Psalms 108:10
Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?
Original Language Analysis
מִ֣י
H4310
מִ֣י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 8
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יֹ֭בִלֵנִי
Who will bring
H2986
יֹ֭בִלֵנִי
Who will bring
Strong's:
H2986
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, to flow; causatively, to bring (especially with pomp)
עִ֣יר
city
H5892
עִ֣יר
city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
3 of 8
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
מִבְצָ֑ר
me into the strong
H4013
מִבְצָ֑ר
me into the strong
Strong's:
H4013
Word #:
4 of 8
a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender
מִ֖י
H4310
מִ֖י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
5 of 8
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
נָחַ֣נִי
who will lead
H5148
נָחַ֣נִי
who will lead
Strong's:
H5148
Word #:
6 of 8
to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)
Historical Context
Edom's capital Petra (Sela in Hebrew, meaning 'rock') was carved into canyon walls, accessible only through narrow gorges—militarily nearly impregnable. David recognized that conquering it required more than human strategy; God Himself must fight.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'fortified cities' (seemingly impossible challenges) stand between you and God's promises for your life?
- How do you balance trusting God's sovereign promises with acknowledging your human limitations?
- When facing impossible odds, do you ask 'Who will help me?'—and recognize that only God is sufficient?
Analysis & Commentary
Who will bring me into the strong city? (מִי יֹבִלֵנִי עִיר מִבְצָר, mi yovileni ir mivtzar)—David shifts from confidence to questioning. Ir mivtzar (fortified city) likely refers to Petra, Edom's mountain fortress carved from rock, famously impregnable. The question 'Who?' acknowledges human inability.
Who will lead me into Edom? (מִי נָחַנִי עַד־אֱדוֹם, mi nachani ad-Edom)—nachani (will lead me, guide me) expresses need for divine guidance. After declaring God's sovereign ownership (v.8-9), David faces the practical challenge: How do we actually conquer what God has promised?
This verse models the tension between divine promise and human effort. God has declared Edom His footstool—but the fortified city still stands unconquered. Faith asks not 'if' God will fulfill His word, but 'how' and 'who will accomplish it.' The answer comes in v.11: God Himself must go forth with the armies.