Psalm 108. This is a Psalm of David, and it describes Israel’s joy in anticipation of defeating their neighboring enemies. This will be a final series of conflicts before the Millennium begins, in which Christ will lead the army of restored Israel (Ezek. 37) out in conquest over the last vestiges of their enemies. The Lord will give Israel the full portion of land that was promised to Abraham; “from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates” (Gen. 15:18). It is interesting that Psa. 108 seems to be a combination of Psa. 57:7-11 and Psa. 60:5-12.

 

vv.1-2 Joy. Restored Israel can speak of joy. Their heart is fixed on God, and the result is singing and music. 

 

 

vv.3-6 Thanksgiving. They speak of praising and giving thanks to the Lord among “the peoples”, which refers to the Gentile nations around. Clearly this looks forward to the Millennium. In this Psalm, the expressions of the remnant rise up to “the heavens”, not only looking for deliverance from the heavens, but seeing the loving-kindness of God great unto the heavens, His truth unto the clouds, etc. Israel’s desire that God might be exalted above the heavens, and that His glory might shine over all the earth. They view themselves as God’s “beloved ones” here on the earth, and they rally His strength, His “right hand”, to deliver them. The “me” here may be Christ personally.

 

vv.7-9 Victory Over Surrounding Nations. Here we have the voice of Messiah Himself, as a captain over the remnant, leading them in triumph! “Israel is the rod of his inheritance: Jehovah of hosts is his name. Thou art my maul, my weapons of war: and with thee I will break in pieces the nations, etc.” (Jer. 51:19-23). God has already spoken (past tense), which may be an indication that Christ has appeared at this time. The land according to the original borders promised to Abraham will now be possessed by Israel. Shechem is west of Jordan, Succoth is east of Jordan. Gilead and Manasseh are to the east, Ephraim and Judah are to the west. Moab is to the east, Edom is to the southeast, and Philistia is to the southwest. Moab is to be Israel’s washpot, which means that they would be reduced to Israel’s menial servants. The expression “I will cast my sandal (or shoe)” is not only a derogatory expression upon Edom, but the statement of Israel possessing their land. God had told Israel “Every place whereon the sole of your foot shall tread shall be yours” (Deut. 11:24; Joshua 1:3). By throwing their shoe over Edom, they are acknowledging that God has given it to them as a possession.¹ Israel will finally put down the Philistines; i.e. those who inhabit the Gaza strip.

 

vv.10-13 Special Campaign Against Edom. There appears to be a special campaign against Edom, that old enemy whose bitterness and treachery comes up often through the prophets (see Obadiah). Edom dwells in Mount Seir, a fortress-mountain. The questions is, “who will lead me unto Edom?” God will, the same One who had previously cast them off, and did not go forth with Israel’s armies. Now He is with them! It will not be by their own strength, for “vain is man’s deliverance”.  But through God they shall “do valiantly”, and God will be victorious over their adversaries.