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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 108, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 [A Song {or} Psalm of David.] O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.
Psalms 108:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 Awake, psaltery and harp: I {myself} will awake early.
Psalms 108:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.
Psalms 108:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 For thy mercy {is} great above the heavens: and thy truth {reacheth} unto the clouds. {clouds: or, skies}
Psalms 108:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;
Psalms 108:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 That thy beloved may be delivered: save {with} thy right hand, and answer me.
Psalms 108:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.
Psalms 108:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 Gilead {is} mine; Manasseh {is} mine; Ephraim also {is} the strength of mine head; Judah {is} my lawgiver;
Psalms 108:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9 Moab {is} my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; over Philistia will I triumph.
Psalms 108:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10 Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?
Psalms 108:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11 {Wilt} not {thou}, O God, {who} hast cast us off? and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts?
Psalms 108:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12 Give us help from trouble: for vain {is} the help of man.
Psalms 108:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13 Through God we shall do valiantly: for he {it is that} shall tread down our enemies.
Psalms 108:13 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.