◄ Psalm 60 ►
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Victory with God (2 Samuel 8:1–14; 1 Chronicles 18:1–13; Psalm 108:1–13) For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A Miktama of David for instruction. When he fought Aram-naharaimb and Aram-zobah,c and Joab returned and struck down 12,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 1 You have rejected us, O God; You have broken us; You have been angry; restore us! 2You have shaken the land and torn it open. Heal its fractures, for it is quaking. 3You have shown Your people hardship; we are staggered from the wine You made us drink. 4You have raised a banner for those who fear You, that they may flee the bow.d Selah 5Respond and save us with Your right hand, that Your beloved may be delivered. 6God has spoken from His sanctuary:e “I will triumph! I will parcel out Shechem and apportion the Valley of Succoth. 7Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim is My helmet, Judah is My scepter. 8Moab is My washbasin; upon Edom I toss My sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.” 9Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? 10Have You not rejected us, O God? Will You no longer march out, O God, with our armies? 11Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. 12With God we will perform with valor, and He will trample our enemies. Footnotes: 1 a Miktam is probably a musical or liturgical term; used for Psalms 16 and 56–60. 1 b That is, Mesopotamia; Aram-naharaim means Aram of the two rivers, likely the region between the Euphrates and Balih Rivers in northwestern Mesopotamia. 1 c That is, the land northeast of Damascus 4 d Or that it may be displayed because of truth 6 e Or in His holiness Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 60 Summary Victory with God Verses 1–3 – Cry of Rejection David opens with blunt honesty: “You have rejected us, O God; You have broken us; You have been angry; restore us!” (60:1). The nation reels from defeat; the ground itself seems to shake beneath their feet. The picture is of soldiers staggering like drunken men (v. 3) because God’s protective covering has momentarily lifted. Verses 4–5 – Appeal to the Banner Even while reeling, faith looks up. God has “raised a banner for those who fear You” (v. 4). A banner draws scattered troops back together; David asks God to rally His people and “save us with Your right hand” (v. 5). Verses 6–8 – Divine Response and Claim From the sanctuary God answers with confident ownership: “Gilead is Mine… Judah My scepter… Moab is My washbasin; on Edom I toss My sandal” (vv. 6–8). Every region, friend or foe, lies in His grasp. What looks like chaos to Israel is actually territory roll-call to the Lord. Verses 9–12 – Renewed Plea and Bold Confidence The king still asks, “Who will bring me to the fortified city?” (v. 9). Human help has already failed (v. 11), yet David ends with defiant hope: “With God we will perform with valor, and He will trample our enemies” (v. 12). The closing line replaces despair with determination rooted in God’s strength. Psalm 60, a profound plea of David, provides a glimpse into a time of turmoil and national despair. It lays bare the pain and desolation experienced by the people of Israel. It serves as a beacon of hope, appealing to God's sovereignty, His promises, and His ability to restore His people. Historical Setting Psalm 60 ties to the events in 2 Samuel 8 and 1 Chronicles 18. While David fought two Aramean coalitions in the north (Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah), Edom attacked from the south. Joab routed the Edomites in the Valley of Salt, close to the Dead Sea’s southern end. Israel still felt the sting of earlier setbacks; this psalm was likely sung after a shocking first defeat but before God granted final victory. Superscription Insights “To the tune of ‘The Lily of the Covenant’” suggests a well-known melody—possibly gentle, contrasting with wartime lyrics. “Miktam” means an engraved or memorable poem. “For instruction” tells worship leaders it carries a lesson, not just a lament. David’s Military Campaigns - Aram-naharaim (north of the Euphrates): coalition city-states anxious about David’s rising power. - Aram-zobah (around modern-day Syria): Hadadezer the king opposed David’s expansion. - Edom (south of the Dead Sea): long-time cousin-nation and rival of Israel (cf. Genesis 25:30). - Joab’s force killed 12,000 (superscription) or 18,000 (2 Samuel 8:13) Edomites—numbers may reflect separate counts of the same battle. Geography and Archaeology - Shechem: modern Tell Balata; extensive Middle Bronze remains fit biblical prominence. - Valley of Succoth: east of the Jordan; Iron Age pottery attests to settled villages when David reigned. - Gilead & Manasseh: fertile plateau east of the Jordan, coveted grazing land. - Moab: Wadi-Mujib area; the Mesha Stele (9th century BC) confirms constant Israel-Moab conflict. - Edom: mountain strongholds like Bozrah and Sela; copper mines near Timna reveal an advanced 10th-century kingdom. - Philistia: coastal plain cities (Ekron, Ashkelon, Gaza) reveal thick destruction layers matching Davidic successes. Literary Design The psalm swings from lament (vv. 1–3) → petition (vv. 4–5) → divine oracle (vv. 6–8) → renewed petition (vv. 9–11) → final confidence (v. 12). The center (oracle) anchors the outer cries, showing God’s word stabilizes human emotion. Key Themes 1. Apparent rejection is temporary. 