Deliver Me, O God Series

Series: The Hebrew Hymnal (Psalms) [#3]

HYMN #3: DELIVER ME, O GOD

Psalm 3

Many of the hymns we sing in our churches today were inspired by difficult situations of the author. Psalm 3 is one of these hymns.

The Setting

2 Samuel 13-18

The sins we commit in life have a way of showing back up in our families sometimes. This was the case with David. After David slept with Bathsheba and had her husband Uriah killed, things quickly went “down hill”.

David’s oldest son Amnon, had fallen in love with his sister Tamar. Through the advice of a friend, Amnon pretended to be sick and lured Tamar into his bedroom where he raped her.

Two years later, Absalom- David’s third oldest son- killed Amnon. Because of this, Absalom had to flee for his life. Several years later, Absalom returned home at the request of David; but Absalom could still not see David. Two years later, Absalom demanded that he see David and he did.

David’s and Absalom’s relationship seemed to be mending; but all the while Absalom was scheming to overthrow his father as king. Absalom requested that David let him go to Hebron and fulfill a vow to God. Absalom sent secret messengers to all of the Tribes of Israel and let them know that when they heard the trumpet sound to shout that Absalom was King of Hebron.

A messenger went and told David about what was happening. David got his officials together and they fled from Jerusalem. Absalom lead the Israelite Army to go find and kill David and his men.

David went to Mahanaim and while he was there, he sent out his army to go battle the Israelite Army. Although David told his leaders not to kill Absalom, they did.

The Song

David sang this son while he was running from Absalom. This hymn is divided into three parts or verses. The word Selah is probably a musical notation. The word Selah means to “lift up”. The word Selah is used to emphasize what was just sang. As we read this psalm, notice that David is singing about what has happened; then he asks God for protection; and then David asks God to destroy his enemies.

1. Verse 1 of the song.

Psalm 3:1-2

2. Verse 2 of the song.

Psalm 3:3-4

3. Verse 3 of the song.

Psalm 3:5-8