Psalm 108 (107):8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

I did not believe that Psalm 108 needed a detailed explanation, as I have previously discussed it in Psalms 57 and 60, of which this psalm is a composition. The concluding section of Psalm 57 corresponds to the line: "Thy glory is above all the earth." From this point to the end corresponds to the final part of Psalm 60. Likewise, the latter section of Psalm 135 aligns with Psalm 115 in the phrase: "The images of the Gentiles are but gold and silver," just as Psalms 14 and 53 present similar themes throughout.

I will rise and distribute Sikima. What the Jews held as the finest and most valuable, He gladly vows to allocate and apportion as an inheritance for the Gentiles. Just as a loving father delights in acquiring and welcoming many children, He expresses this in a symbolic and profound manner. In the midst of pagan despair stood a city named Shechem, or Sikimah. Jacob resided there with his family upon returning from Mesopotamia. It was here that Emmor, the son of Shechem, became enamored with Dinah, Jacob's daughter, and violently took her. Jacob's sons came and executed him and his people. Thus, Shechem, which means ‘the uttermost of the villages,’ became the patriarch’s heritage.

God communicates in His sacred realm (Psalm 107:8): whether within the temple, through a saint, or via a prophet. His voice resonates through Moses, the apostles, and indeed, through His Son. So, what is the message from God? It follows: “I will ascend and divide Sikima.” For this reason, He proclaims, “I will be crucified to partition Sikima.” In our tongue, “Sikima” signifies “mountain slopes.” These are interpreted as actions. Thus, the implication is this: for this purpose, I am to be crucified, so that My works may be shared among My followers. Hence, I journey to the cross to place My good yoke and My light burden upon the shoulders of humanity. You have fulfilled, O Lord, what You promised: You have been crucified and have divided Sikima.

God has manifested His will through His Anointed One, by the grace of the Holy Spirit. I will ascend and share out Sikima, and I will distribute the villages. What the prophet sought has come to pass. When he proclaimed, ‘Ascend to heaven, O God,’ the Lord replies, ‘I will ascend;’ and He also reveals the path forward, ‘I will share Sikima;’ for it is the city primarily allotted to Joseph. Furthermore, I will populate the former wilderness, where the shepherds' mounds stood, with new inhabitants, and I will ensure it is allocated to him who returns.

In His sacred dwelling, God proclaimed, I will rise and allocate Sikima and distribute the towns. I am Gilead, I am Manasseh, and Ephraim represents the intercession of my mind. Judah reigns as my sovereign, while Moab stands as the vessel of my confidence; upon Edom I will place my foot. The nations will submit to me. Who will lead me into the fortified city? Or who will direct me to Edom? Are You not, O God, the one who has rejected us? You will not, O God, leave us without strength. Grant us aid in our distress, for human salvation is futile. O God, let us be strong, and this will humiliate our adversaries. These sentiments are also expressed in Psalm 59. Thus, you may find further insights there. Although the wording may vary, the essence remains unchanged.

Through these titles, the prophet illustrates the gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit. He refers to the valley in which the tents are situated, clearly symbolizing the Church, for within this valley, created by the Spirit's work, the assembly of the waters of the mind—specifically, baptism—is formed. David also states, “and the valleys shall multiply abundantly the wheat” (Psalm 64:14); indeed, the yield of our salvation is increased within the waters of baptism. The term Shechem signifies shoulder, representing elevation or advantage, as seen in Scripture where it is noted of Saul, “and was of his shoulders higher than all the people” (1 Sam. 10:23). What is loftier than the Spirit? Or what surpasses His gifts, which Christ, having been exalted, distributes and indeed measures out, giving according to measure? "To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for his benefit" (1 Cor. 12:7).

There is no valid reason to dispute the title attributed to the psalm, leading us to acknowledge that David himself crafted it by drawing from two earlier psalms, 56 and 59. Initially, the psalmist, representing the people, conveys a strong assurance and joy in glorifying the Lord, as seen in Psalm 56, verses 1-5. For more context, one may refer to Psalms 56 and 59. Only minor details warrant attention here. "In glory in my soul" (cf. Ps. 7:6) indicates that this praise must arise from a deep spiritual foundation rather than being merely superficial.

This Psalm, like all others, is divinely inspired and written by David, where the prophet expresses readiness for all of God's deeds, seeking triumph over the Edomites, and firmly trusting in divine assistance in accordance with God’s promises. Through His supreme might, He has conquered numerous foes and expanded His realm, which anticipates the advancement of Christ's kingdom, represented by His Church, growing daily through God's grace. The Psalm acknowledges gratitude to God in both times of distress and during trials. David’s prophetic gift adds to his glory.