Psalms 3:1-2
O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah
English Standard Version (ESV)
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David's exclamation, "how many are my foes!" isn't just about the sheer number of rebels, but his astonished realization of how widespread the betrayal is. It highlights the shock of seeing seemingly loyal people, even his own son and countrymen, rising up against him.
David is in the midst of a devastating rebellion led by his own son, Absalom, which has caused a widespread revolt among the people of Israel. This betrayal leaves David feeling utterly overwhelmed and vulnerable as his own kingdom turns against him, forcing him to flee Jerusalem.
Have you ever been blindsided by the people closest to you turning against you? David’s cry here isn’t just about numbers; it's about the sting of betrayal.
This Psalm opens with David in the middle of a nightmare. His own son, Absalom, has stirred up a rebellion. "The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom," the historical account tells us (2 Samuel 15:13).
David is utterly astonished. He wasn't expecting this. It wasn't just a few disgruntled people; it was a widespread revolt, involving his own son and many of his subjects.
The Shocking Numbers
When your world is collapsing, where do you turn? David's first reaction is to God, not just to lament, but to seek understanding.
David doesn't just list his enemies; he immediately brings his overwhelming situation to the LORD. This isn't just a complaint; it's an address to the One who sees all.
God's Role in the Chaos
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenant-keeping name of God in the Old Testament, revealing His self-existence and faithfulness to His people. It is the most sacred name, often associated with His redemptive acts.
tsar · Hebrew Noun
Those who actively oppose, harbor hostility toward, or seek the harm of another. In the Psalms, this often refers to both physical enemies and spiritual adversaries who oppose the righteous.
nephesh · Hebrew Noun
The immaterial part of a human, representing the seat of emotions, will, intellect, and spiritual life. It is the core of a person’s existence before God.
yeshu'ah · Hebrew Noun
Divine deliverance, rescue, or victory. It encompasses preservation from danger, spiritual liberation, and ultimate reconciliation with God.
This Psalm captures David's profound anguish and shock at his own son leading a massive rebellion, a consequence the commentators link to his past sins, reminding us how our actions can ripple through generations.
c. 960 BC
David's Adultery and Murder
King David commits adultery with Bathsheba and arranges the murder of her husband, Uriah, setting the stage for future family strife.
c. 931 BC— this verse
Absalom's Rebellion Begins
Absalom, David's son, begins a conspiracy against his father, gaining popular support and eventually forcing David to flee Jerusalem.
c. 931 BC
David Flees Jerusalem
David, heartbroken and outnumbered, escapes the capital city with his loyal followers to avoid confrontation with Absalom's forces.
c. 931 BC
Ahithophel's Counsel
The trusted advisor Ahithophel suggests a brutal plan to Absalom: to pursue David immediately with 12,000 men, aiming to destroy him.
c. 931 BC
This passage directly describes the overwhelming number of people who joined Absalom's rebellion, illustrating the 'many' foes David faced and the astonishment he must have felt at such a widespread revolt originating from his own son and people.
Luke 22:47-48This passage parallels David's experience by showing Jesus facing a multitude, led by one of his own disciples, highlighting the profound betrayal and the vast opposition even a righteous leader can face.
Psalms 55:12-14This psalm expresses a similar pain of betrayal and opposition, specifically mentioning that the foe was 'not an enemy... then I could have borne it: but it was thou, mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance,' reflecting David's personal anguish over Absalom's rebellion.
Matthew 26:50In this verse, Jesus addresses Judas who has come to arrest Him with a crowd, echoing the sentiment of being surrounded and confronted by numerous adversaries, including those who once followed Him.
Acts 4:25-27This passage describes the early church facing opposition from rulers, Gentiles, and the people of Israel, mirroring the broad coalition of enemies that rose against David and demonstrating how God's people throughout history have faced numerous adversaries.
clarkePsalms 3:1: "A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me."
Lord, how are they increased that trouble me? - We are told that the hearts of all Israel went after Absalom, 2 Samuel 15:13 ; and David is astonished to find such a sudden and general revolt. Not only the common people, but his counsellors also, and many of his chief captains. How publicly does God take vengeance for the sins which David commit…
gillPsalms 3:1: "A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me."
Lord, how are they increased that trouble me?.... David's enemies increased in the conspiracy against him, 2 Samuel 15:12 ; the hearts of the men of Israel were after Absalom, and against him. Christ's enemies increased when Judas with a multitude came to take him; when the body of the common people cried out, Crucify him; when the assembly of t…
David's exclamation, "how many are my foes!" isn't just about the sheer number of rebels, but his astonished realization of how widespread the betrayal is. It highlights the shock of seeing seemingly loyal people, even his own son and countrymen, rising up against him.
David is in the midst of a devastating rebellion led by his own son, Absalom, which has caused a widespread revolt among the people of Israel. This betrayal leaves David feeling utterly overwhelmed and vulnerable as his own kingdom turns against him, forcing him to flee Jerusalem.
David is in the midst of a devastating rebellion led by his own son, Absalom, which has caused a widespread revolt among the people of Israel. This betrayal leaves David feeling utterly overwhelmed and vulnerable as his own kingdom turns against him, forcing him to flee Jerusalem.
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selah · Hebrew Noun
A musical or liturgical term of uncertain precise meaning, likely indicating a pause, a crescendo, or a call for meditative reflection on the preceding truth.
Hushai's Counter-Counsel
David's spy, Hushai, advises Absalom to gather all Israel for a massive army, delaying the pursuit and giving David time to rally.
c. 931 BC
Battle of Ephraim's Wood
David's forces, led by Joab, defeat Absalom's army, though Absalom himself is tragically killed against David's wishes.
"O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah" — David's exclamation, "how many are my foes!" isn't just about the sheer number of rebels, but his astonished realization of how widespread the betrayal is. It highlights the shock of seeing seemingly…
