But David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, barefoot and with his head covered. And all the people who were with him covered their heads, and they went up, weeping as they went. And it was told David, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.” (2 Corinthians 15:30-31, ESV)

This has to be one of the lowest moments of King David’s life. His son has become his enemy. The boy who ate at his table, hunted wild game with him, and grew up in the palace is now pursuing him. His head is covered, but not with a kingly crown, his feet do not wear the shoes of a warrior. It is a walk of shame, a march of defeat.

When King David came to Bahurim, there came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera, and as he came he cursed continually. And he threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David, and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. And Shimei said as he cursed, “Get out, get out, you man of blood, you worthless man! (2 Samuel 16:5-7, ESV)

David is weeping over a son who has become a tyrant. He is experiencing the ultimate betrayal. And his enemies come out of the woodwork–all the “Shimeis” find their way to his walk of shame and hurl more than insults. They literally throw rocks at him.
He found a place to settle and get some sleep. The next morning he penned these words:
O LORD, how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul,
“There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah
But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah
I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.
I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.
Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.
Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people! Selah (Psalm 3:1-8, ESV)
Many. Many. Many. When David wakes up he remembers the nightmarish reality of his life. He is surrounded by enemies–many of them. He has many foes. Many are rising against him, and the “many” are taunting his very soul–they are trying to tell him that even God has abandoned him!
He interrupts the many with mention of the One.

You are no match for the many in your life, but God is.

Your many are no match for your one God. He is a shield. He is the lifter of your head. Your walk of shame is his opportunity to show you mercy. If you slept last night, somebody stayed awake and watched over you. If you’re awake this morning, somebody woke you, but breath in your lungs and hope in your heart.

Your many are no match for your one God.

After reflecting on his one true God, David has courage. His language changes. Though his own son is chasing him out of his beloved Jerusalem, though Shimei is hurling insults and stones, David writes these words: I will not be afraid of many.

Many things are unraveling in our world. Our health is at stake. Our finances are in peril. Pressure on families in tight quarters produces anxiety. Fear is rampant. You have your own list of many. You don’t have to think hard to list them.

Salvation belongs to your one God. He will smack your many on the face; he will punch your many in the teeth (David’s words, not mine)

This song was written from Psalm 3. Worship.