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 But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David's cry, "how many are my foes! Many are rising against me," isn't just about the sheer number of enemies, but David's astonishment at the increase and unexpectedness of the opposition, hinting at the deep betrayal he felt from his own son and people. The phrase "rising against me" captures the active, ongoing nature of the rebellion, emphasizing that this wasn't a static situation but a dynamic and escalating threat.
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 But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is in the midst of a devastating rebellion led by his own son, Absalom, forcing him to flee Jerusalem. The Psalmist cries out in astonishment at the sheer number of his enemies, who were once his subjects, now rising up to overthrow him. This psalm captures David's desperate situation as his kingdom and his life are threatened by a widespread revolt.
Have you ever felt blindsided by the people closest to you? David's world implodes in this psalm, not by strangers, but by his own son and people.
This psalm opens with David expressing sheer astonishment. He's not just facing enemies; he's facing an overwhelming number of them, and shockingly, many are rising up from within his own nation.
A Sudden Uprising
The historical context, as noted in 2 Samuel 15, reveals that David was fleeing from his own son, Absalom, who had orchestrated a massive rebellion. The conspirators had gained widespread support, with the hearts of the men of Israel turning away from David.
More Than Just Numbers
David's cry isn't just about the quantity of his foes, but the shocking increase and the audacity of those rising against him. It’s a betrayal that cuts deep, from his own household and kingdom.
When everything feels lost and the enemy is everywhere, where do you take your deepest laments? David's first response is to cry out to God.
While the situation is dire, David's immediate instinct isn't despair but a direct address to the LORD. This psalm demonstrates that honest lamentation is a valid form of prayer.
Pouring Out Your Heart
David doesn't hold back. He expresses his confusion and distress openly to God. This isn't a prayer of demand, but a raw expression of his overwhelming circumstances, acknowledging God's sovereignty even in his suffering.
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Why This Address?
Calling out to 'LORD' (Yahweh) signifies David's recognition of God's covenant relationship and power. He knows God is omniscient, understanding the full scope of the trouble, and he turns to Him as the ultimate source of help and justice.
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.
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.
magen · Hebrew Noun
A protective covering or barrier. Biblically, God is frequently called a shield to signify His active, personal defense and presence guarding His people from harm.
kabod · Hebrew Noun
In reference to God, this describes His majesty, honor, and beauty. It represents the source of a person’s own dignity and worth, which is found in their relationship with Him.
rum · Hebrew Verb
A metaphor for restoring dignity, confidence, and hope. It suggests the act of God taking someone out of humiliation or despair and restoring their standing and courage.
This psalm captures David's anguish and surprise at the vastness of the rebellion led by his own son, Absalom. It highlights how past sins can unleash devastating consequences that ripple through generations, fulfilling prophetic warnings.
c. 1000 BC
David's Sin with Bathsheba
David commits adultery with Bathsheba and arranges for her husband Uriah to be killed in battle, a grave sin that would have far-reaching consequences.
c. 990 BC
Nathan's Prophecy
The prophet Nathan confronts David about his sin and declares that 'the sword shall never depart from your house,' prophesying future turmoil within David's family.
c. 980 BC
Absalom's Rebellion Begins
Absalom, David's son, begins to sow discontent among the people and gradually gathers support for a rebellion against his father's rule.
c. 980 BC— this verse
David Flees Jerusalem
As Absalom's rebellion gains momentum and the hearts of Israel turn to him, David is forced to abandon Jerusalem and flee with his loyal followers.
c. 980 BC
Absalom Enters Jerusalem
Absalom, now widely supported by the people and advised by Ahithophel, enters Jerusalem and publicly takes possession of the kingdom.
c. 980 BC
David Gathers Forces
While in exile, David regroups his loyalists and prepares to confront Absalom's forces, leading to a significant battle.
This passage directly describes the historical event behind Psalm 3, detailing how 'a messenger came to David, saying, 'The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom,' highlighting the widespread nature of David's foes.
Psalms 55:12This verse echoes the Psalmist's lament about being surrounded by enemies, showing that the feeling of being overwhelmed by adversaries was a recurring theme in David's life and writings.
Matthew 26:47This passage parallels Jesus facing betrayal and opposition from a multitude, demonstrating the theme of a righteous leader being surrounded by those who rise against them, even including those close to them.
Psalms 4:1Here, David again cries out to God regarding his adversaries, showing a consistent pattern of seeking divine help when outnumbered and troubled by enemies.
Romans 8:31This New Testament passage powerfully asserts that if God is for us, no 'rising against' by human foes can ultimately condemn us, offering a powerful counterpoint and ultimate hope to the psalmist's immediate distress.
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 cry, "how many are my foes! Many are rising against me," isn't just about the sheer number of enemies, but David's astonishment at the increase and unexpectedness of the opposition, hinting at the deep betrayal he felt from his own son and people. The phrase "rising against me" captures the active, ongoing nature of the rebellion, emphasizing that this wasn't a static situation but a dynamic and escalating threat.
David is in the midst of a devastating rebellion led by his own son, Absalom, forcing him to flee Jerusalem. The Psalmist cries out in astonishment at the sheer number of his enemies, who were once his subjects, now rising up to overthrow him. This psalm captures David's desperate situation as his kingdom and his life are threatened by a widespread revolt.
David is in the midst of a devastating rebellion led by his own son, Absalom, forcing him to flee Jerusalem. The Psalmist cries out in astonishment at the sheer number of his enemies, who were once his subjects, now rising up to overthrow him. This psalm captures David's desperate situation as his kingdom and his life are threatened by a widespread revolt.
"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 But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head." — David's cry, "how many are my foes! Many are rising against me," isn't just about the sheer number of enemies, but David's astonishment at the increase and unexpectedness of the opposition, hinting…
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Last reviewed October 2026