Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 3:1-8

"Jehovah, how are mine adversaries increased! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there are that say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah But thou, O Jehovah, art a shield about me; My glory and the lifter up of my head. I cry unto Jehovah with my voice, And he answereth me out of his holy hill. Selah I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for Jehovah sustaineth me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of the people That have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Jehovah; save me, O my God: For thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; Thou hast broken the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongeth unto Jehovah: Thy blessing be upon thy people. Selah" — Psalms 3:1-8 (ASV)

A Psalm of David - This phrase literally means "belonging to David"; that is, it signifies him as the author. This title is marked in the Hebrew text as the first verse, and similarly in the Syriac version, the Latin Vulgate, and the Septuagint. This results in the Hebrew text, and each of these versions, having nine verses in the psalm, compared to the eight in our translation.

This title may have been prefixed to the psalm by the author himself, as it was not uncommon in ancient times for an author to prefix his name to his own composition, as was also commonly done by the apostle Paul in his epistles. However, it is not absolutely certain that this was done in the Psalms by the authors themselves. It is possible that the title was added by the one who collected and arranged the Psalms, reflecting the prevalent belief regarding its authorship and acting under the Spirit of inspiration.

When he fled - This phrase refers to the occasion of his fleeing. The psalm was composed either at that time or subsequently in remembrance of it. See Introduction, Section 2.

From Absalom his son - See Introduction, Section 2.