Psalm 108 (107):11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

I did not perceive that Psalm 108 needed clarification, as I have previously examined it in Psalm 57 and Psalm 60, from which this psalm is derived. The final section of Psalm 57 is reflected in the line: "Thy glory is above all the earth." The concluding verses from Psalm 60 follow from that point onwards. The last segment of Psalm 135 echoes the concluding part of Psalm 115, which states: "The images of the Gentiles are but gold and silver." Similarly, Psalms 14 and 53 also share very similar phrasing throughout. Thus, any minor variations present in this 108th Psalm in relation to its source sections can be readily reconciled.

No one, O Lord – You proclaimed: ‘I trod the winepress alone, and from the nations there was no one with Me’ (Isaiah 63:3). ‘All have turned aside, together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one’ (Psalm 13:3). So who will guide Me into the fortified city? No one, Lord: even Peter, who vowed to die for You, later denied You. What sort of city is this? It is hell, from which no prisoners can escape. Indeed, no one has ever left that place except the Lord Triumphant. Truly, this city is surrounded by barriers. Moses was unable to exit it. Likewise, Jacob entered and did not return. Would you like to know why? He declared to his sons, ‘I shall go down mourning to the grave’ (see Genesis 37:35).

The prophet, filled with joy at the promise of these blessings, longs to witness both the devastated city subdued and the Edomites in servitude to the people of Israel.

In His sacred sanctuary, God proclaimed, “I will ascend and distribute Shechem, and I will apportion the settlements. I am Gilead; I am Manasseh, and Ephraim serves as the strength of my head. Judah is my sovereign, while Moab is the vessel of my hope; I will place my foot upon Edom. The nations shall yield to me. Who will lead me into the fortified city? Who will guide me into Edom? Are you not, O God, who has rejected us? You will not, O God, abandon us in our powerlessness. Grant us aid in our distress, for human salvation is futile. O God, grant us strength; may it bring low our adversaries.” These declarations are also found in Psalm 59 (Psalm 59:8-14), where further illumination can be gleaned. Although the phrasing may vary, the underlying sentiments remain consistent. (Psalms 59:8-14.) It is not surprising, dear reader, that David expresses similar thoughts across various psalms. This repetition is characteristic of the Hebrew language, particularly among the divine prophets, who emphasize important truths for the edification of their audience.

The prophet, after highlighting the vocation of the Gentiles, praises those who will be blessed to witness what lies ahead for the Jewish people, yearning to join them.

The term 'fortified city' as translated by Simmachus refers to 'a city encircled by a rampart,' symbolizing the Church. The prophet also expresses a desire to reach Idumea, where the Lord will extend His power and the grace He offers to the Gentiles. Simmachus interprets “Who”—as “if not Thou, O God,” who has ceased to aid us and has rendered us captives.

There is no adequate basis to dispute the title of the psalm, and thus we acknowledge that David himself created it, drawing inspiration from his previous works, Psalms 56 and 59. Initially, the psalmist, representing the community, conveys a strong assurance and delight in exalting the Lord, as expressed in Psalm 56 (vv. 1-5). This expression of praise must not merely be superficial; it should emanate from the very depths of one’s spirit, as reflected in the phrase "in glory in my soul" (cf. Ps. 7:6). The heavens stretch infinitely upwards, prompting the psalmist to appeal to the Lord to demonstrate His mighty power for the benefit of His people at this time (vv. 6-7), recalling His promises to secure for Israel the land of Canaan and the defeat of surrounding pagan nations (vv. 7-10). Drawing strength from these divine assurances, the psalmist articulates his anticipation of God’s support as he ventures into battle against the Idumeans (vv. 11-14).

This Psalm, like all others, is inspired by the Holy Spirit and written by David, in which the prophet expresses readiness for every task set by God, seeking victory over the Edomites, and confidently anticipating it in accordance with the promises of the Almighty. Through His omnipotent power, He has conquered numerous foes and expanded His dominion, foreshadowing the growth of Christ's kingdom, represented by the Church of His faithful servants, continually flourishing through the grace of God. This repeated expression of gratitude to God is intended for times of distress and tribulation. David’s glory lies in his prophetic gift.