Thru the Bible in a Year
Reading through Psalms 107–110 is like opening a rich tapestry of prayer, praise, and prophetic insight. These four Psalms launch Book Five of the Psalter, a section deeply rooted in God’s faithful love, His justice, and His reign over creation. Each psalm carries a distinct voice, yet together they paint a vivid picture of the believer’s journey with God—from desperation to deliverance, from songs of mercy to sovereign majesty.
Psalm 107: Salvation Has a Story to Tell
This psalm opens with a universal invitation: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1). But it’s not just a call to generic gratitude; it’s a summons to the redeemed to speak up. Verse 2 urges, “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.” That’s the precept for praise—the duty of the redeemed is to testify. Why? So others can know about God’s saving power.
The psalm then unfolds a series of vignettes—portraits of salvation, really. The sojourners, the captives, the sick, and the storm-tossed sailors all experience rescue after they “cry to the Lord in their trouble.” The pattern is consistent: distress, cry, deliverance, thanksgiving. It’s as though the psalm is saying, “Whatever your situation, God’s mercy meets you there.” Each account illustrates the diversity of human need and the constancy of divine compassion.
In the closing verses, the psalmist offers principles of salvation. God still blesses righteousness and confronts wickedness. His saving acts don’t abolish justice—they fulfill it. And finally, in verse 43, we’re invited to ponder these truths. “Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.” Reflecting on salvation gives us a clearer lens to understand grace. It reminds us that God’s mercy isn’t random—it’s redemptive.
Psalm 108: The Song that Comes After the Storm
Psalm 108 feels like a sunrise after a long night. It begins with a declaration: “My heart is steadfast, O God.” That kind of confidence doesn’t come from ease; it comes from experience. The psalmist sings not because life is perfect but because God’s mercy is enduring and His faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Verses 1–4 invite us to sing about God’s mercy, which is often what sustains us when the world feels uncertain. Verse 5 shifts our gaze upward: “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be over all the earth.” That’s the majesty of God—He reigns beyond our limitations.
The latter part of the psalm turns toward the might of God. It celebrates His authority over nations and His power to equip His people. The phrase “through God we shall do valiantly” (v.13) echoes like a charge to our faith. It reminds us that courage isn’t something we muster—it’s something God imparts.
Psalm 109: When Sinners Speak, and Saints Cry Out
This psalm stands in stark contrast to the previous ones. It’s raw. It’s painful. It gives voice to the heart that has been wounded by lies, betrayal, and injustice. The psalmist is under attack—not by swords, but by words. The “conversation of the wicked” is deceitful and destructive. It’s a reminder that not all wounds are visible.
Psalm 109 is also known for its imprecations—those forceful “let” statements that call for judgment. Over 25 curses are pronounced, one of which—“Let another take his office”—was later quoted by Peter in reference to Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:20).
But we must not miss the deeper message. This psalm isn’t about revenge. It’s about reality. The psalmist cries out not for personal vengeance but for divine justice. He acknowledges that wickedness has consequences, and he entrusts his pain to God. He doesn’t take matters into his own hands; he takes them to the throne of heaven.
What stands out is the confidence for help that emerges even before deliverance comes. Verse 30 declares, “With my mouth I will greatly extol the Lord; in the great throng of worshipers I will praise Him.” That’s faith—praising before the breakthrough. It’s a reminder to all of us: even in seasons of deep hurt, God hears, and God acts.
Psalm 110: The Sovereign Steps Forward
If Psalm 109 is one of the hardest psalms to digest, Psalm 110 is one of the most quoted in the New Testament—and for good reason. Jesus Himself referenced it when speaking of the Messiah’s divine nature (Matthew 22:43–44). It opens with a stunning declaration: “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’”
David is writing, but he’s writing about Someone greater. The Person of the Sovereign in Psalm 110 is none other than Jesus Christ. The New Testament repeatedly affirms this—see Hebrews 5–7 for a deep dive. This psalm not only points to Christ’s royal position but also His priestly role: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
That reference to Melchizedek is fascinating. Unlike Levitical priests, Melchizedek’s priesthood was not bound by ancestry or legal code—it was appointed by God. So is Christ’s. He is both King and Priest, Ruler and Redeemer.
The Psalm also speaks of the people of the Sovereign: “Your troops will be willing on Your day of battle.” God’s people are not coerced into service; they are willing and ready. That’s what love does—it doesn’t compel; it invites.
The power of the Sovereign is also clear. Christ will “strike through kings” and “judge among the nations.” This isn’t a meek Messiah—this is the victorious Lord of all. And yet, He is also the One who offered His life for ours. The balance of justice and mercy in this psalm is breathtaking.
Final Reflections
Reading these four psalms together reminds me that our spiritual journey includes many seasons: salvation, songs of gratitude, struggles with injustice, and awe before the Sovereign King. Each psalm gives voice to part of our experience, and each one offers truth we can hold onto.
Psalm 107 teaches me to remember and tell my story of God’s rescue. Psalm 108 invites me to worship with bold confidence. Psalm 109 gives me language for the pain that others may not see. And Psalm 110 roots me in the unshakable reign of Christ.
The question is not whether these psalms apply to our lives, but whether we are ready to let them shape our thinking, our emotions, and our responses. Will I cry out to God in trouble? Will I praise Him before I see the answer? Will I trust His sovereignty even when the world feels chaotic?
May we all grow wiser by heeding these words and pondering the loving deeds of the Lord.
Blessing:
Thank you for your dedication to studying the Word of God, which will never return void. May these psalms speak deeply to your heart, reminding you that your story is held within the greater story of God’s faithfulness. May the Holy Spirit open your eyes to new insight and your heart to unwavering trust.
Relevant Article:
“Why Psalm 110 is the Most Quoted Psalm in the New Testament” — The Gospel Coalition
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