Psalms 60
Psalm 60 is known as a prayer that David offered to God when Israel was in a difficult situation, seeking divine help. The background is Israel facing a crisis while surrounded by many nations, and historically it reflects the kind of crisis David experienced in battles with Edom. Even in the psalm’s title, the military circumstances of the time are mentioned, and the overall flow of the poem consists of the nation’s distress, faith-filled confession, and hope for restoration.
1verseFor the Chief Musician. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A teaching poem by David, when he fought with Aram Naharaim and with Aram Zobah, and Joab returned, and killed twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt. God, you have rejected us. You have broken us down. You have been angry. Restore us, again.
2verseYou have made the land tremble. You have torn it. Mend its fractures, for it quakes.
3verseYou have shown your people hard things. You have made us drink the wine that makes us stagger.
4verseYou have given a banner to those who fear you, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.
5verseSo that your beloved may be delivered, save with your right hand, and answer us.
6verseGod has spoken from his sanctuary: “I will triumph. I will divide Shechem, and measure out the valley of Succoth.
7verseGilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine. Ephraim also is the defense of my head. Judah is my scepter.
8verseMoab is my wash basin. I will throw my sandal on Edom. I shout in triumph over Philistia.”
9verseWho will bring me into the strong city? Who has led me to Edom?
10verseHaven’t you, God, rejected us? You don’t go out with our armies, God.
11verseGive us help against the adversary, for the help of man is vain.
12verseThrough God we will do valiantly, for it is he who will tread down our adversaries.
Structure and Flow
- Verses 1-3: It begins with a confession that Israel feels as if God has rejected them and that they are in chaos, like people staggering from wine.
- Verses 4-5: However, God has given a banner to those who fear Him, and the psalm calls out for deliverance.
- Verses 6-8: God reveals His sovereignty over Israel and the surrounding nations, citing God’s sovereign word.
- Verses 9-12: The psalm acknowledges that only God is Israel’s true help, confesses that human strength is futile, and ends with a prayer that earnestly longs for God’s help.
Overall Meaning and Key Message
Psalm 60 is a psalm that looks at both human limitations and God’s sovereignty in the face of the reality of suffering. In the midst of a national crisis, the psalmist earnestly asks God for help, and ultimately confesses that only God is the true source of salvation. It harmonizes well the message of confusion and despair experienced by both individuals and the community, as well as the hope found within that.
Points for Reflection
- How can we build the courage to pray to God with an honest heart in the midst of difficult realities?
- What is the “banner of deliverance” from God that this psalm speaks to me about?
- What kind of attitude should my life have—acknowledging my limitations and powerlessness, and seeking God’s help?
Try Applying It to Yourself
- In the midst of real-life difficulties, you should strive to look to God rather than despair .
- At the place of prayer, you can apply an attitude of earnestly making requests while trusting in God’s sovereignty, rather than relying only on your own strength.
- In both matters of the community and matters of an individual, try to first come to God and honestly tell Him about your situation.
