Psalms 3:7 - Exposition

Arise, O Lord (comp. Numbers 10:35 ; Psalms 7:6 ; Psalms 9:19 ; Psalms 10:12 ; Psalms 17:13 ; Psalms 68:1 ). This call is generally made when God's forbearance towards his enemies is thought to have been excessive, and his tolerance of sinners too great. Save me, O my God . David was in imminent danger. "All Israel" had come against him ( 2 Samuel 16:15 ). He was short of supplies ( 2 Samuel 17:29 ). He was doubtful how God was disposed towards him ( 2 Samuel 15:25 , 2 Samuel 15:26 ). It was a time when, unless God would save, there could be no hope. Hence the intense earnestness of his prayer. For thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek-bone . Heretofore, i.e; thou hast always taken my part—thou hast smitten mine enemies, and given me victory over them, and by breaking their jaw-bones thou hast taken away from them all power to hurt (see Psalms 58:6 ). The reference is, of course, to David's long series of victories, as those over the Philistines ( 2 Samuel 5:17-25 ; 2 Samuel 8:1 ), over Moab ( 2 Samuel 8:2 ), over Hadadezer, King of Zobah ( 2 Samuel 8:3 , 2 Samuel 8:4 ), over the Syrians of Damascus ( 2 Samuel 8:6 ), over the Edomites ( 2 Samuel 8:13 , 2 Samuel 8:14 ), over the Ammonites ( 2 Samuel 10:7-14 ), and over the "Syrians beyond the river" ( 2 Samuel 10:16-19 ). Thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly (comp. Job 4:10 ; Psalms 58:6 ). The ungodly, enemies alike of David and of God, are represented as wild beasts whose weapons are their jaws and teeth. Let God break these, and they are harmless.