2. God’s sovereignty covers every border. 3. Real strength lies in the Lord, not alliances. 4. Worship can arise even before victory is visible. Divine Ownership of Nations Psalm 24:1 echoes the same truth: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” Acts 17:26 says God “appointed seasons and boundaries.” David’s oracle lists Israelite tribes (Ephraim, Judah) beside foreign lands (Moab, Edom) to underscore universal rule. Human Weakness vs. Divine Strength “Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless” (60:11). Compare Psalm 146:3, Isaiah 31:1, and 2 Corinthians 12:9. When earthly resources collapse, God specializes in decisive surprises. The Banner Imagery Hebrew nes means a signal pole used to gather troops (Numbers 21:8; Isaiah 11:10). The cross-reference to Exodus 17:15 (“The LORD is my Banner”) reminds us God Himself is both rally point and victory guarantee. Prophetic and Messianic Echoes “Judah My scepter” recalls Genesis 49:10, pointing forward to the Messiah, the ultimate ruler from Judah’s line (Luke 1:32-33). The psalm’s shift from pain to triumph parallels Jesus’ journey from cross to resurrection. Worship and Liturgical Use Ancient Israel likely recited Psalm 60 before battle or after a national crisis to remind citizens that God, not weaponry, decides outcomes. Many churches today read it on days emphasizing national repentance (e.g., fasting or Remembrance services). Connections to Other Scriptures - Deuteronomy 32:36-43: God judges nations but vindicates His people. - Psalm 20:7: “Some trust in chariots…” mirrors Psalm 60:11-12. - Isaiah 63:1-6: Edom again pictured as God’s defeated enemy. - Romans 8:31-39: Conquering through Him who loves us, echoing v. 5. Practical Applications for Today - National setbacks, economic or military, need not signal permanent rejection; seek God’s banner. - Personal “quakes” (v. 2) can become opportunities to see the Lord measure out His inheritance. - Remember to ask boldly: “Save us… answer us” (v. 5). Prayer refocuses on God’s right hand, not our empty hands. - End every struggle the David way: “With God we will perform with valor” (v. 12). Confidence follows commitment, never the other way around. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. 2 Corinthians 12:9 But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Teaching Points Historical Context Psalm 60 is set during a period of military conflict, specifically when David faced opposition from Edom and other surrounding nations. Understanding this context helps us appreciate the urgency and desperation in David's plea. God's Sovereignty Despite the initial sense of abandonment, David acknowledges God's ultimate control over the nations. You have rejected us, O God; You have broken us; You have been angry; restore us! (Psalm 60:1). Human Frailty vs. Divine Strength The psalm contrasts human weakness with God's strength, emphasizing that victory comes not from human might but from divine intervention. With God we will perform with valor, and He will trample our enemies (Psalm 60:12). Covenant Relationship David's appeal is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. He recalls God's promises and seeks His favor based on His faithfulness. Prophetic Hope The psalm ends with a confident expectation of God's deliverance, pointing to a future where God's people will triumph through His power. Practical Applications Trust in God's Sovereignty In times of personal or communal crisis, remember that God is in control and His purposes will prevail. Prayer in Desperation Like David, bring your fears and frustrations to God in prayer, trusting in His ability to restore and deliver. Rely on God's Strength Acknowledge your own limitations and depend on God's strength to overcome challenges. Remember God's Promises In difficult times, hold fast to the promises of God as a source of hope and encouragement. Seek God's Guidance In decision-making, seek God's wisdom and direction, trusting that He will lead you to victory. People 1. God The central figure in the psalm, God is addressed by the psalmist as the one who has rejected and disciplined Israel but is also their source of help and salvation. The Hebrew root for God here is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim). 2. David The author of the psalm, King David is speaking on behalf of Israel, expressing lament over their current plight and seeking God's intervention. The psalm is attributed to him in the superscription. 