Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 108

Praise from a Fixed and Joyful HeartThis psalm teaches us how to praise God by looking at the example of someone who knew how to worship well. True praise comes from a heart that is steady and focused, and from a person who uses their gifts and energy to honor God. We are encouraged to praise God not just in private, but also in public, and to remember always how great his mercy and truth are. When we feel weak in our praise, we can ask God to make his name great in all the earth.v. 1: The psalmist says, O God! my heart is fixed . He is determined to sing and give praise, showing that true worship must come from a devoted and settled heart. We should gather our thoughts and give God our full attention in praise.

v. 2: He stirs up his musical talents, saying, Awake, psaltery and harp . Praise should be lively and filled with energy, not dull or lazy. The psalmist even promises to wake up early to praise God with all his heart.

v. 3: The psalmist wants to praise God not only among his own people but also among the nations . We should not be shy to show our gratitude to God in front of others and to encourage everyone to honor him.

v. 4: He especially praises God’s mercy and truth, saying they are higher than the heavens . God’s promises and faithfulness are greater than anything we can see or imagine.

v. 5: Realizing our own weakness in glorifying God, the psalmist prays, Be thou exalted, O God! above the heavens, and thy glory above all the earth . He asks God to make his name famous everywhere, because only God can truly glorify himself as he deserves.

Directions for Praising GodThis passage teaches us not only how to praise God, but also how to pray with faith, hope, and humility. We are reminded to pray for God’s people, trust his promises, and rely on his help for victory. Everything we do should bring glory to God, not to ourselves.v. 6: We should pray for the whole church, asking God to save his beloved people . We should care about God’s people as much as we care for ourselves, and rejoice when God answers prayers for the church, even if our own needs are delayed (Psalm 72:19–20 ).

v. 7: In our prayers, we should trust God’s power and his promises. When God speaks in his holiness, we can rejoice, knowing he will keep his word . Faith celebrates God’s promises even before they are fulfilled.

v. 8: We can be confident about the blessings God has promised. David lists places like Shechem, Succoth, Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Judah as his own . In the same way, Jesus, the Son of David, will surely receive all that God has promised him (John 6:37 ).

v. 9: David also trusts that God will subdue his enemies, including Moab, Edom, and Philistia (Psalm 108:9; Psalm 60:8 ). In the end, God’s people will triumph, and Christ will have victory over all his enemies (Hebrews 2:8 ).

v. 10–11: When facing challenges that seem too hard, like conquering strong cities or nations, we should look to God for help (Psalm 108:10–11 ). Even if God has allowed hardship before, we can trust he will comfort us and help us succeed, just as he promised Jacob would rule over Esau (Genesis 27:37 ).

v. 12: We must ask for God’s help in trouble and not trust in people alone . Human help is limited, but God’s help never fails.

v. 13: Everything we accomplish is only possible through God’s strength and grace (Psalm 108:13; Philippians 4:13 ). It is God who defeats our enemies, so all the glory belongs to him.