Perhaps some historical event or emergency in the nation prompted David to write this psalm. It repeats part of two other psalms he wrote word-for-word, Psalm 57 and Psalm 60. When something is repeated, it is usually very important, or events surrounding it have left a strong and lasting impression. Those impressions in this psalm begin with praise first thing in the morning. At the beginning of the day, it is always a good thing to remember the blessings of God in the past and even through the night, and then to praise God for His care and keeping over us.
The psalmist didn’t want to keep his praise to himself, so he declared the reasons for praise to those he knew and then to the public in general. People who hear our praise can be blessed by our gratitude and thankfulness to God. It may even encourage them to consider all the benefits the Lord has given them that they had been taking for granted.
After opening the psalm with praise, there is a prayer because the enemy is nearby. The expressions of trust in praise were first. Then comes the appeal to the Lord for help. David knew God could “save with Thy right hand” in answer to his petition. Praise and prayers can carry us through tough situations. The first verses repeat Psalm 57:7-11, indicating that he had proven God before and had been blessed.
The last part of this psalm is the same as Psalm 60:5-12, reminding the psalmist that when there are problems, there are also promises. God had promised the land of Canaan to the patriarchs, assuring them that it would be theirs. Moab and Edom would serve Israel, and the Philistines would be destroyed. David wanted to see that promise fulfilled, and he knew the only way it would happen would be for God not to cast them off but to go with them.
In the final prayer of this psalm, he calls for God’s help, knowing that no one else could or would do what needed to be done for them. David did not just want to be rescued from his enemies. He wanted victory. Victory is more than mere survival. It is the door to opportunity that is open to us when we place complete trust in the mighty power of God. Faith is rewarded when we take the next step God directs, with complete trust that His promises will not fail.
At the end of this last prayer, it seems like he is singing a victory song. That is what faith can do for us. We can rejoice even before a matter is completed when we know this is the will of God. Confidence in God is not limited to time or space. Our hope is in God, who is limitless in knowledge, space, and power. “Vain is the help of man. Through God, we shall do valiantly.”
PSALM 108 OUR DEFENDER An expression of trust. “O God, my heart is fixed.” An appeal for help. “Save us with Thy right hand… give us help.”