3. Israel While not a person, Israel is personified as the nation experiencing God's displeasure and seeking restoration. The Hebrew root for Israel is "יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Yisra'el). 4. Edom Mentioned in the context of God’s judgment and Israel’s military campaigns, Edom represents one of the adversaries of Israel. The Hebrew root for Edom is "אֱדוֹם" (Edom). Places 1. Shechem In Psalm 60:6, God declares, "I will parcel out Shechem." Shechem is a significant city in the central region of ancient Israel, often associated with covenantal events in the Hebrew Bible. 2. Succoth Also in Psalm 60:6, God says, "and measure off the Valley of Succoth." Succoth refers to a location east of the Jordan River, known for its historical and agricultural significance. 3. Gilead Mentioned in Psalm 60:7, "Gilead is Mine." Gilead is a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and as a place of refuge. 4. Manasseh In Psalm 60:7, "Manasseh is Mine." Manasseh refers to one of the tribes of Israel, which settled on both sides of the Jordan River. 5. Ephraim Also in Psalm 60:7, "Ephraim is My helmet." Ephraim is another tribe of Israel, often representing the northern kingdom due to its size and influence. 6. Judah In Psalm 60:7, "Judah is My scepter." Judah is a prominent tribe, from which the royal line of David and ultimately Jesus Christ descends. 7. Moab Psalm 60:8 states, "Moab is My washbasin." Moab is a region and people located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. 8. Edom Also in Psalm 60:8, "upon Edom I toss My sandal." Edom is a territory south of the Dead Sea, traditionally seen as an adversary of Israel. 9. Philistia In Psalm 60:8, "over Philistia I shout in triumph." Philistia refers to the coastal region inhabited by the Philistines, known for their conflicts with Israel. Events 1. God's Rejection and Anger The psalm begins with David acknowledging that God has rejected and broken the nation, expressing a sense of divine anger. The Hebrew root here is "זָנַח" (zanach), meaning to reject or forsake. (Psalm 60:1) 2. The Land's Shaking and Breach David describes the land as quaking and being torn open, symbolizing instability and crisis. The Hebrew word "רָעַשׁ" (ra'ash) is used, meaning to shake or quake. (Psalm 60:2) 3. A Call for Restoration David pleads for God to heal the breaches and restore the nation, indicating a desire for divine intervention and healing. (Psalm 60:2) 4. Experiencing Hardship The people have been shown hard things and made to drink the wine of confusion, suggesting a period of suffering and bewilderment. The Hebrew "תַּרְעֵלָה" (tarelah) refers to reeling or staggering. (Psalm 60:3) 5. A Banner for the Fearful God has given a banner to those who fear Him, symbolizing a rallying point or sign of hope amidst adversity. The Hebrew "נֵס" (nes) means a standard or ensign. (Psalm 60:4) 6. A Prayer for Deliverance David asks for God’s deliverance and salvation with His right hand, emphasizing reliance on divine power. (Psalm 60:5) 7. God's Promise of Victory God speaks in His holiness, promising victory and division of the land among His people, indicating divine assurance and sovereignty. (Psalm 60:6-8) 8. Acknowledgment of God's Sovereignty David acknowledges that human help is worthless without God, reinforcing the belief in God's ultimate control and power. (Psalm 60:11) 9. Confidence in God's Help The psalm concludes with a declaration of confidence that through God, they will gain victory over their adversaries, highlighting faith in divine assistance. (Psalm 60:12) Lessons from Psalm 60 1. Acknowledge God's Sovereignty Psalm 60 begins with a cry to God, acknowledging His ultimate control over the nations and events. This reminds us that no matter the chaos around us, God is in charge. "You have rejected us, O God, and burst forth upon us; You have been angry—now restore us!" (Psalm 60:1). Recognizing His sovereignty helps us trust in His plan, even when life seems uncertain. 2. Seek Restoration through Prayer The psalmist pleads for restoration, teaching us the importance of turning to God in prayer when we feel distant from Him. "You have shown Your people hardship; we are staggered from the wine You made us drink" (Psalm 60:3). Prayer is our direct line to God, allowing us to seek His guidance and healing in times of trouble. 3. Trust in God's Deliverance Despite the challenges, the psalmist expresses confidence in God's deliverance. "Save us with Your right hand; answer us, that those You love may be delivered" (Psalm 60:5). This encourages us to trust that God will rescue us from our difficulties, reinforcing our faith in His promises. 4. Recognize God's Ownership of the Earth God declares His ownership over the lands and peoples, reminding us that everything belongs to Him. "Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim is My helmet, Judah is My scepter" (Psalm 60:7). This perspective helps us see our place in His creation and our responsibility to steward it wisely. 