Psalms60
New International Version
1 You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us; you have been angry—now restore us!
2 You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking.
3 You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger.
4 But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow.
5 Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.
6 God has spoken from his sanctuary: “In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Sukkoth.
7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah is my scepter.
8 Moab is my washbasin, on Edom I toss my sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.”
9 Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom?
10 Is it not you, God, you who have now rejected us and no longer go out with our armies?
11 Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless.
12 With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.
Study
Psalms 60Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 60. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: David prays for the deliverance of Israel from their enemies. (1–5). He entreats God to carry on and complete their victories. (6–12).
vv1-5
David owns God's displeasure to be the cause of all the hardships he had undergone. And when God is turning his hand in our favour, it is good to remember our former troubles. In God's displeasure their troubles began, therefore in his favour their prosperity must begin. Those breaches and divisions which the folly and corruption of man make, nothing but the wisdom and grace of God can repair, by pouring out a spirit of love and peace, by which only a kingdom is saved from ruin. The anger of God against sin, is the only cause of all misery, private or public, that has been, is, or shall be. In all these cases there is no remedy, but by returning to the Lord with repentance, faith, and prayer; beseeching him to return to us. Christ, the Son of David, is given for a banner to those that fear God; in him they are gathered together in one, and take courage. In his name and strength they wage war with the powers of darkness.
vv6-12
If Christ be ours, all things, one way or another, shall be for our eternal good. The man who is a new creature in Christ, may rejoice in all the precious promises God has spoken in his holiness. His present privileges, and the sanctifying influences of the Spirit, are sure earnests of heavenly glory. David rejoices in conquering the neighbouring nations, which had been enemies to Israel. The Israel of God are through Christ more than conquerors. Though sometimes they think that the Lord has cast them off, yet he will bring them into the strong city at last. Faith in the promise will assure us that it is our Father's good pleasure to give us the kingdom: But we are not yet made complete conquerors, and no true believer will abuse these truths to indulge sloth, or vain confidence. Hope in God is the best principle of true courage, for what need those fear who have God on their side? All our victories are from him, and while those who willingly submit to our anointed King shall share his glories, all his foes shall be put under his feet.
Key Words
נָצַח: properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of the Temple services and its music); to be permanent
עַל: above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שׁוּשַׁן עֵדוּת: Shushan-Eduth or Shoshannim-Eduth, the title of a popular song
מִכְתָּם: an engraving, i.e. (techn.) a poem
דָּוִד: David, the youngest son of Jesse
לָמַד: properly, to goad, i.e. (by implication) to teach (the rod being an Oriental incentive)
נָצָה: properly, to go forth, i.e. (by implication) to be expelled, and (consequently) desolate; causatively, to lay waste; also (specifically), to quarrel
אֲרַם נַהֲרַיִם: Aram of (the) two rivers (Euphrates and Tigris) or Mesopotamia
אֲרַם צוֹבָה: Aram of Tsoba (or Coele-Syria)
יוֹאָב: Joab, the name of three Israelites
Cross References
Psalms 60Virtually identical text; Psalm 108 duplicate begins exactly at this verse through the end.
The historical context of David's victory over the Syrians and Edomites in the Valley of Salt.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallel complaint of God casting off His people and not going out with their armies.
Supported by JFB
Verbal echo of drinking the cup of God's fury/the wine of trembling.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
The cup of red wine poured out by God, representing judgment and astonishment.
Supported by JFB
Grounds the declaration 'Judah is my lawgiver' in Jacob's classical tribal blessing.
Supported by JFB
Ephraim as the horn/strength of the head, reflecting Moses' blessing on Joseph.
Supported by JFB
Israel's defeat under Saul, leaving them scattered and broken before David's reign.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
The metaphorical shaking of nations and the earth representing massive civil upheaval.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallel imagery of setting up banners in the name of our God.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Historical fulfillment of casting the shoe over Edom; putting garrisons throughout Edom.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Petition for God to show His marvelous lovingkindness and save by His right hand.
Supported by JFB
God swearing by His holiness, assuring that His covenant with David cannot fail.
Supported by JFB
Another instance where the Lord God has sworn 'by his holiness' to act.
Supported by JFB
Echoes the warning not to trust in princes or in the vain help of man.
Supported by Matthew Henry