Psalm 3 (Post 6)
Notes This is the first psalm attributed to David. “Selah” (vv.2.4.8) – probably a musical notation but we don’t know for sure. I take it as a pause for reflection: “Stop and ponder.” The superscription sets a context of David’s fleeing the revolt of his son Absalom against him. Instead of the nations revolting it is his own house turning against him, a consequence of his affair with Bathsheba and killing of Uriah (2 Sam 7:11-16; 12:10-14.15). He takes refuge in God, however, and experiences forgiveness and covenant protection from God. David is lifted up here as a model for a faithful follower of YHWH, one whom readers could and should emulate as those likewise included in Israel’s story. This a case where an individual, in deed, “the” individual in Israel, serves as a representative model for the people. “ Absalom’s coup was one incident in the struggle for succession that anticipated David’s death. Dynastic succession was not yet established in Israel, which had ...