5. Embrace God's Discipline The psalmist acknowledges God's discipline as a means of correction. "You have given a banner to those who fear You, that it may be displayed because of the truth" (Psalm 60:4). Embracing discipline helps us grow in righteousness and align our lives with His truth. 6. Stand Firm in God's Promises God's promises are a foundation we can stand on, even when the world shifts around us. "God has spoken from His sanctuary: 'I will triumph! I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Succoth'" (Psalm 60:6). Holding onto His promises gives us hope and assurance in every situation. 7. Rely on God's Strength, Not Our Own The psalmist acknowledges that human efforts are futile without God's strength. "With God we will perform with valor, and He will trample our enemies" (Psalm 60:12). This lesson encourages us to rely on His power rather than our own abilities, ensuring victory in life's battles. 8. Understand the Importance of Unity The psalm highlights the need for unity among God's people. "Moab is My washbasin; upon Edom I toss My sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph" (Psalm 60:8). Unity in purpose and faith strengthens us as a community, enabling us to fulfill God's mission together. 9. Be Patient in God's Timing The psalmist's plea for deliverance teaches us patience in waiting for God's timing. "Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom?" (Psalm 60:9). Trusting His timing helps us develop patience and perseverance, knowing that His plans are perfect. 10. Celebrate God's Faithfulness Finally, the psalm concludes with a celebration of God's faithfulness. "For the help of man is worthless. With God we will perform with valor" (Psalm 60:11-12). Celebrating His faithfulness strengthens our faith and reminds us of His unwavering love and support throughout our lives. Topics 1. God's Rejection and Anger Psalm 60 begins with a lament over God's apparent rejection and anger towards His people. The psalmist cries out, "You have rejected us, O God; You have broken us; You have been angry—restore us!" (Psalm 60:1). The Hebrew root for "rejected" (זָנַח, zanach) conveys a sense of being cast off or forsaken, highlighting the depth of the perceived separation from God. 2. National Calamity and Divine Discipline The psalmist describes a national calamity, likening it to an earthquake: "You have shaken the land and torn it open. Heal its fractures, for it is quaking" (Psalm 60:2). This imagery suggests divine discipline, with the Hebrew word for "shaken" (רָעַשׁ, ra'ash) indicating a violent disturbance, reflecting the severity of the situation. 3. A Call for Deliverance There is a plea for deliverance and restoration: "You have shown Your people hardship; we are staggered from the wine You made us drink" (Psalm 60:3). The metaphor of staggering from wine implies confusion and disorientation, urging God to intervene and restore clarity and stability. 4. God's Banner and Protection The psalmist acknowledges God's protection, symbolized by a banner: "You have raised a banner for those who fear You, that they may flee the bow" (Psalm 60:4). The Hebrew word for "banner" (נֵס, nes) signifies a rallying point or standard, representing God's presence and protection for His faithful. 5. Divine Promise and Assurance The psalm includes a reminder of God's promises: "God has spoken from His sanctuary: 'I will triumph! I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Succoth'" (Psalm 60:6). This assurance of victory and possession of the land reflects God's covenant faithfulness, with the Hebrew root for "triumph" (עָלַז, alaz) conveying joy and exultation. 6. Human Limitations and Divine Help The psalmist acknowledges human limitations and the necessity of divine help: "Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless" (Psalm 60:11). This highlights the futility of relying solely on human strength, emphasizing the need for God's intervention. 7. Confidence in God's Victory The psalm concludes with confidence in God's ultimate victory: "With God we will perform with valor, and He will trample our enemies" (Psalm 60:12). The Hebrew root for "perform with valor" (חָיִל, chayil) suggests strength and capability, underscoring the belief that success comes through God's power. Themes 1. Divine Displeasure and Restoration Psalm 60 begins with an acknowledgment of God's displeasure: "You have rejected us, O God; You have broken us; You have been angry—restore us!" (Psalm 60:1). The Hebrew root for "rejected" (זָנַח, zanach) conveys a sense of being cast off or forsaken, highlighting the severity of God's anger. The plea for restoration underscores a theme of seeking reconciliation and healing from God’s wrath. 2. National Calamity and Divine Sovereignty The psalm reflects on a national crisis, possibly a military defeat, as seen in "You have shaken the land and torn it open" (Psalm 60:2). The imagery of an earthquake symbolizes instability and chaos. Despite this, the psalmist acknowledges God's ultimate control over nations, emphasizing His sovereignty even amidst turmoil. 