By Bunni Pounds

*This blog is part of our weekly, virtual Bible Study through the book of Psalms. For information on how to participate, please visit this page.

This Psalm is a cry to the Lord for HELP when King David in his later years was fleeing from his son Absalom as his kingdom was being threatened. 

The story of Absalom’s life is found in 2 Samuel, Chapters 13-18. It is a tragic life story– full of revenge, anger, and betrayal. 

Absalom was King David’s third son and most likely his favorite. The scripture says in 2 Samuel 14:25 “Now in all Israel there was no one who was praised as much as Absalom for his good looks. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.”

Absalom had everything going for him – he was a great communicator, he was good looking, he had power and authority as the King’s son, but it wasn’t good enough for him. He wanted more. He was a sweet talker and could turn people’s hearts toward him. 

His early life was complicated as one of his half-brothers, Amnon raped Absalom’s full-blooded sister, Tamar, so after a long time of stewing in his hatred and anger – he plotted and had him killed. After years of being banished by his father David for taking out his revenge – he was able to come back into the City of David – Jerusalem. There was something in Absalom that continued to hold unforgiveness against others – and he secretly turned on the King and started winning over the hearts of the people at the gates. As they came seeking justice and help from the King – Absalom would talk to them about their need for judges and try to “help them”; but in essence he was planning a coup to overthrow his father’s kingdom. 

This conflict escalated fast where Absalom and his men caused King David to have to flee out of Jerusalem from his palace with his faithful followers out into in the mountains. David got word that “the hearts of the men (of the kingdom) were with Absalom.” (2 Samuel 15:13) King David was devastated about this betrayal by his own son. 

This passage really reveals how low King David became during this season on his life.

“So David went up by the Ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered and went barefoot. And all the people who were with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went up.” (2 Samuel 15:30)

The once loved, honored, and esteemed King was now barefoot, weeping, and hiding from his son who was trying to overthrow his kingdom and destroy his life. This was a hard time. 

Out of this moment – comes this beautiful song - Psalm 3. 

“Lord, how they have increased who trouble me!
Many are they who rise up against me.
Many are they who say of me,
“There is no help for him in God. Selah” (verse 1-2)

Absalom had tens of thousands of men against David. He had whole cities who were prepared to kill the king if he entered them. David was surrounded on every side and everyone was saying that God had turned away from him and would not deliver him, but hope rose up in his heart and he sang this…

”But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
I cried to the Lord with my voice,
And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah

I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me all around. (verses 3-6)

What beautiful language as faith and hope ascended up in David’s heart and he declared the truth about his life and the God who he put his trust in.

This story and this psalm are perfect examples of why the Psalms are such powerful tools for our everyday lives – if we will crack them open and read them. The Psalms deal with the reality of life – tragedy, betrayal, death, enemies, pain, suffering – but they also show us how to respond – with faith in the Lord for brighter days. Through David and the other authors of the Psalms – they demonstrate for us how to acknowledge our current realities – yet not stay in just the acknowledgement of it alone – but also acknowledge God’s heart and plans for us. 

Arise, O Lord;
Save me, O my God!
For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone;
You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.
Salvation belongs to the Lord.
Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah (verses 7-8)

Here is our promise that we can cling to in the final verse – “Salvation belongs to the Lord” or as the NIV says “From the Lord comes deliverance.”

In our world today – we ARE surrounded by thousands of enemies. In our culture – we are being laughed at and mocked for our Christian beliefs and stands – on television, by sports franchises, by the news media, by powerful corporations, in our educational systems – everywhere we look. We are mocked. We are even being silenced now on social media and the internet. What do we do? How do we respond? 

The story of Absalom’s death and King David’s response to it – always impacts me every time I read it. Here was a man who took everything from King David - even disrespected him by living in his palace, eating his food, and sleeping with his concubines, yet when David heard of his son’s death – HE WEPT. 

The armies of King David had amazing victories because God allowed Absalom to get bad advice and then as he was riding under an oak tree – his huge locks of beautiful hair got caught in the tree branches where he was hanging and unable to get free. David’s greatest general – Joab – heard of his plight and against David’s wishes went and ran three spears through his heart. You can read the full graphic story in 2 Samuel 18.

Even while this was happening... David waited at the gate of the city for word of his son who he loved. He didn’t let his heart be overcome with hatred. He kept his heart tender toward Absalom.

The son - who betrayed him and almost took his entire kingdom from him – was loved still by his father. 

Here was David’s response when he heard of his death. 

“Then the king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept. And as he went, he said thus: “O my son Absalom—my son, my son Absalom—if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my son!”(2 Samuel 18:33)

In this time where we as Christians have enemies on every side – we must watch our hearts. We have to be concerned if fear overtakes us to the point that we can’t believe that God will ever hear or rescue us or we also have to watch if hatred rises up in our hearts for our “enemies” where it starts corrupting us. 

In the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul admonishes us - “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” (Romans 12:18-19)

I want to be like David where I believe in God’s ability to save me – AND I weep over my enemies. If I can weep over my culture and my nation – I might have the heart of God to speak into the confusion, the hatred, and the fear in our world. If I allow my heart to become hardened and let anger, fear, and revenge take over my soul – I won’t be good for anything. 

Let’s cling to God’s promises of salvation and that He is able to inflict vengeance on our enemies (Romans 12:19). He knows what we are facing, and He knows our future. 

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