Psalm of David Fleeing Absalom; Only God Can Give Peace

When David was fleeing from his son Absalom, David was already a very established king. His kingdom would have been vast after all the conquest he made in his early life, as God had given him many victories. He would also have been famous as a warrior-king with his mighty men of renown. Yet the Psalm below as he prayed to God during his escape from Absalom, was so similar to his prayers when he was fleeing from King Saul. He prayed to God with humility and full dependence on God's deliverance, even though he had the skills and men around him to fight his enemies. Through his years, he had not lost his relationship and dependence on God.

In the next Psalm, David expresses how God relieves his distress and hears his prayer. He describes his calm and peace that only God can give to him. He can sleep peacefully at night, knowing that God alone can guarantee his safety. The image here is not unlike how Jesus slept in the boat during a fierce storm while his disciples were totally frightened .



Psalm 4

To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

 1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
         You have relieved me in my distress;
         Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
       
 2 How long, O you sons of men,
         Will you turn my glory to shame?
         How long will you love worthlessness
         And seek falsehood?  Selah
 3 But know that the LORD has set apart[a] for Himself him who is godly;
         The LORD will hear when I call to Him.
       
 4 Be angry, and do not sin.
         Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.  Selah
 5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
         And put your trust in the LORD.
       
 6 There are many who say,
         “Who will show us any good?”
         LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
 7 You have put gladness in my heart,
         More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
 8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
         For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 3

A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son.

 1 LORD, how they have increased who trouble me!

         Many are they who rise up against me.

 2 Many are they who say of me,

         “There is no help for him in God.”  Selah

       

 3 But You, O LORD, are a shield for me,

         My glory and the One who lifts up my head.

 4 I cried to the LORD with my voice,

         And He heard me from His holy hill.  Selah

       

 5 I lay down and slept;

         I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.

 6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people

         Who have set themselves against me all around.

       

 7 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.

 8 Salvation belongs to the LORD.

         Your blessing is upon Your people.  Selah