Overview: With some minor variations, this psalm is a composite of Ps 57:7–11 (see vv. 1–5) and Ps 60:5–12 (see vv. 6–13).
Why composed 2 psalms together? Is it because the determination to praise God v.1 (the first half) arose after the psalmist saw that God rejected them in the present moment v.11. He might have doubts if God would help them?? On the other hand, he was once tempted to find help from man and later on found out that their help was futile v.12b. He now resolved to look for help from God alone v.12-13 (the second half)
Explanation:
(1) v.2b I will wake up at dawn!
(NET) “Dawn” is used metaphorically for the time of deliverance and vindication the psalmist anticipates. When salvation “dawns,” the psalmist will “wake up” in praise.
(2) v.5-9
v.7“I will triumph! I will parcel out Shechem,
the valley of Succoth I will measure off.
the valley of Succoth I will measure off.
(NET) Shechem stands for the territory west of the Jordan River; the valley of Succoth represents the region east of the Jordan.
In v.8, all the names were tribes of Israel
as does Manasseh!
Ephraim is my helmet,
Judah my royal scepter.
(NET) Gilead was located east of the Jordan River. Half of the tribe of Manasseh lived east of the Jordan in the region of Bashan...Ephraim, one of Joseph’s sons, was one of two major tribes located west of the Jordan River. By comparing Ephraim to a helmet, the Lord suggests that the Ephraimites played a primary role in the defense of his land...Judah, like Ephraim, was the other major tribe west of the Jordan River. The Davidic king, symbolized here by the royal scepter, came from this tribe.
In v.9, all the names were the surrounding enemies of Israel
108:9 Moab is my wash basin.
I will make Edom serve me.
I will shout in triumph over Philistia.”
(NET) The metaphor of the wash basin, used to rinse one’s hands and feet, suggests that Moab, in contrast to Israel’s elevated position (vv. 7–8), would be reduced to the status of a servant...Heb “over Edom I will throw my sandal.” ... referring to a master throwing his dirty sandal to a servant so that the latter might dust it off.
I will make Edom serve me.
I will shout in triumph over Philistia.”
(NET) The metaphor of the wash basin, used to rinse one’s hands and feet, suggests that Moab, in contrast to Israel’s elevated position (vv. 7–8), would be reduced to the status of a servant...Heb “over Edom I will throw my sandal.” ... referring to a master throwing his dirty sandal to a servant so that the latter might dust it off.
If we read backward from v.9 to v.5, God had spoken or promised that He was sovereign over the whole land and therefore He could divide the land and give it to Israel (v.7-8). Then the psalmist asked God to rise up, and to deliver Israel now v.5-6.
Reflection: What are your frustrations? What makes you disappointed? When we see unfavourable conditions do we have doubt in God? Instead of having doubt the psalmist encouraged us to claim the promise of God and determine to trust in Him alone. We may or may not see the change right the way but we are determined. When salvation “dawns,” we will “wake up” in praise.
Audrey
Comments