Dublin, OH
Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
3:7-8 What He Prays For. The singer calls on the Lord to save him now as he has in the past. "Save" (v. 7) and "salvation" (v. 8) look back to the taunt in v. 2: this rescue is the Lord's to give or withhold as he sees fit, and not under the control of the enemies. The prayer does not replace work; instead it is what makes the work effective.
3:7 Arise. Cf. Num. 10:35; a request for God to show his favor by scattering the enemies. For you strike . . . you break. The singer is emboldened to ask God for help because God has regularly protected him from enemies, by shaming them and rendering them powerless.
3:8 Salvation belongs to the Lord. By looking back to v. 2, the singer remembers that it is the decision of the Lord, and not of the enemies, that makes the difference (for the same exclamation, cf. Jonah 2:9; Rev. 7:10; 19:1). your blessing be on your people. A merciful word indeed, wishing well even for the people who oppose him; but the blessing will require their defeat.
