O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.
Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.
Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.
Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.
That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me.
God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.
Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;
Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me.
Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?
Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?
Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.
Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.
Psalms 60 offers a powerful glimpse into King David's heart during a time of national crisis. Understanding the historical context and David's unwavering faith provides valuable insights for our own lives. This psalm is particularly relevant as it acknowledges both national struggles and the individual's reliance on God. The psalm is labeled "for instruction" likely because of the outcome. David prays for rescue, while expressing faithful confidence in the Lord's intent to save Israel.
Historical Context
This psalm likely originated during a period when David's military campaigns were stretched thin. While David was engaged in battles against the Arameans and Ammonites to the north of Israel (2_Samuel 8:3; 1_Chronicles 18:3), the Edomites launched a surprise attack from the south, inflicting significant damage on the nation. This two-front war created a dire situation, prompting David to cry out to God for deliverance. The psalm is a prayer for God to cause Israel to triumph over the Edomites. Scripture records that the prayer was successful. David sent Abishai, accompanied by Joab and a contingent of soldiers, who routed the enemy (1_Chronicles 18:12; 2_Samuel 8:13).
The inscription "to the choirmaster: according to Shushan Eduth" is also important. The Hebrew phrase shushan 'ēdut literally means "lily of the testimony." Many Bible versions translate this phrase into English, as they do titles for other melodies associated with various psalms (Psalms 22:1; 56:1). Other scholars transliterate the phrase into variations of "Shushan Eduth." A "miktam" was most likely a musical style (Psalms 16:1; 56:1; 57:1; 58:1; 59:1). The choirmaster would have led corporate worship.
A Plea for Restoration (Psalms 60:1-5)
The psalm opens with a lament, acknowledging God's apparent displeasure and the resulting hardship on the nation. David doesn't shy away from expressing the reality of their situation. "O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses; you have been angry; oh, restore us" (Psalms 60:1). Even in expressing grief and horror, David's words speak only in terms of God's actions. Even in this circumstance, David's instinct is to see the Lord as sovereign over all things. The land is torn and shattered by invaders. The situation is grim, with the spread-out army in a state of shock and confusion almost like being drunk. Yet David knows that the Lord is in control. Even in this situation, He is leading His people (Psalms 60:1–5).
David recognized that the hardship came from God (Psalms 60:1, 3), implying that only He could bring restoration. He reminds God that He had called His people to rally under His banner, yet they experienced defeat (Psalms 60:4). Therefore, David pleads for God to save them from their enemies, appealing to His "right hand" of power (Psalms 60:5).
God's Assurance (Psalms 60:6-8)
In response to David's plea, God speaks from His sanctuary, the tabernacle, reaffirming His sovereignty over all the land, both Israel's territory and that of their enemies. He declares, "God has spoken in his holiness: 'With exultation I will divide up Shechem and portion out the Valley of Succoth'" (Psalms 60:6). Gilead and Manasseh, stretching over both sides of the Jordan River, are in His control. The powerful tribe of Ephraim acts as a defensive "helmet" for the nation. The tribe of Judah is the source of legitimate kings.
God identifies Judah as His "scepter" (Psalms 60:7), signifying that the future kings of Israel would come from this tribe. God affirms that David would triumph. In contrast, God speaks of Moab as a mere tool. Edom—the invading nation—is slated for defeat, as are the Philistines (Psalms 60:6–8).
He also proclaims His dominion over Israel's enemies, using symbolic language to depict their defeat. To "throw a sandal" at someone is to treat them with contempt. God would defeat Israel’s enemies and shout in triumph over them (Psalms 60:8).
Dependence on God Alone (Psalms 60:9-12)
Despite God's assurance, David acknowledges the present reality of their struggle and reiterates his dependence on God. He asks, "Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom?" (Psalms 60:9). This demonstrates David's understanding that both victory and defeat come from the hand of God.
He recognizes the futility of human help, stating, "Oh grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man!" (Psalms 60:11). David again appeals to God for aid against the foe, for human help is worthless (Psalms 60:11). Only the Lord can provide deliverance. He concludes with a declaration of faith: "With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes" (Psalms 60:12). Without him, we cannot succeed; with him, we cannot fail.
Lessons for Today
Psalms 60 offers several valuable lessons for believers today:
Honest Prayer: David doesn't shy away from expressing his doubts and fears to God. We can bring our honest emotions to God in prayer, knowing that He can handle our questions and uncertainties.
Sovereignty of God: Even in the midst of hardship, David acknowledges God's sovereignty over all things. We can trust that God is in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic and overwhelming.
Dependence on God: David recognizes the futility of relying on human strength alone. We must depend on God for victory in our battles, both personal and collective.
Faith in God's Promises: Despite the present challenges, David clings to God's promises and expresses faith in His ability to deliver. We can hold onto God's promises, even when we don't see how He will fulfill them.
Just as Mary reacted with wonder at "how," not "if," God would make Jesus' birth occur (Luke 1:34), David saw no evidence that God was—at that moment—aiding Israel. He knows victory is only possible with God's power; yet when this psalm was written he hadn't yet seen the means the Lord would use. Yet David speaks with confidence, repeating his prayer and expressing trust that with God's help, the nation will succeed (Psalms 60:9–12).
