The Bible Recap: Day 144 (Psalm 108-110) - Year 7

Release Date: May 24, 2025
Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble

Introduction to the Psalms of David

In Episode Day 144 of The Bible Recap, Tara-Leigh Cobble delves into a trio of Psalms authored by King David—Psalms 108, 109, and 110. This episode provides an in-depth exploration of these ancient songs, uncovering their historical context, theological significance, and prophetic elements that resonate through the New Testament.

Psalm 108: Affirming God's Sovereignty

Tara begins by examining Psalm 108, highlighting its thematic continuity with Psalms 57 and 60. David expresses unwavering praise for God, emphasizing his steadfast heart.

Tara-Leigh Cobble [02:30]: "David opens by saying his heart is steadfast and that God is to be praised."

A significant portion of Psalm 108 (verses 7-9) lists various geographic locations surrounding Jerusalem. Tara explains that these places—though unfamiliar to many listeners—symbolize God's dominion over the entire region surrounding the holy city. This includes both tribal lands and enemy territories, illustrating that all these areas belong to God, serving multiple purposes from respected lands to places like Moab, which David refers to metaphorically as his "wash basin."

Tara-Leigh Cobble [05:15]: "These places form a circle around Jerusalem, and these verses are pointing out that God owns all that space around Jerusalem."

David's declaration underscores that despite the immediate threats and challenges, God's sovereignty remains unchallenged. However, the Psalm takes a turn as David laments a perceived rejection by God, feeling that God is no longer defending Israel.

Tara-Leigh Cobble [08:45]: "David expresses his feelings that God has rejected Israel and isn't fighting on their behalf anymore. And he knows he needs God's help, so he cries out for it, trusting God will come to their rescue."

Psalm 109: A Raw Lamentation

Moving into Psalm 109, Tara describes this Psalm as one of David's most intense laments. This Psalm captures David's frustration and anguish as he confronts betrayal and false accusations from his own people.

Tara-Leigh Cobble [12:10]: "Psalm 109 is tough. These are the words of David in his lament to God. He's being honest about how he feels, and it's pretty clear he's not holding back."

David explicitly states that his adversaries accuse him falsely, yet he remains committed to prayer, demonstrating his reliance on God rather than seeking personal vengeance.

Tara-Leigh Cobble [14:22]: "In verse four, David says, 'in return for my love, they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer.'"

Tara emphasizes that David's plea is not for personal revenge but for divine justice, reflecting the belief that God upholds righteousness even when human emotions may falter.

Tara-Leigh Cobble [16:50]: "God can be trusted to do what is right even when our feelings are wrong. David is taking his problem to the one place where it will be resolved in righteousness."

The Psalm also carries prophetic undertones, prefiguring the suffering of Jesus. While not classified strictly as a prophetic Psalm, scholars note parallels between David's plight and Jesus' crucifixion, particularly in the unjust accusations and ultimate betrayal by close associates.

Tara-Leigh Cobble [20:30]: "Many people have compared David's situation here to Jesus' situation before his crucifixion. It's not technically considered to be a prophetic psalm, but there are definitely some prophetic elements to it."

However, Tara advises caution, suggesting that the primary lens should remain on David's heartfelt prayer rather than purely prophetic interpretation.

Psalm 110: The Messianic Promise

Psalm 110 is presented by Tara as a pivotal Messianic Psalm, richly loaded with prophetic significance pointing directly to Jesus Christ. This Psalm is structured into two main sections: a prophecy and a divine oath.

Tara-Leigh Cobble [25:40]: "Psalm 110, however, is pointing us to Jesus in a lot of places. It's a royal psalm with two halves, a prophecy and a divine oath."

A central verse, often cited in the New Testament, underscores Jesus' exalted position:

Tara-Leigh Cobble [29:10]: "It says, 'The Lord says to my Lord, sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.' Yahweh has Jesus sit at his right hand, the position of honor, while Yahweh gets to work making footstools out of enemies."

Tara connects this imagery to Psalm 60:8, where Edom is metaphorically depicted as a footstool, symbolizing God's ultimate authority over adversaries.

Tara-Leigh Cobble [32:20]: "This ties in with what we read about Edom in Psalm 60, verse 8, which says, 'Upon Edom I cast my shoe like a footstool.'"

The Psalm also merges the roles of king and priest, referencing Melchizedek—a figure who embodies both kingship and priesthood. This dual role is fulfilled in Jesus, who is portrayed as both the reigning King and the Great High Priest in the New Testament.

Tara-Leigh Cobble [35:15]: "The king and the priest were supposed to be separate roles, but in this unique situation, they've been fused. The king and the priest are the same person."

Tara highlights the significance of Hebrews in the New Testament, which extensively references Psalm 110 to affirm Jesus' priestly and kingly identity, emphasizing His victory and eternal priesthood.

Tara-Leigh Cobble [38:25]: "The book of Hebrews in the New Testament also makes lengthy references to this idea of Jesus as our great High priest."

Personal Reflections and Spiritual Insights

Concluding the analysis of these Psalms, Tara shares a personal takeaway from Psalm 108:12-13, emphasizing human limitations and the necessity of relying on God for salvation and strength.

Tara-Leigh Cobble [42:40]: "Vain is the salvation of man. I can't set my hopes on humanity or even on this earth. And most of all, I can't set my hopes on myself. I can't save myself. The gospel is not self-help. I do nothing to accomplish my salvation. He saves me despite myself."

She reinforces the message that while human effort is commendable, it is ultimately God's power and righteousness that prevail.

Tara-Leigh Cobble [44:55]: "Even though I do valiantly with God, He is the one doing the doing. With God we shall do valiantly. It is He who will tread down our foes."

Conclusion

Episode Day 144 of The Bible Recap meticulously unpacks Psalms 108-110, revealing rich theological truths and prophetic insights. Through Tara-Leigh Cobble's engaging commentary, listeners gain a deeper understanding of David's heartfelt prayers, the Messianic prophecies pointing to Jesus, and the overarching theme of God's unwavering sovereignty and righteousness. This episode serves as a profound resource for both seasoned Bible readers and those new to scriptural studies, offering valuable lessons on faith, reliance on God, and the fulfillment of divine promises.

Note: The episode concludes with information about a mentoring toolkit available to Recaptains, but this section is considered a promotional segment and is not included in the summary per the provided instructions.