Psalm 108:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer me!

NIV: Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.

NASB: So that Your beloved may be rescued, Save with Your right hand, and answer me!

CSB: Save with your right hand and answer me so that those you love may be rescued.

NLT: Now rescue your beloved people. Answer and save us by your power.

KJV: That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me.

NKJV: That Your beloved may be delivered, Save with Your right hand, and hear me.

The first five verses of this psalm are also found in Psalm 57:7–11. Starting here, the words are nearly an exact replica of Psalm 60:5–12. The only difference is that this verse uses a singular word, translated "me," where Psalm 60:5 uses the plural version of the same word, meaning "us." These sections from two earlier psalms are both David's resolutions in the face of danger. Psalm 60, the source of the remaining verses in this passage, is about a sudden and dangerous attack by the enemy nation of Edom.

Most translations present this as a prayerful request, rather than as an explanation. This parallels similar thoughts on the passage from which these words are taken (Psalm 60:4–5). Despite the danger, Israel is still God's chosen people: His "beloved." While the Lord sometimes allowed them to suffer the consequences of sin (Judges 2:16–19), He did not allow the nation to be entirely destroyed.

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 11/21/2024 9:19:22 AM