otcanon
Psalms 108
David opens with a fixed heart — not a wavering petition but a settled resolve to praise Jehovah publicly among the nations, the posture that precedes covenant action. The divine oracle of verse 7 then speaks in God's own voice, naming Ephraim as the strength of His head and Judah as His lawgiver — the two-house pattern of the birthright and the scepter held in tension. Manasseh and Ephraim are claimed as Jehovah's own inheritance, anchoring the covenant lineage of Joseph. The closing cry acknowledges that no human coalition wins the territorial promise; only Jehovah leading the hosts accomplishes it.
1
O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.
2
Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
3
I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.
4
For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds.
5
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;
6
That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me.
7
God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.
8
Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;
9
Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; over Philistia will I triumph.
10
Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?
11
Wilt not thou, O God, who hast cast us off? and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts?
12
Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.
13
Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.
