King James Version
Psalm 108
Davidic leadership and confident prayer merge in this royal hymn, which combines portions of earlier psalms to seek victory over surrounding hostile nations. Resting near the start of Book V in Psalms, the text opens with steadfast praise, musical instruments, and a desire to glorify God among all nations. The speaker acknowledges that human help is vain during national conflict, placing entire confidence in divine strength for protection and triumph. The poem balances praise with earnest petition for national safety. A key verse reflects this trust: 'Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.' It highlights collective reliance.
1 O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.
2 Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
3 I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.
4 For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds.
5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;
6 That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me.
7 God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.
8 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;
9 Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; over Philistia will I triumph.
10 Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?
11 Wilt not thou, O God, who hast cast us off? and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts?
12 Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.
13 Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.
GO DEEPER
Carry this chapter with you
One personal verse every day, three layers of meaning, word studies and a place for your own reflection. Free to start.
