.

c.    Hit him in the teeth.

2.    “…for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.”

a.    God would throw a knock-out punch to David’s enemies.

b.    2 Samuel 19:8

 

…Behold, the king doth sit in the gate…

 

C.   The Motif (theme) (Ps. 3:8)

 

Salvation belongeth unto the LORD:  thy blessing is upon thy people.

 

1.    The Provider

a.    God alone is the one who provides salvation.

b.    David was utterly helpless in the rebellion of Absalom.

c.    If Absalom were to be defeated, God had to intervene on David’s behalf.

2.    The Promise:  “…thy blessing is upon thy people.”

a.    God creates a people for Himself.

b.    Those who choose to be His receive His special attention and care.

c.    His blessings are upon them.

 

D.   Application:

1.    God’s people may be down, but they are never defeated.

2.    God will fight against the enemies of His people.

3.    God’s people will ultimately be victorious.

4.    Salvation belongs to the Lord.

5.    God’s blessings are upon His people.

 

CONCLUSION

 

A.   Man still has an enemy today who wages war against him, the devil.

 

B.   Man is utterly helpless in the battle against the evil one.

 

C.   Salvation, however, belongs to the LORD.

1.    He did the unthinkable by sending His Son to die for us.

2.    Truly, God is our shield, our glory, and the lifter up of our heads.

3.    All He asks is that we trust Him and obey His will to obtain the salvation He offers.

 

D.   Once we are His, His blessings are upon His people (See Eph. 1:3).

 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.