THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
I believe that Psalm CVIII-i does not require much interpretation since I have already explained it in Psalm LVII-i and in the last segments of Psalm LX, of which this psalm is also a part. The final section of Psalm LVII serves as the first part here, particularly with the line: “Thy glory is above all the earth.” From that point onward until the conclusion, it corresponds to the latter part of Psalm LX. Moreover, the concluding segment of Psalm CXXXV aligns with that of Psalm CXV, in the verse: “The images of the Gentiles are but gold and silver.” Similarly, Psalms XIV and LIIId exhibit minor variations yet convey an identical message from start to finish.
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Thus, any minor differences seen in this Psalm CVIII in comparison to its constituent parts can be easily grasped; for instance, in Psalm LVIId, we find “I will sing and praise; awake, my glory,” while here it states, “I will sing and praise my glory.” The earlier version emphasizes "Awake" for one to sing and praise. Additionally, one passage declares, “thy mercy is great” (or translated by some as “exalted”) “unto heaven,” while here it expresses “thy mercy is great above the heavens.” The notion of greatness implies a reach to the heavens, resonating with the concept of being “above the heavens.” Likewise, in Psalm LX, it mentions, “I will rejoice; I will divide Shechem,” whereas here it states, “I will exalt, and divide Shechem.” This division of Shechem symbolizes what was prophesied to occur following the Lord's exaltation, illustrating that the joy expressed is rooted in that elevation, for He rejoices because He has been exalted. Hence, in another context, it is noted, “Thou hast turned my heaviness into joy; Thou hast removed my garment of sorrow and clothed me with joy.” Moreover, where it speaks of Ephraim as “the strength of my head,” in this context, it refers to Ephraim as “the lifting up of my head.” Strength comes from acceptance; He strengthens us by receiving and bringing forth fruit, as the term Ephraim signifies “bringing forth fruit.” Acceptance signifies our reception of Christ or, conversely, how Christ, the Head of the Church, elevates us. The phrases that perplex us in the previous psalm manifest similarly in this one, as they refer to our adversaries.
This psalm illustrates that titles which might seem historical are more accurately understood in a prophetic light, corresponding to the intent behind composing psalms. Yet, it comprises the concluding sections of two psalms, each identifiable by different titles. It highlights that both converge on a shared purpose, not merely within the realm of history but delving into the depths of prophecy, and the themes of both psalms are unified, bearing the title of the Song or Psalm of David. It does not resemble previous titles aside from the mention of David. As stated in various ways in many scriptures, particularly in the Epistle to the Hebrews, God spoke in times past to the fathers through the prophets (Hebrews 1:1), yet He ultimately spoke of Him whom He sent later, ensuring the fulfillment of the prophetic words, for all the promises of God find their “Yes” in Him (2 Corinthians 1:20).