Psalm 108:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: God has promised in his holiness: "With exultation I will divide up Shechem and portion out the Valley of Succoth.

NIV: God has spoken from his sanctuary: "In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Sukkoth.

NASB: God has spoken in His holiness: 'I will triumph, I will divide up Shechem, And measure out the Valley of Succoth.

CSB: God has spoken in his sanctuary: "I will celebrate! I will divide up Shechem. I will apportion the Valley of Succoth.

NLT: God has promised this by his holiness : 'I will divide up Shechem with joy. I will measure out the valley of Succoth.

KJV: God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.

NKJV: God has spoken in His holiness: “I will rejoice; I will divide Shechem And measure out the Valley of Succoth.

The source version of this verse (Psalm 60:6) uses identical Hebrew words, though some translations render one as "promised" and the other as "spoken." David wrote the original psalm in response to a surprise invasion by the nation of Edom (Psalm 60:1–3). After David's plea for help, God declared His intent to be glorified in what would happen next.

Jacob, the man later renamed "Israel" (Genesis 32:28), lived and worked for a time in Succoth (Genesis 33:17). He also lived and did business near Shechem (Genesis 33:18–20). Both were west of the Jordan River. God's declaration that He will "portion out" these lands implies His absolute ownership. In one sense, this was a guarantee from the Lord that Israel would win their impending battle. In another, it's a reminder that God is sovereign and all-powerful.

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 9:00:05 AM