This psalm is composed of two quotations from former song. The first part (vv. Psa 108:1-5) is taken from Psalms 57:1-11, of which the theme is “God the Refuge in calamity” (vv. Psa 108:7-11). The second part is found in Psalms 40:1-17, of which the theme is “God the Hope of His people” (vv. Psa 108:5-12). That with which this psalm opens was the culmination of the earlier psalm, in which, out of calamity, the singer finds refuge in fixity of heart in God. Here in this book of perfected praise it is the opening declaration in a song of triumph over circumstances of difficulty and danger.
The latter part of this psalm was also the close of Psalms 40:1-17, and there, was preceded by a detailed description of affliction. The point of interest then in this song is that of the attitude of mind indicated by this selection. The circumstances of the writer would seem to be very similar to those obtaining in the earlier psalms. They are only hinted at in passing. The soul's fixity of heart enables the singer to rejoice from beginning to end. Relation to God affects all the relationships. To be homed in His will, and submissive to His throne, is to be triumphant under all circumstances. Triumph in the very hour of defeat is the finest, but it is only possible when the heart is fixed in God.