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

PSALMS 108:11KJV
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Psalms 108:11 (KJV)

What does Psalms 108:11 mean?

Psalms 108:11 is a plea to God, asking why He has rejected the people and whether He will refuse to go out with their armies. The verse expresses a sense of abandonment and a longing for God’s presence and help in times of conflict.

The speaker is traditionally understood to be King David, addressing God on behalf of Israel. The situation reflects a time when Israel felt distant from God, possibly after a defeat or during a crisis. The verse’s questions show both honesty about their struggle and hope that God might return to support them.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 108:11

  • God (אֱלֹהִים, ’elohim): This is the common Hebrew word for God, used here to address the Lord directly and personally, emphasizing the relationship and dependence on God’s action.
  • off (זָנַח, zanach): This word means to reject or cast off. Its use highlights the deep feeling of being abandoned or left behind by God, not just ignored but actively set aside.
  • forth (יָצָא, yatsa’): This verb means to go out. In this context, it refers to God’s presence leading the armies, a common ancient image for divine help in battle.
  • hosts (צָבָא, tsava’): This word means armies or military forces. The verse specifically asks whether God will go out with Israel’s armies, underlining the need for God’s support in their struggles.

Why Psalms 108:11 matters

  • Psalms 108:11 clarifies that feelings of abandonment by God are not new; even Israel’s leaders voiced such struggles honestly in prayer.
  • The verse highlights the belief that victory and security depend on God’s presence, not just human strength or strategy.
  • This question sets up the following verses, where the psalmist moves from lament to renewed trust in God’s help, showing a pattern of honest struggle followed by faith.

Where else these words appear

“off” Hebrew H2186 · used in 20 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 28:9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.
  • Psalms 60:1 To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand. O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.
  • Isaiah 19:6 And they shall turn the rivers far away; and the brooks of defence shall be emptied and dried up: the reeds and flags shall wither.