Psalms 108, 57 and 60 — In the Shadow of Thy Wings
Introduction: By ancient Jewish tradition the psalms are divided into five books, and there are some very similar psalms in separate books, as is the case for Psalm 108. The first five verses of Psalm 108 are basically the same as Psalm 57:8–11, then verses 6 through 12 are very close to Psalm 60:5–12. Psalms 57 and 60 are in book two of the Psalms: with Psalm 57 relating to perilous circumstances before David became king, and Psalm 60 related to conquests during David’s reign. Psalm 108 is in book five, and the verses were originally penned by David. The Old Testament text quoted in this study are taken from the 1917 Jewish Publication Society version.
A — The Opening Verses of Psalm 57
Psalm 57 “1 Be gracious unto me, O God, be gracious unto me, for in Thee hath my soul taken refuge; yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I take refuge, until calamities be overpast. 2 I will cry unto God Most High; unto God that accomplisheth it for me. 3 He will send from heaven, and save me, when he that would swallow me up taunteth; Selah. God shall send forth His mercy and His truth. 4 My soul is among lions, I do lie down among them that are aflame; even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. 5 Be Thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; Thy glory be above all the earth. 6 They have prepared a net for my steps, my soul is bowed down; they have digged a pit before me, they are fallen into the midst thereof themselves. Selah.”
Comments: The opening of this Psalm concentrates more on David’s complete trust in the Lord than in the troubles he faces. David speaks directly to the Lord requesting grace and declaring that he places his very soul under the wings of the Lord for protection until calamity passes. He confidently asserts that God shall send forth His mercy and His truth from heaven even while being taunted by his enemy. David praises the Lord saying, “Be Thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; Thy glory be above all the earth.” He also affirms his belief that the net spread by his enemies will only ensnare them. As King Saul had become more jealous and fearful of David, he tried twice to kill David with a spear. David fled and hid in caves and various territories to evade continual pursuits by Saul. David had two direct encounters with Saul where he had the opportunity to kill him but refused, showing deep respect for the Lord’s anointed. Eventually after Saul died in battle, David became king over all Israel.
B — Interlinear Comparison: Psalm 108 with Closing Verses of Psalm 57
Psalm 108 / Psalm 57 (parallel): “My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises, even with my glory. Awake, psaltery and harp; I will awake the dawn. I will give thanks unto Thee, O LORD, among the peoples; and I will sing praises unto Thee among the nations. For Thy mercy is great above the heavens, and Thy truth reacheth unto the skies. Be Thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; and Thy glory be above all the earth.”
Comments: David proclaims that he has a steadfast heart, and then speaks of demonstration of same by playing his stringed instrument early in the morning. The stability of trusting in the Lord in his heart was evidenced at the very beginning of his day, and it was such a full emotion that he was not restrained from expression of praise even among all the nations, not just within his homeland of Israel. By looking at the opening verses in Psalm 57 we can frame these thoughts with not-so-favorable circumstances for David that nonetheless evoked a very favorable response to the Lord. This may well represent the vigor and energy of a youthful believer in the LORD, similar to a new zealous Christian whose initial focus is on the sure promises of the Lord despite present circumstances.
C — The Opening Verses of Psalm 60
Psalm 60 “3 O God, Thou hast cast us off, Thou hast broken us down; Thou hast been angry; O restore us. 4 Thou hast made the land to shake, Thou hast cleft it; heal the breaches thereof; for it tottereth. 5 Thou hast made Thy people to see hard things; Thou hast made us to drink the wine of staggering. 6 Thou hast given a banner to them that fear Thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.”
Comments: After Saul died, David was made king over Judah in Hebron for seven and a half years, then became king over all Israel in Jerusalem. His campaigns against the Philistines, the Aramians, and Edom are recorded in the first eight chapters of 2 Samuel. The inscription for Psalm 60 references a time when Joab returned from defeating Edom. David had a much greater responsibility for the whole nation, and some of his campaigns were delegated to commanders such as Joab and Abishai. Not all things went smoothly for David as king of all Israel. Though some of the zeal and optimism of new faith may be dampened over passage of time, the Lord wants us to remain steadfast as our faith is in the rock of our salvation that cannot be moved.
D — Interlinear Comparison: Last Section of Psalm 108 with Psalm 60
Psalm 108 / Psalm 60 (parallel): “That Thy beloved may be delivered, save with Thy right hand, and answer me. God spoke in His holiness, that I would exult; that I would divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth. Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the defence of my head; Judah is my sceptre. Moab is my washpot; upon Edom do I cast my shoe; over Philistia do I cry aloud. Who will bring me into the fortified city? Who will lead me unto Edom? Hast not Thou cast us off, O God? and Thou goest not forth, O God, with our hosts? Give us help against the adversary; for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly; for He it is that will tread down our adversaries.”
Comments: David brought a petition before the Lord which is very applicable for every Christian today: “Give us help against the adversary; for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly; for He it is that will tread down our adversaries.” The New Testament echoes the same truths. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” John 15:5 “Without me you can do nothing.” John 16:33 “In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Reflections in Prayer
What a great comfort to know that you care for each one of your children with infinite love, and when I flee to you for safety, your unlimited power assures me that nothing can wrest me from your eternal protection. Though I may experience hard times, you never forget those who place their trust in the Lord. O Lord, that I might remember to awake each morning with praise in my heart and on my lips for you, for your mercy and truth is great even unto unreachable heights. May you alone be exalted, O Lord my God, above the heavens; and your glory be above all the earth. Give God’s assembly, your church, help against the adversary; for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly; for He it is that will tread down our adversaries. Hallelujah, amen!
Published 24 April 2009