Bible Strands
Psalms 3:1
A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom. O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me!
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — David addresses the LORD while fleeing from his son Absalom. He describes a moment of acute distress as his enemies multiply.
The words — The Hebrew מָה (mah) and רַבּוּ (rabu) combine to ask "how" and declare "they are many," emphasizing the sudden numerical surge of his opponents.
The thread — This cry against rising enemies echoes in Psalms 17:7 and aligns with the historical account of Absalom's rebellion in 2 Samuel 16:15 and 2 Samuel 17:11.
Why it lands — The text demands acknowledgment of overwhelming opposition before any appeal for deliverance. It requires the reader to name the scale of the threat plainly.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Psalms 17:7 Show the wonders of Your loving devotion, You who save by Your right hand those who seek refuge from their foes.
- 2 Samuel 17:11 Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beersheba—a multitude like the sand on the seashore—be gathered to you, and that you yourself lead them into battle.
- 2 Samuel 16:15 Then Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him.
- 2 Samuel 15:1 Some time later, Absalom provided for himself a chariot with horses and fifty men to run ahead of him.
- Matthew 27:25 All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”
- Matthew 10:21 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death.