Psalm 108. This psalm is composed of parts of two others, Psalms 57: 7-11 and 60:5-12. The first part praises the Lord for how they had learned of Him in passing through their trials, so that is how they learned of Him in their hearts. In the second part God is speaking in His holiness of His counsels concerning the surrounding nations who have come hither to oppress them. They can say “through God we shall do valiantly.”
Psalm 109. This psalm is quoted (v. 8) by the Apostle Peter in Acts 1:2020For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. (Acts 1:20) as applying to Judas, and one is singled out here as a betrayer. It also speaks in the plural of those who persecute the faithful, so that it in spirit goes on to the time of the great tribulation, when the Antichrist reigns in Jerusalem, and there shall be the betrayal of one another. It shows the inward feelings of those who realize that they have been betrayed. Our blessed Lord felt what it was to have one who had followed with Him in His ministry of grace, betray Him to those who were seeking His life.
Psalm 110, This short psalm is quoted several times in the New Testament. It is quoted by the Lord Jesus, showing how that David recognized that the Messiah was more than his Son, and that he also acknowledged Him as Lord, showing the divinity of the Messiah.
It speaks not only of His conquering the nations and ruling over them, but also that His people would be willing in the day of His power. They will not be turning back and dealing deceitfully as of old (Psa. 78:5757But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow. (Psalm 78:57)), but since they will be born again, they will be willing and obedient. Verse 4 is quoted in Heb. 7: 17, applying it to the Lord as having an unchangeable priesthood, so that He will be both King and priest in His millennial reign. Then His days of humiliation when on earth of old are brought before us; He was the once lowly man who drank of the brook by the way.
Psalm 111. This psalm and the next two anticipate their full restoration and begin with Hallelujah or “Praise ye the Lord.” It is the Messiah leading them in their praises, or giving them the language of faith. He calls them the assembly of the upright. The works of the Lord are first mentioned and are called great, honorable, glorious and wonderful, which are to be remembered. The works of His hands are spoken of as truth and justice. But He has sent redemption to His people. How wonderful it is that He has provided redemption for His people, as we learn in this psalm, for without redemption, He could not have had a people whom He could call His own.
The last verse is quite important. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” But it is not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, but the wisdom of God in a mystery (1 Cor. 2:6-96Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Corinthians 2:6‑9)). There must be faith to lay hold of it, and to submit to it.
Himself He could not save;
He on the cross must die,
Or mercy cannot come
To ruined sinners nigh:
Yes, Christ the Son of God must bleed, That sinners might from sin be freed.
ML 04/02/1961