Psalms 108:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Through God {H430} we shall do {H6213} valiantly {H2428}: for he it is that shall tread down {H947} our enemies {H6862}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With God's help we will fight valiantly, for he will trample our enemies.

Berean Standard Bible

With God we will perform with valor, and He will trample our enemies.

American Standard Version

Through God we shall do valiantly: For he it is that will tread down our adversaries.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 108:13 serves as a profound declaration of unwavering confidence in God's supreme power to grant victory. It encapsulates the psalmist's conviction that true strength, valor, and success against any opposition—whether physical, spiritual, or circumstantial—do not originate from human might but flow directly from divine empowerment and intervention. This verse asserts that it is God Himself who actively engages in and decisively overcomes the adversaries of His people, assuring a triumphant outcome for those who trust in Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 108 is a unique composite, skillfully crafted from select portions of two earlier Davidic psalms: [Psalm 57:7-11](/psalms/57-7-11 "Psalm 57:7-11 - David's Steadfast Heart") and [Psalm 60:5-12](/psalms/60-5-12 "Psalm 60:5-12 - God's Deliverance and Victory"). The first part of Psalm 108 (verses 1-6) echoes the morning prayer of praise and steadfast trust found in Psalm 57, establishing a foundation of adoration and commitment to God, despite present distress. The latter part (verses 7-13), from which our verse is drawn, mirrors the fervent plea and confident expectation of divine intervention from Psalm 60, specifically a prayer for victory in battle. This strategic combination transforms individual lament and praise into a powerful national prayer for triumph, culminating in the bold declaration of assured victory in [Psalm 108:13](/psalms/108-13 "Psalm 108:13 - Victory Through God"). The psalm moves seamlessly from a heart fixed on God in worship to a confident assertion of His conquering might, setting the stage for this declaration of assured victory through Him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Attributed to King David, the source material for Psalm 108 likely reflects a period of significant national struggle or military campaign for ancient Israel, possibly against formidable adversaries such as the Edomites or Arameans, as suggested by the superscription of Psalm 60. In the ancient Near East, military success was intrinsically linked to divine favor, and kings often sought prophetic or priestly affirmation before engaging in battle. The imagery of "treading down" enemies is a common biblical and ancient Near Eastern motif signifying complete and decisive subjugation, often associated with a conquering king or deity crushing foes underfoot. This verse embodies the Israelite understanding that their true strength in warfare, unlike surrounding nations who relied on chariots and horses, came from their covenant God, the [Lord of Hosts](/psalms/46-7 "Psalm 46:7 - The Lord of Hosts"). It reflects a theological worldview where God is the ultimate warrior who fights on behalf of His people.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Empowerment**, emphasizing that human strength and valor are insufficient on their own, and all true effectiveness in life's battles stems from God's enabling power. This resonates deeply with the New Testament teaching that believers can [do all things through Christ who strengthens them](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - All Things Through Christ"). Secondly, it underscores **God's Sovereignty in Victory**, unequivocally stating that the ultimate triumph belongs to God alone. He is the active agent who defeats opposition, whether physical foes or spiritual adversaries, assuring the believer that God is not a passive observer but is actively engaged in their battles, ensuring a decisive outcome. Finally, the verse exudes **Unwavering Confidence**, rooted in God's character and His past faithfulness, serving as a beacon of hope and a firm conviction in times of adversity. This confidence is a hallmark of the psalmist's trust in God's covenant promises, as seen throughout [Psalm 108](/psalms/108 "Psalm 108 - A Prayer for Victory") and exemplified by the declaration in [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; 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 deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. This term, often translated as "God," refers to the singular, supreme God of Israel, emphasizing His divine power and authority as the ultimate source of strength and victory.
* **valiantly (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** from חוּל; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength; able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). This word is rich in meaning, encompassing strength, might, efficiency, valor, and the capacity to achieve. When one does "valiantly" through God, it implies not merely courage, but the effective and successful execution of a task or battle, denoting the ability to achieve results and demonstrate prowess, all empowered by a divine source.
* **tread down (Hebrew, _bûwç'_):** a primitive root; to trample (literally or figuratively); loath, tread (down, under (foot)), be polluted. This term carries the powerful imagery of crushing or trampling underfoot. It signifies a decisive, overwhelming, and complete defeat of enemies, much like grapes are trodden in a winepress. This emphasizes God's total and final subjugation of all opposition, leaving no room for their resurgence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Through God we shall do valiantly":** This opening clause establishes the absolute source of all effective strength and courage. The preposition "through" (בְּ, _be_) signifies instrumentality, indicating that human valor, prowess, and success are not inherent but are mediated and enabled by divine power. It is a profound declaration of dependence, acknowledging that any significant achievement or victory is not by human might alone but by God's empowering presence. The "we" indicates a corporate, communal confidence, likely representing Israel as a nation or the community of faith, united in their reliance on God.
* **"for he [it is that] shall tread down our enemies":** This second clause provides the foundational reason and absolute certainty for the confidence expressed in the first. The assurance of doing valiantly is grounded in the absolute certainty that God Himself is the active agent who will decisively defeat their adversaries. The emphatic "he [it is that]" underscores God's singular, sovereign, and active role in this victory, leaving no doubt about His direct intervention. "Tread down" vividly portrays a complete, irreversible, and humiliating subjugation of all opposition, leaving no room for their resurgence. "Our enemies" can refer to literal military foes, but also encompasses any spiritual, emotional, or circumstantial opposition that stands against God's people and His purposes.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine empowerment and assured victory. The most prominent is **Metonymy**, where the phrase "Through God" functions as a powerful stand-in for "through God's power," "by God's enabling presence," or "because of God's active intervention." This highlights the divine source of all human capability and success. The phrase "shall tread down our enemies" utilizes vivid **Imagery** and **Metaphor**, drawing from the ancient practice of trampling defeated foes or crushing grapes in a winepress. This creates a powerful mental picture of decisive, overwhelming, and complete subjugation, emphasizing the totality and finality of God's victory. Furthermore, there is a clear **Cause-and-Effect** relationship established: *because* God will decisively defeat the enemies, *therefore* His people are enabled to act valiantly. The entire verse functions as a strong **Declaration** or **Affirmation**, conveying a tone of absolute certainty and unshakeable faith rather than a mere hope or wish, reinforcing the psalmist's profound trust in God's character and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 108:13 powerfully articulates the theological truth that God is not merely an observer of human struggles but an active, sovereign participant who empowers His people for victory. It underscores the biblical principle of divine enablement, where human effort, courage, and strategic planning are rendered effective only when infused with God's strength. This verse affirms God's character as a divine warrior who fights for His covenant people, assuring them that ultimate triumph over any form of opposition—be it physical adversaries, spiritual forces, or life's overwhelming challenges—is secured by His intervention. It calls believers to a posture of radical dependence, where confidence is placed not in self-reliance but in the unfailing might of the Almighty, recognizing that true valor is a divine gift, not a human achievement.

* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "The LORD Fights for Israel")
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "All Things Through Christ")
* [Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "More Than Conquerors Through Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 108:13 offers timeless encouragement for believers navigating the complexities and challenges of contemporary life. In a world that often champions self-sufficiency, individual prowess, and human ingenuity as the sole keys to success, this verse serves as a profound reminder that our true strength and capacity for "doing valiantly" come solely "through God." It invites us to surrender our self-reliance and place our full trust in His omnipotence, whether we face personal struggles, spiritual battles against unseen adversaries, or societal injustices. Knowing that God Himself will "tread down our enemies" instills a profound sense of courage, peace, and perseverance, empowering us to face difficult situations with boldness and confidence. This is not a call to passive waiting, but to active, faith-filled engagement, knowing that our efforts are divinely empowered and our ultimate victory is divinely assured. It encourages us to pray boldly, act courageously, and live with unwavering hope, understanding that with God, triumph is not merely possible, but guaranteed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently relying primarily on your own strength, and how might you more fully surrender to God's empowering presence?**
* **What "enemies" or overwhelming challenges are you facing today, and how does the promise that God will "tread them down" inspire your faith and actions?**
* **How does understanding God as the ultimate source of your valor and victory transform your perspective on difficult tasks or seemingly insurmountable obstacles?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse only about literal military battles, or does it have broader application for believers today?**

Answer: While the historical context of Psalms 108:13 is rooted in a military setting, its principles extend far beyond literal warfare. The "enemies" can represent any form of opposition or obstacle that stands against God's purposes or the well-being of His people. For contemporary believers, this includes spiritual adversaries (as described in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")), personal struggles like fear, anxiety, addiction, or illness, and even systemic injustices or societal challenges. The verse assures us that God empowers us to act valiantly and secures victory in all these diverse "battles" of life, not just physical conflicts.

**Does "doing valiantly" through God mean that human effort is unnecessary?**

Answer: No, "doing valiantly" does not imply passive waiting or a lack of human effort. Instead, it signifies that our efforts are empowered, directed, and made effective by God. It calls for active, courageous engagement, but with the understanding that our strength and ability to achieve success ("valiantly") come from Him. It's a partnership: we act in faith and obedience, and God provides the supernatural enablement and ensures the ultimate victory. It's about reliance, not idleness, recognizing that our true effectiveness flows from His power working through us, much like the Apostle Paul's declaration that [he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - All Things Through Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 108:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The psalmist's confidence that "Through God we shall do valiantly: for he [it is that] shall tread down our enemies" points directly to Christ, who is God incarnate and the ultimate Victor over all opposition. On the cross, Jesus decisively "tread down" the greatest enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Triumph Over Principalities") declares that He disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them publicly. Through His resurrection, He conquered death, becoming the [firstfruits of those who sleep](/1_corinthians/15-20 "Christ as Firstfruits"), guaranteeing the future victory of all who believe. For believers, our ability to "do valiantly" in the spiritual battles of life is not by our own strength but by our union with Christ. As the Apostle Paul proclaims, [we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us](/romans/8-37 "More Than Conquerors Through Him"). The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, empowers us to live courageously and effectively, fulfilling the promise that [we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - All Things Through Christ"). Ultimately, the Lamb of God, who was slain, is the One found worthy to open the scroll, signifying His ultimate authority and victory over all opposition, as revealed in [Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "The Lion of Judah Conquers").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 118:6

The LORD [is] on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

Psalms 118:13

Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.

Psalms 60:12

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

Psalms 18:29

¶ For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.

Psalms 18:34

He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.

2 Corinthians 2:14

Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

Isaiah 63:3

I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people [there was] none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.