Psalms – Chapter 3

Old Testament • 9 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 3 opens with the words: "The psalm of David when he fled from the face of his son Absalom." The chapter centers on Absalom and David. Across its 9 verses, two threads run through the text: God's protection and deliverance and worship and praise. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1The psalm of David when he fled from the face of his son Absalom.

2Why, O Lord, are they multiplied that afflict me? many are they who rise up against me.

3Many say to my soul: There is no salvation for him in his God.

4But thou, O Lord, art my protector, my glory, and the lifter up of my head.

5I have cried to the Lord with my voice: and he hath heard me from his holy hill.

6I have slept and have taken my rest: and I have risen up, because the Lord hath protected me.

7I will not fear thousands of the people surrounding me: arise, O Lord; save me, O my God.

8For thou hast struck all them who are my adversaries without cause: thou hast broken the teeth of sinners.

9Salvation is of the Lord: and thy blessing is upon thy people.

Important Verses in Psalms 3

“Many say to my soul: There is no salvation for him in his God.”

Psalms 3:3

“I have slept and have taken my rest: and I have risen up, because the Lord hath protected me.”

Psalms 3:6

“Salvation is of the Lord: and thy blessing is upon thy people. ”

Psalms 3:9

Historical Context

Psalms belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for god's people at prayer in every age. Chapter 3 of 150 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 9 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Absalom and David appear at the center of the events recorded here. It opens with the line: "The psalm of David when he fled from the face of his son Absalom." The final verse reads: "Salvation is of the Lord: and thy blessing is upon thy people. " The wider setting of Psalms is this: The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

This psalm is a prayer-poem that Israel sang in Temple worship and private devotion. A pivotal line is verse 3: "Many say to my soul: There is no salvation for him in his God." The passage repeatedly touches on God's protection and deliverance.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 2340).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.
  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.

People in This Chapter

Absalom1 mentionDavid1 mention

Reflection for Today

As Catholics read Psalms Chapter 3, we do so within the living Tradition that has guarded this text for two millennia.

The saints did not treat Scripture as antiquarian literature. St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, and countless others used passages such as this to fuel daily conversion. the sanctity of marriage and family remains a practical lesson for modern disciples.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 854).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 3 about?

Psalms 3 contains 9 verses. It opens with "The psalm of David when he fled from the face of his son Absalom." and closes with "Salvation is of the Lord: and thy blessing is upon thy people. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 3?

One of the most significant verses is verse 3: "Many say to my soul: There is no salvation for him in his God." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 3?

This chapter mentions Absalom, David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

2 Samuel 3Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Kings 1Shares people and themes with this chapter2 Chronicles 11Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayers for Protection🙏Prayer to St. Michael🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises

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