Psalm 108:10
Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom?
Who will bring me into the fortified city?
This phrase begins with a rhetorical question that sets the stage for a reflection on divine assistance and human limitations. The "fortified city" symbolizes a place of great strength and defense, often representing challenges or obstacles that seem insurmountable. In the Hebrew context, cities like these were often surrounded by high walls and guarded by strong armies, making them difficult to conquer. The psalmist's question implies a reliance on God for victory, acknowledging that human strength alone is insufficient. This reflects a broader biblical theme where God is seen as the ultimate source of strength and deliverance.

Who will lead me to Edom?
"Edom" refers to a region southeast of Israel, historically inhabited by the descendants of Esau. In biblical times, Edom was often an adversary of Israel, and its rugged terrain and fortified cities made it a formidable challenge. The mention of Edom here could symbolize any daunting task or enemy that the believer faces. The psalmist's inquiry about who will lead him there underscores a dependence on divine guidance. In the Hebrew tradition, Edom's relationship with Israel was complex, marked by both kinship and conflict. This duality can serve as a metaphor for the internal and external struggles believers face, requiring God's intervention to navigate successfully.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of Psalm 108, a king of Israel known for his deep relationship with God and his role as a warrior and leader.

2. Fortified City
Represents a place of strength and defense, often seen as a challenge or obstacle to be overcome.

3. Edom
A nation descended from Esau, often in conflict with Israel. It symbolizes opposition and enmity in the biblical account.
Teaching Points
Dependence on God for Victory
David's question underscores the need for divine guidance and strength in overcoming challenges. Believers are reminded to seek God's direction in their battles, both spiritual and physical.

Facing Opposition with Faith
Edom represents the adversities and enemies believers face. Trusting in God's promises and power is crucial when confronting opposition.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
The inquiry about who will lead reflects a recognition of God's sovereignty in appointing leaders and guiding His people. Believers should pray for and trust in God's chosen leaders.

Spiritual Warfare
The fortified city symbolizes spiritual strongholds. Christians are called to engage in spiritual warfare with the assurance of God's presence and victory.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's question in Psalm 108:10 reflect his understanding of God's role in his life and leadership?

2. In what ways can the concept of a "fortified city" apply to personal challenges or spiritual strongholds you face today?

3. How does the historical context of Edom's opposition to Israel enhance our understanding of this verse?

4. What other biblical examples illustrate God's guidance in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles?

5. How can we apply the lessons from David's reliance on God in Psalm 108:10 to our own spiritual battles and leadership roles?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 60
Psalm 108 is a combination of parts of Psalm 57 and Psalm 60. Psalm 60 also speaks of the struggle against Edom, providing context for David's plea for divine assistance.

2 Samuel 8
Chronicles David's military victories, including his triumph over Edom, illustrating God's faithfulness in leading David to victory.

Obadiah
The prophecy against Edom, highlighting the ongoing tension and God's ultimate judgment against those who oppose His people.
A Threefold Moral State of MindHomilistPsalm 108:1-13
My Heart is SteadfastS. Conway Psalm 108:1-13
My Heart is Steadfast, O�GodC. Short Psalm 108:1-13
People
David, Manasseh, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Besieged, Bring, Edom, Fenced, Fortified, Guide, Lead, Led, Strong, Town
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 108:9

     5179   sandal
     5445   potters and pottery

Library
Jesus is Arrested.
Jesus was standing with his three Apostles on the road between Gethsemani, and the Garden of Olives, when Judas and the band who accompanied him made their appearance. A warm dispute arose between Judas and the soldiers, because he wished to approach first and speak to Jesus quietly as if nothing was the matter, and then for them to come up and seize our Saviour, thus letting him suppose that he had no connection with the affair. But the men answered rudely, 'Not so, friend, thou shalt not escape
Anna Catherine Emmerich—The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Let us See How He Continues after This: "These Events...
Let us see how he continues after this: "These events," he says, "he predicted as being a God, and the prediction must by all means come to pass. God, therefore, who above all others ought to do good to men, and especially to those of his own household, led on his own disciples and prophets, with whom he was in the habit of eating and drinking, to such a degree of wickedness, that they became impious and unholy men. Now, of a truth, he who shared a man's table would not be guilty of conspiring
Origen—Origen Against Celsus

The Alarum
That is not, however, the topic upon which I now desire to speak to you. I come at this time, not so much to plead for the early as for the awakening. The hour we may speak of at another time--the fact is our subject now. It is bad to awake late, but what shall be said of those who never awake at all? Better late than never: but with many it is to be feared it will be never. I would take down the trumpet and give a blast, or ring the alarm-bell till all the faculties of the sluggard's manhood are
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

The Mercy of God
The next attribute is God's goodness or mercy. Mercy is the result and effect of God's goodness. Psa 33:5. So then this is the next attribute, God's goodness or mercy. The most learned of the heathens thought they gave their god Jupiter two golden characters when they styled him good and great. Both these meet in God, goodness and greatness, majesty and mercy. God is essentially good in himself and relatively good to us. They are both put together in Psa 119:98. Thou art good, and doest good.' This
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Psalm 108:10 NIV
Psalm 108:10 NLT
Psalm 108:10 ESV
Psalm 108:10 NASB
Psalm 108:10 KJV

Psalm 108:10 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Psalm 108:9
Top of Page
Top of Page