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.

² Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.

³ Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.

⁴ Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.

⁵ That thy beloved may be delivered; save [with] thy right hand, and hear me.

⁶ God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.

⁷ Gilead [is] mine, and Manasseh [is] mine; Ephraim also [is] the strength of mine head; Judah [is] my lawgiver;

⁸ Moab [is] my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me.

⁹ Who will bring me [into] the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?

¹⁰ [Wilt] not thou, O God, [which] hadst cast us off? and [thou], O God, [which] didst not go out with our armies?

¹¹ Give us help from trouble: for vain [is] the help of man.

¹² Through God we shall do valiantly: for he [it is that] shall tread down our enemies.

Overview of Psalm 60

Psalm 60 is a communal lament attributed to King David, expressing the turmoil and distress faced by the nation of Israel. The psalm reflects a time of military defeat and calls upon God for help and restoration. It is a poignant reminder of the reliance on divine intervention in times of crisis.

Structure of Psalm 60

The chapter can be divided into several key sections:

1. Verses 1-3: Acknowledgment of Distress
   • Opening with a cry to God, the psalmist acknowledges the turmoil faced by the people.
   • The imagery of God’s anger and the shaking of the land highlights the severity of the situation.
   • It reflects a sense of divine abandonment and the need for restoration.
2. Verses 4-5: A Call for Salvation
   • God is portrayed as a refuge and a banner for the people.
   • The psalmist expresses a plea for salvation, emphasizing the need for divine assistance.
   • The call to action for the faithful to rally under God’s protection is evident.
3. Verses 6-8: God’s Sovereignty
   • God’s voice is depicted as powerful, commanding the nations and asserting His authority.
   • The mention of specific regions (e.g., Shechem, Succoth) underscores God’s dominion over the earth.
   • This section emphasizes the belief that God has the ultimate control over the outcomes of battles and nations.
4. Verses 9-12: A Declaration of Trust
   • The psalmist poses rhetorical questions about who will lead them into battle, indicating a sense of vulnerability.
   • There is a reaffirmation of trust in God’s ability to grant victory despite overwhelming odds.
   • The closing verses express confidence that with God’s help, victory is achievable.

Thematic Analysis

Psalm 60 encapsulates several key themes that resonate throughout the text:

• Divine Anger and Human Distress:

  The psalm opens with an acknowledgment of God’s anger, illustrating the relationship between divine displeasure and human suffering. This theme highlights the consequences of sin and the need for repentance.

• Hope and Restoration:

  Despite the dire circumstances, the psalmist expresses hope for restoration. The call for God’s intervention serves as a reminder that despair can be transformed into hope through faith.

• God’s Sovereignty:

  The declaration of God’s power over nations and His ability to lead His people to victory emphasizes His sovereignty. This theme reassures believers of God’s ultimate control over their circumstances.

• Community and Collective Prayer:

  The communal aspect of the psalm reflects the importance of collective prayer and reliance on God within the community of faith. It serves as a reminder that individuals are part of a larger body that seeks divine assistance together.

Conclusion

Psalm 60 serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles faced by the people of Israel and their unwavering faith in God’s ability to save. The themes of distress, hope, divine sovereignty, and community underscore the importance of seeking God in times of trouble. This psalm continues to resonate with readers today, offering comfort and encouragement in the face of adversity.