3. God as a Refuge and Banner The psalmist declares, "You have given a banner to those who fear You, that it may be displayed because of the truth" (Psalm 60:4). The Hebrew word for "banner" (נֵס, nes) signifies a rallying point or standard, representing God's protection and truth as a refuge for His people. 4. Petition for Deliverance and Victory A central theme is the plea for divine intervention: "Save us with Your right hand and answer us, that those You love may be delivered" (Psalm 60:5). The "right hand" symbolizes power and authority, and the request for deliverance reflects trust in God's ability to rescue and grant victory. 5. God’s Promises and Faithfulness The psalmist recalls God's promises concerning the land: "God has spoken from His sanctuary: 'I will triumph! I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Succoth'" (Psalm 60:6). This theme highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant and His assurance of triumph over adversaries. 6. Human Inadequacy and Divine Assistance The psalmist acknowledges human limitations: "Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless" (Psalm 60:11). This theme underscores the futility of relying solely on human strength and the necessity of divine assistance for true victory. 7. Confidence in God’s Ultimate Victory The psalm concludes with confidence in God’s power: "With God we will perform with valor, and He will trample our enemies" (Psalm 60:12). This theme reflects a steadfast belief in God’s ability to secure victory, reinforcing trust in His omnipotence and justice. Prayer Points Pray for Trust Ask God to help you trust in His sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances seem dire. Pray for Strength Seek God's strength to face challenges and overcome obstacles in your life. Pray for Restoration Request God's restoration in areas of your life where you feel broken or defeated. Pray for Guidance Ask for wisdom and discernment in making decisions that align with God's will. Pray for Victory Thank God for the victory He promises through Jesus Christ and pray for His triumph in your life and community. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can Psalm 60:2's depiction of an earth split apart be reconciled with the lack of historical or geological evidence for such a cataclysmic event? 2. Since Psalm 60:1 portrays God as angry and distant, how does this align with the Bible’s broader portrayal of His mercy and love? 3. The title of Psalm 60 references conflicts with Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah; why is there minimal archaeological evidence to substantiate these campaigns? 4. Psalm 60:7 mentions Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Judah; how do these tribal borders align (or conflict) with other historical and biblical records of Israel’s territories? 5. If Psalm 60 is truly Davidic, why do some scholars assert that the psalm’s language or context suggests a later composition, potentially challenging its authenticity? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does the ‘wine of staggering’ symbolize in your life? How have you experienced this in moments of deep distress? 2. How does David's plea reflect your own feelings in times of trouble? 3. Reflect on a time when you felt like God had 'rejected' you. How did you navigate this experience? 4. How does God's banner of truth offer solace in the face of chaos and fear? 5. What does God's dominion over different regions signify in Psalm 60? How does this apply to the world today? 6. When you face trials, like David facing the struggle with Edom, where do you find your strength? 7. In what ways does Psalm 60 influence your understanding of God's sovereignty? 8. How have you experienced God's restoration in your life? 9. How can you relate to the feeling of despair that Israelites felt, and how did you seek God's mercy and intervention? 10. Why is it important to acknowledge our own inadequacy, as David does in verse 12? 11. In what ways can God's promises be a 'banner' in your life during tumultuous times? 12. How can you apply the teachings of Psalm 60 to current world events and crises? 13. David asks God to lead him into a 'fortress'. What does this fortress symbolize in your life? 14. How does Psalm 60 challenge your understanding of suffering and divine judgment? 15. How does David's trust in God inspire you in your walk of faith? 16. In today's context, how can we understand and apply the concept of God's sovereignty over nations and regions? 17. How can we reconcile the image of a loving God with the depiction of God's judgment in Psalm 60? 18. What role does prayer play in your personal restoration journey, as shown in Psalm 60? 19. How can you encourage others with the message of God's restoration during their personal struggles? 20. How does Psalm 60 influence your understanding of hope in times of national or personal crisis? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions