Singing Among the Nations
Psalm 108
David’s song in Psalm 108 powerfully shows how context shapes both our reading and praying of the psalms.
The driving question behind this psalm appears to be David’s fear that God no longer marches with his armies—that God has rejected them (v. 11). In response, David pleads for help against the enemy (v. 12), cries out for deliverance by God’s right hand (v. 6), and longs for salvation for His beloved ones (v. 6). He admits that human efforts can’t save (v. 12), yet confidently declares, “With God we will do valiantly” (v. 13).
This crisis in the second half of the psalm reshapes how we interpret the first half. When God rescues with His mighty hand (v. 6), then David bursts into song (v. 1), lifts up thanks among the peoples (v. 3), and proclaims praise among the nations (v. 3). The second half tempts us to equate “the nations” (v. 3) with David’s “foes” (v. 12). But is that how we should pray this today?
This psalm reminds me that understanding the psalmist’s context matters—but so does recognizing the lens through which we read and pray.
As I pray this psalm today, I do so from a Muslim-majority country. From my hotel room, I hear the Islamic call to prayer echo from the nearby mosque. I’m here visiting friends—faithful followers of Christ—who’ve chosen to live here so they can give thanks among the peoples (v. 3) and sing His praises among the nations (v. 3). Over the past few days, I’ve met their neighbors, and I don’t see them as enemies. I see them as people whom God so loved that He sent His Son to offer eternal life.
This context transforms how I pray.
The true “foe” is the god of this world who blinds the eyes of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4). The real enemy lies in the philosophies that hold people captive (Colossians 2:8), in the pursuit of self-made righteousness apart from Christ (Romans 10:3), and in the devil who ensnares them to do his will (2 Timothy 2:26).
The “armies” I pray for don’t wield worldly weapons. Instead, they carry divine power to demolish strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). That’s why I pray: “Vain is the salvation of man” (v. 12). My efforts cannot rescue these neighbors. Only God, by His right hand—by the Son seated at His right hand—can save. So I ask: Lord, go with our gospel-bearing “armies.” Help us, so that as we give thanks among the peoples (v. 3) and sing praises among the nations (v. 3). May Your glory not only cover the earth (v. 5) but also awaken faith in every person I’ve met here.
Scripture lives and breathes. As the Living Word, it pierces soul and spirit, revealing the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). The psalms come alive when we connect the context of the writer, the gospel of Christ, and the real moments of our own lives. One day, I may pray this psalm from a place of persecution, when the word “foe” takes on a very different meaning, and singing His praises among the nations comes at great cost.
But today, the Living Word searches my heart and leads me to pray for tonight’s gathering. I pray for these new friends who have yet to hear of His steadfast love, His faithfulness, and His great salvation. And I pray that the Lord would go out with me—to empower me to sing His praise among the nations.