Bible Commentaries

Psalms 108.

David encourageth himself to praise God: he prayeth for God's assistance, according to his promise: his confidence in God's help.

A Song or Psalm of David.

Title. לדוד מזמור שׁיר Shiir mizmor ledavid.— The former part of this psalm is very little different from the last five verses of the 57th psalm, which David is supposed to have placed here, instead of those wherewith the 60th psalm begins, because he had now made some progress in those wars which he was but entering upon when he wrote the 60th psalm; and therefore here he begins to thank God for his mercy, as there he laments the ill condition of his affairs. We refer to the notes on the 57th and 60th psalms. Dr. Delaney observes, that the introduction to this psalm plainly shews David's situation to have been now very different from what it was when he wrote the 60th psalm: How finely, says he, is the noblest spirit of piety and of poetry united in this hymn! How delicate this address to his lyre! to be ready at his call, to be early awake, and prepared for it; for he was resolved to be stirring betimes! The greatness of the occasion required it; which was no less than to sing the praises of the Almighty, and to celebrate his glory to the whole world around. Filled with this glorious design, which had taken entire possession of his heart, he immediately declares that he will execute it, Psalms 108:3. I will confess, &c.; and, forgetting his address to his lyre, instantly breaks out into raptures upon the truth and mercy of his God: Great above the heavens is thy mercy, and to the aether thy truth; alluding, doubtless, to the purity and transparency of that heavenly substance, to render it the aptest and finest emblem of truth. Life of David, b. 3: Psalms 100:3.

REFLECTIONS.—1st, The Psalmist discovers in these verses the blessed frame of his own spirit, and teaches us how our praises should be offered up to God: with hearts fixed on the sacred subject; rising early to the pleasing task; and only, with every warm expression of grateful affection, proclaiming in the midst of the people his mercy and faithfulness, his greatness and glory: mercy more extensive than the heavens, truth which reacheth to the clouds, and glory infinitely beyond all blessing and praise which men or angels can offer.

2nd, We have,

1. The Psalmist's prayer in behalf of himself and people. Note; Every believer is a David, a beloved, and may confidently expect to see the salvation of God.

2. He already triumphs, since he has the truth of God engaged to bring him to Israel's throne, and put the neighbouring nations, their enemies, under his footstool. Note; (1.) What God promises, faith can rejoice in, as already done. (2.) The beloved Son of David hath an everlasting kingdom, and before him all his enemies must lick the dust.

3. Whatever difficulties were in the way, by human power insurmountable, whatever discouragements he had met with, and however numerous the hosts of his enemies, he looks to God; if he be Israel's leader, not Edom's walls can withstand; but, strong in his might, his people shall be more than conquerors. Thus may the believer, in the view of the spiritual foes of his soul, and the strong fortresses of corruption, be ready to stagger in the consciousness of his own weakness; but there is help laid on one mighty to save: through Christ strengthening us, we can do all things; and it is he who shall here below tread down all our enemies, and bring all his faithful people at last to share his triumphs over sin, death, and hell, in the eternal world of glory.