What does Psalm 108:8 mean?
ESV: Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah my scepter.
NIV: Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah is my scepter.
NASB: Gilead is Mine, Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the helmet of My head; Judah is My scepter.
CSB: Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine, and Ephraim is my helmet; Judah is my scepter.
NLT: Gilead is mine, and Manasseh, too. Ephraim, my helmet, will produce my warriors, and Judah, my scepter, will produce my kings.
KJV: Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;
NKJV: Gilead is Mine; Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the helmet for My head; Judah is My lawgiver.
Verse Commentary:
When Israel was suddenly attacked by Edom, David prayed for rescue; he wrote Psalm 60 to commemorate that experience. The last verses of Psalm 108 are taken from David's resolution in Psalm 60 (Psalm 60:5–12). God's answer to David's fear was a reminder that the Lord has the power to decide who controls what territory. So far, this has mentioned important historical areas such as Succoth (Genesis 33:17) and Shechem (Genesis 33:18–20).
Succoth and Shechem were west of the Jordan River. Gilead was east, and Manasseh included land on both sides. Ephraim was a strong tribe; after the nation split (1 Kings 12:19–20), Ephraim was associated with the northern kingdom. Since this tribe is God's "helmet," its role is protecting the nation.
The southern kingdom would be known as "Judah." This was the tribe of David, and therefore of David's most important descendant, Jesus (Genesis 49:10). God established that Israel's kingship would come through the tribe of Judah. So, here, the tribe is described using a symbol of kingly authority: the scepter.
Verse Context:
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.
Chapter Summary:
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.
Chapter Context:
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.
Book Summary:
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.
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