Psalms 60
Psalms 60 is part of “Book II: The Exodus Book” (42–72) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 60 summary
After many psalms which David penned in a day of distress this comes which was calculated for a day of triumph; it was penned after he was settled in the throne, upon occasion of an illustrious victory which God blessed his forces with over the Syrians and Edomites; it was when David was in the zenith of his prosperity, and the affairs of his kingdom seem to have been in a better posture then ever they were either before or after. See Sa2 8:3, Sa2 8:13; Ch1 18:3, Ch1 18:12. David, in prosperity, was as devout as David in adversity. In this psalm, I.
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After many psalms which David penned in a day of distress this comes which was calculated for a day of triumph; it was penned after he was settled in the throne, upon occasion of an illustrious victory which God blessed his forces with over the Syrians and Edomites; it was when David was in the zenith of his prosperity, and the affairs of his kingdom seem to have been in a better posture then ever they were either before or after. See Sa2 8:3, Sa2 8:13; Ch1 18:3, Ch1 18:12. David, in prosperity, was as devout as David in adversity. In this psalm, I. He reflects upon the bad state of the public interests, for many years, in which God had been contending with them (Psa 60:1-3). II. He takes notice of the happy turn lately given to their affairs (Psa 60:4). III. He prays for the deliverance of God's Israel from their enemies (Psa 60:5). IV. He triumphs in hope of their victories over their enemies, and begs of God to carry them on and complete them (Psa 60:6-12). In singing this psalm we may have an eye both to the acts of the church and to the state of our own souls, both which have their struggles. To the chief musician upon Shushan-eduth, Michtam of David, to teach, when he strove with Aram-naharaim, and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt 12,000.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Psalms 60 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
O God, You Have Rejected Us
1For the Chief Musician; set to Shushan Eduth. Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, and Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the Valley of Salt twelve thousand. O God thou hast cast us off, thou hast broken us down; Thou hast been angry; oh restore us again. 2Thou hast made the land to tremble; thou hast rent it: Heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh. 3Thou hast showed thy people hard things: Thou hast made us to drink the wine of staggering. 4Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, That it may be displayed because of the truth. [Selah 5That thy beloved may be delivered, Save with thy right hand, and answer us. 6God hath spoken in his holiness: I will exult; I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth. 7Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the defence of my head; Judah is my sceptre. 8Moab is my washpot; Upon Edom will I cast my shoe: Philistia, shout thou because of me. 9Who will bring me into the strong city? Who hath led me unto Edom? 10Hast not thou, O God, cast us off? And thou goest not forth, O God, with our hosts. 11Give us help against the adversary; For vain is the help of man. 12Through God we shall do valiantly; For he it is that will tread down our adversaries.