Psalm 3

The Consequences of Sin

David confessed his sin, and repented, and God forgave the iniquity of his sin, and suspended the death penalty. But he still suffered what Catholics call the "temporal punishment" of his sin, and what Protestants call "The discipline of the Lord", and what parents call "logical consequences". This was not to punish, but to instruct. If you are always magically protected from getting burned by a hot stove, and do not heed verbal instruction, you never learn not to touch a hot stove. A spanking may serve in place of a burn.

• 3:1 "This is what the LORD says: `I will raise up adversity against you from your own house.´" 2 Samuel 12:11 "Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to another, and he will lie with them in broad daylight. You have acted in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.” Note that God calls the "concubines" David's wives.
• 3:2 "God will not deliver him" - not because they believed God was unable, but because they regarded David as too wicked. It was quite the scandal.
• 3:3 God "lifts the head" of David, despite the shame of his sin.
• 3:4 "He answered me" - God "remits [reduces] the temporal punishment", which Catholics call an "indulgence". Protestants call it "healing", Grace, or Mercy.
• 3:5 "I lay down and sleep" - David has peace, knowing that God will not allow more than he can bear.
• 3:7 "You have broken the teeth of the ungodly" - remembering what God has done helps him trust what God will do.
• 3:8 "Your blessing is on Your people" - David prays for the nation as well as his own deliverance. His sin has far reaching effects.