Psalm 108:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.

NIV: With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.

NASB: Through God we will do valiantly, And it is He who will trample down our enemies.

CSB: With God we will perform valiantly; he will trample our foes.

NLT: With God’s help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes.

KJV: Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

NKJV: Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.

Psalm 108 is composed of segments of two other Davidic psalms (Psalm 57:7–11; 60:5–12). Both segments come from the end of their respective passages. Both are responses to some difficulty or danger. Here, Davd expresses total confidence in God—rather than in human efforts. Psalm 60 was written when David found himself facing enemies on two fronts (2 Samuel 8:3; 1 Chronicles 18:3; Psalm 60:1–4). Despite challenges, God's people can be confident in His loyal, consistent love. In the case of the nation of Israel, the Lord had promised they would not be defeated by Edom (Numbers 24:18). David's experience supported that prophecy (2 Samuel 8:14; 1 Chronicles 18:12–13).

The anticipated victory here is one of absolute dominance combined with divine judgment. When God chooses to act, His power is unavoidable and unstoppable. A large component of the end times will be Jesus' return to establish His physical kingdom on earth (Hebrews 2:7–8; Revelation 19:15). With God on one's side, there is no reason to fear any human army (Revelation 19:16).

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 12/4/2024 3:27:01 AM