7 Arise, Yahweh! Save me, my God! For you have struck all of my enemies on the cheek bone. You have broken the teeth of the wicked.
They have gaped on me with their mouth; They have struck me on the cheek reproachfully. They gather themselves together against me.
Break their teeth, God, in their mouth. Break out the great teeth of the young lions, Yahweh.
Arise, Yahweh, in your anger. Lift up yourself against the rage of my adversaries. Awake for me. You have commanded judgment.
Arise, Yahweh! God, lift up your hand! Don't forget the helpless.
"Because of the oppression of the weak and because of the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says Yahweh; "I will set him in safety from those who malign him."
Wake up! Rise up to defend me, my God! My Lord, contend for me!
You, Yahweh God of hosts, the God of Israel, Rouse yourself to punish the nations. Show no mercy to the wicked traitors. Selah.
Why do you draw back your hand, even your right hand? Take it out of your pocket and consume them!
Awake, awake, put on strength, arm of Yahweh; awake, as in the days of old, the generations of ancient times. Isn't it you who did cut Rahab in pieces, who pierced the monster?
Let him give his cheek to him who strikes him; let him be filled full with reproach.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 3
Commentary on Psalms 3 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 3
Ps 3:1-8. For the historical occasion mentioned, compare 2Sa 15:1-17:29. David, in the midst of great distress, with filial confidence, implores God's aid, and, anticipating relief, offers praise.
1. Lord … increased—The extent of the rebellion (2Sa 15:13) surprises and grieves him.
2. say of my soul—that is, "of me" (compare Ps 25:3). This use of "soul" is common; perhaps it arose from regarding the soul as man's chief part.
no help … in God—rejected by Him. This is the bitterest reproach for a pious man, and denotes a spirit of malignant triumph.
Selah—This word is of very obscure meaning. It probably denotes rest or pause, both as to the music and singing, intimating something emphatic in the sentiment (compare Ps 9:16).
3. But—literally, "and" (Ps 2:6). He repels the reproach by avowing his continued trust.
shield—a favorite and often-used figure for protection.
my glory—its source.
lifter up of mine head—one who raises me from despondency.
4. cried … heard—Such has been my experience. The latter verb denotes a gracious hearing or answering.
out of—or, "from."
his holy hill—Zion (Ps 2:6). His visible earthly residence.
5. the Lord sustained me—literally, "will sustain me," as if his language or thought when he laid down, and the reason of his composure.
6. ten thousands of people—or, "myriads," any very great number (compare 2Sa 16:18).
7. Arise, O Lord—God is figuratively represented as asleep to denote His apparent indifference (Ps 7:6). The use of "cheekbone" and "teeth" represents his enemies as fierce, like wild beasts ready to devour (Ps 27:2), and smiting their cheekbone (1Ki 22:24) denotes violence and insult.
thou hast broken—God took his part, utterly depriving the enemy of power to injure.
8. An ascription of praise to a delivering God, whose favor is an efficient benefit.