King James Version

What Does Psalms 108:11 Mean?

Psalms 108:11 in the King James Version says “Wilt not thou, O God, who hast cast us off? and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts? — study this verse from Psalms chapter 108 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Wilt not thou, O God, who hast cast us off? and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts?

Psalms 108:11 · KJV


Context

9

Moab is my washpot ; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; over Philistia will I triumph.

10

Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?

11

Wilt not thou, O God, who hast cast us off? and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts?

12

Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.

13

Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wilt not thou, O God, who hast cast us off? (הֲלֹא־אַתָּה אֱלֹהִים זְנַחְתָּנוּ, halo-attah Elohim zenachtanu)—zenach (cast off, reject, spurn) describes God's discipline, possibly referring to recent military defeats (Psalm 60 context). Yet halo-attah (is it not You?) appeals to the very God who disciplined to now restore.

Wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts? (וְלֹא־תֵצֵא אֱלֹהִים בְּצִבְאוֹתֵינוּ, velo-tetze Elohim betzivoteinu)—tetze (go forth) describes God as warrior leading armies into battle. Tzivoteinu (our hosts, armies) acknowledges human forces are useless without divine presence. The question expects affirmative answer: 'Won't You, who disciplined us, now fight for us?'

David's theology allows for divine discipline without losing confidence in divine deliverance. Past rejection doesn't mean permanent abandonment. This echoes Lamentations 3:31-32: 'The Lord will not cast off forever... though He cause grief, He will have compassion.' God's discipline is redemptive, not final.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The context of recent defeat (Psalm 60 title mentions battles with Aram and Edom) explains the reference to God 'casting off.' Yet David's question rhetorically demands restoration—the same God who withdrew must return to give victory.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when circumstances suggest God has 'cast you off'—with despair or with David's expectant questioning?
  2. What's the difference between God's temporary discipline and permanent rejection?
  3. How does recognizing that 'our hosts' accomplish nothing without God going forth keep you dependent on Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
הֲלֹֽא1 of 7
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים2 of 7

Wilt not thou O God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

זְנַחְתָּ֑נוּ3 of 7

who hast cast us off

H2186

reject, forsake, fail

וְֽלֹא4 of 7
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֵצֵ֥א5 of 7

go forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים6 of 7

Wilt not thou O God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְּצִבְאֹתֵֽינוּ׃7 of 7

with our hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 108:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 108:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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