Psalm 108:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Oh grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man!

NIV: Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless.

NASB: Give us help against the enemy, For deliverance by man is worthless.

CSB: Give us aid against the foe, for human help is worthless.

NLT: Oh, please help us against our enemies, for all human help is useless.

KJV: Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.

NKJV: Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless.

Human rescue cannot compare to the absolute sovereignty of God. These words were originally written about a time when David was fighting with Ammonites to the north and the hostile nation of Edom launched a surprise attack (Psalm 60:1–5, 11). David was worried that the nation would fall, but he made up his mind to faithfully honor the Lord even in hard times. David knows that only divine power can achieve the victories he desires. Jesus remarked about the power of the Spirit when teaching His disciples (John 15:5).

A vivid example of the difference between human power and divine enablement came in the story of Samson. Though he did incredible things while under the influence of the Holy Spirit, his arrogance and self-confidence interfered (Judges 16:20). He was captured and blinded (Judges 16:21).

Psalm 108:6–13 is identical to Psalm 60:6–12. In these closing verses, David expresses confidence that God will triumph over Israel's foes. The people of Israel will be given the lands which God claimed to control. The psalm closes with David's prayer for God's help and assurance of His power.

The psalmist—repeating words of David's prior psalms—first declares loyalty to the Lord. He declares that God should be worshipped by His people. Next, God's sovereign rule is celebrated. Even so, the song speaks of fears and doubts, calling on the Lord to provide aid in a dire battle. The overall sense is one of confidence and assurance in God.

This psalm combines portions of two other songs (Psalm 57:7–11; Psalm 60:5–12). Psalm 57 relates to David's attempts to evade the jealous King Saul. Psalm 60 reacts to a surprise attack from Edom. Psalm 108 borrows the conclusions of these prior messages; these emphasize a commitment to praise and honor God and to recognize His absolute rule. The psalm is "of David" because it uses his words, but this arrangement may not have been his personal doing.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 11/23/2024 4:51:56 AM