Read Psalm 3 here (text coming …) or at Bible Gateway.
The Hebrew paragraph:
3:1-8 {p} Many are my adversaries, but YHVH sustains me and saves me
Psalm 3:1-8 forms a Chiastic Structure:
In this psalm, YHVH
acts as a shield surrounding us, that is, walking with us as a defender so that we continue, according to the Hebrew Root Words Teaching Tool;
uplifts our head;
To uplift is Strong’s H7311, רום ruwm, a primitive root meaning, “to rise up, to be exalted.” The 3-letter root is resh + vav + mem.
resh ר = the head of man, thus head, first, top, beginning, man
vav ו = the tent peg, thus add, secure, hook
mem מ ם = the water, thus chaos, mighty, blood
The parable: Pre-eminence (resh) secured (vav) by might (mem), i.e., to be lifted up.
answers our call, that is, looks us in the eyes continually while revealing what is known;
When someone is answering with a true report, they look you straightforwardly in the eye, but if they are trying to hide something, as a falsehood, they tend to hide their eyes. This word is most often used of solemn declarations, as when YHVH makes a decree, a judge hands down a sentence, or a witness testifies in court.
sustains us, that is, surrounds us with a hedge of thorns placed against chaos so that we are upheld rather than overwhelmed;
strikes our enemies;
breaks the teeth of the wicked;
executes salvation, that is, actively, sharply, diligently watching out for danger, so as to prevent or rescue;
blesses His people, that is, fills their upturned hands with good things;
No wonder David wasn’t afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against him all around. And we have no need to fear also.
If there are questions, these are a good resources:
Hebrew Root Words and their Mountain-Top Meanings – Christine Miller
Index of Hebrew Roots – Christine Miller
I Need Not Fear – Christine Miller
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