Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 108

Heart is fixed. The psalmist had determined his course and would not deviate from it. Steadfastness of purpose is a trait of character that all should cultivate. Verses 1–5 appear with slight variation as Ps. 57:7–11 (see comments there). My glory. The psalmist will render praise to God with his intellect, tongue, poetic faculty, and musical skill. He has dedicated all his talents to his Maker.

Awake, psaltery. The sweet singer of Israel is not satisfied to use his voice alone; he calls for musical instruments to accompany him in his songs of praise. Those with musical talent have the privilege and duty of using that gift to glorify the Giver. Awake early. The early hours of the morning spent in private devotion provide strength for the day’s duties and a safeguard against temptation. The Saviour often rose to pray a great while before day (see DA 90; MH 52; see on Mark 3:13).

Above the heavens. God’s merciful love and truth are boundless and deep. The earth cannot contain them. They stretch beyond the sky.

Be thou exalted. Man’s praise of God should be according to the abundance of God’s loving-kindness. The sound of the mighty chorus should fill the earth and all the courts of glory.

Thy beloved. The prayer of one godly man reaches out to many others, and often shapes the destiny of a whole nation (see James 5:17, 18). The beloved will be delivered by Him who loves them. Verses 6–13 appear with slight variation as Ps. 60:5–12 (see comments there).

In his holiness. God’s nature is holy, and that nature makes it impossible for Him to break His promise (see Num. 23:19; Titus 1:2). When God speaks, His word stands fast. Valley of Succoth. See on Joshua 13:27.

Judah is my lawgiver. Judah was the royal tribe from which the scepter would not depart till Shiloh come (see Gen. 49:10).

Moab is my washpot. Moab was notorious for its pride (see Isa. 16:6). Here the psalmist compares this haughty nation to a vessel in which a victorious warrior washes his feet. Philistia. Early in his reign David had subdued the Philistines (see on 2 Sam. 8:1). God will triumph over all the enemies of His people.

Strong city. See on Ps. 60:9. The psalmist looked to God to assist him to capture this stronghold, and he did not look in vain (see on 2 Sam. 8:14).

Hast cast us off. At the time, it seemed that God had forsaken His chosen people, but not so. He led the host of Israel against the impregnable heights of Edom, and they became servants of Israel (see on 1 Kings 11:15). Today He can bring us into the strong citadel of the enemy. Nothing can withstand those who trust in Him.

Vain. When human assistance is of no avail, divine help comes to our aid. When confidence in man is shaken, the child of God leans the more heavily on the arm of the Infinite.

Valiantly. God’s help inspires us to help ourselves. From Him we derive courage, wisdom, and strength to gain the victory over our foes. With God for its leader the church may go forth conquering and to conquer.