O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.
Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.
Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.
Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.
That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me.
God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.
Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;
Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me.
Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?
Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?
Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.
Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.
Psalms 60 offers a powerful glimpse into King David's heart during a time of national crisis. Understanding the historical context and David's unwavering faith provides valuable insights for our own lives. This psalm is particularly relevant as it acknowledges both national struggles and the individual's reliance on God. The psalm is labeled "for instruction" likely because of the outcome. David prays for rescue, while expressing faithful confidence in the Lord's intent to save Israel.
Historical Context
This psalm likely originated during a period when David's military campaigns were stretched thin. While David was engaged in battles against the Arameans and Ammonites to the north of Israel (2_Samuel 8:3; 1_Chronicles 18:3), the Edomites launched a surprise attack from the south, inflicting significant damage on the nation. This two-front war created a dire situation, prompting David to cry out to God for deliverance. The psalm is a prayer for God to cause Israel to triumph over the Edomites. Scripture records that the prayer was successful. David sent Abishai, accompanied by Joab and a contingent of soldiers, who routed the enemy (1_Chronicles 18:12; 2_Samuel 8:13).
The inscription "to the choirmaster: according to Shushan Eduth" is also important. The Hebrew phrase shushan 'ēdut literally means "lily of the testimony." Many Bible versions translate this phrase into English, as they do titles for other melodies associated with various psalms (Psalms 22:1; 56:1). Other scholars transliterate the phrase into variations of "Shushan Eduth." A "miktam" was most likely a musical style (Psalms 16:1; 56:1; 57:1; 58:1; 59:1). The choirmaster would have led corporate worship.
A Plea for Restoration (Psalms 60:1-5)
The psalm opens with a lament, acknowledging God's apparent displeasure and the resulting hardship on the nation. David doesn't shy away from expressing the reality of their situation. "O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses; you have been angry; oh, restore us" (Psalms 60:1). Even in expressing grief and horror, David's words speak only in terms of God's actions. Even in this circumstance, David's instinct is to see the Lord as sovereign over all things. The land is torn and shattered by invaders. The situation is grim, with the spread-out army in a state of shock and confusion almost like being drunk. Yet David knows that the Lord is in control. Even in this situation, He is leading His people (Psalms 60:1–5).
David recognized that the hardship came from God (Psalms 60:1, 3), implying that only He could bring restoration. He reminds God that He had called His people to rally under His banner, yet they experienced defeat (Psalms 60:4). Therefore, David pleads for God to save them from their enemies, appealing to His "right hand" of power (Psalms 60:5).
God's Assurance (Psalms 60:6-8)
In response to David's plea, God speaks from His sanctuary, the tabernacle, reaffirming His sovereignty over all the land, both Israel's territory and that of their enemies. He declares, "God has spoken in his holiness: 'With exultation I will divide up Shechem and portion out the Valley of Succoth'" (Psalms 60:6). Gilead and Manasseh, stretching over both sides of the Jordan River, are in His control. The powerful tribe of Ephraim acts as a defensive "helmet" for the nation. The tribe of Judah is the source of legitimate kings.
God identifies Judah as His "scepter" (Psalms 60:7), signifying that the future kings of Israel would come from this tribe. God affirms that David would triumph. In contrast, God speaks of Moab as a mere tool. Edom—the invading nation—is slated for defeat, as are the Philistines (Psalms 60:6–8).
He also proclaims His dominion over Israel's enemies, using symbolic language to depict their defeat. To "throw a sandal" at someone is to treat them with contempt. God would defeat Israel’s enemies and shout in triumph over them (Psalms 60:8).
Dependence on God Alone (Psalms 60:9-12)
Despite God's assurance, David acknowledges the present reality of their struggle and reiterates his dependence on God. He asks, "Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom?" (Psalms 60:9). This demonstrates David's understanding that both victory and defeat come from the hand of God.
He recognizes the futility of human help, stating, "Oh grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man!" (Psalms 60:11). David again appeals to God for aid against the foe, for human help is worthless (Psalms 60:11). Only the Lord can provide deliverance. He concludes with a declaration of faith: "With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes" (Psalms 60:12). Without him, we cannot succeed; with him, we cannot fail.
Lessons for Today
Psalms 60 offers several valuable lessons for believers today:
Honest Prayer: David doesn't shy away from expressing his doubts and fears to God. We can bring our honest emotions to God in prayer, knowing that He can handle our questions and uncertainties.
Sovereignty of God: Even in the midst of hardship, David acknowledges God's sovereignty over all things. We can trust that God is in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic and overwhelming.
Dependence on God: David recognizes the futility of relying on human strength alone. We must depend on God for victory in our battles, both personal and collective.
Faith in God's Promises: Despite the present challenges, David clings to God's promises and expresses faith in His ability to deliver. We can hold onto God's promises, even when we don't see how He will fulfill them.
Just as Mary reacted with wonder at "how," not "if," God would make Jesus' birth occur (Luke 1:34), David saw no evidence that God was—at that moment—aiding Israel. He knows victory is only possible with God's power; yet when this psalm was written he hadn't yet seen the means the Lord would use. Yet David speaks with confidence, repeating his prayer and expressing trust that with God's help, the nation will succeed (Psalms 60:9–12).