Psalm 3:2

Translations

Modern

Many say of me, “God will not deliver him.” Selah

Traditional

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

Literal

Many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah

Latin

…multi dicunt animæ meæ: Non est salus ipsi in Deo ejus.

Original

Hebrew

English

Many say of me, “God will not deliver him.” Selah

Notes

Psalms 3:1–2

A psalmist is the writer or speaker of a psalm. The psalmist here faces many enemies. Those enemies speak boldly and without respect (Psalm 4:6; 12:4; 40:15). They question whether the Lord can really save him (10:11; 22:7–8; 71:10). Their words trouble the psalmist because it seems the Lord will not answer his prayer.
These enemies hold great power (compare Psalm 2:1–3). Unlike Psalm 2, this psalm does not resolve the crisis.

Psalms 3:1–8

This psalm expresses sorrow that the hopes from Psalms 1–2 have not been fulfilled. Even when surrounded by enemies, godly people should not doubt the Lord's just actions. Instead, they can trust in God's goodness and expect God to rescue them.

Psalms 3:1–7:17

This group of psalms moves from an orderly world to a troubled one. Psalms 1–2 describe stability. The righteous person is blessed, and the Lord’s anointed king rules with authority.

In the psalms that follow, the tone changes. The Lord’s anointed cries out for help. He faces enemies, strong opposition, and evil plans.

It even seems at times that the Lord is far away. The psalmist feels confusion and distress instead of confidence and calm.

Theme notes and profiles

Absalom David Salvation in the Psalms

Related verses

Psalm 71:11
…saying, “God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for there is no one to rescue him.”
Psalm 42:3
My tears have been my food both day and night, while men ask me all day long, “Where is your God?”
Psalm 42:10
Like the crushing of my bones, my enemies taunt me, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
Psalm 22:7
All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads:
Psalm 4:4
Be angry, yet do not sin; on your bed, search your heart and be still. Selah
Matthew 27:42–43
“He saved others, but He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him.
Psalm 4:2
How long, O men, will my honor be maligned? How long will you love vanity and seek after lies? Selah
2 Samuel 16:7–8
And as he yelled curses, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you worthless man of bloodshed!
Habakkuk 3:9
You brandished Your bow; You called for many arrows. Selah You split the earth with rivers.
Psalm 3:8
Salvation belongs to the LORD; may Your blessing be on Your people. Selah
Psalm 3:4
To the LORD I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy mountain. Selah
Habakkuk 3:13
You went forth for the salvation of Your people, to save Your anointed. You crushed the head of the house of the wicked and stripped him from head to toe. Selah

Parallels

2 Samuel 15:13–29

People

Selah: A musical or liturgical term of uncertain meaning

Glossary

Absalom David Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Infidelity: General Scriptures Concerning

Psalm 3:2

Translations?

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Related verses?

Parallels?