Bible Commentaries
Psalms 60

Introduction

PSALM 60

:-. Shushan-eduth—Lily of testimony. The lily is an emblem of beauty (see on Psalms 60:4, title). As a description of the Psalm, those terms combined may denote a beautiful poem, witnessing—that is, for God's faithfulness as evinced in the victories referred to in the history cited. Aram-naharaim—Syria of the two rivers, or Mesopotamia beyond the river (Euphrates) (Psalms 60:4- :). Aram-zobah—Syria of Zobah (Psalms 60:4- :), to whose king the king of the former was tributary. The war with Edom, by Joab and Abishai (2 Chronicles 18:12; 2 Chronicles 18:25), occurred about the same time. Probably, while doubts and fears alternately prevailed respecting the issue of these wars, the writer composed this Psalm, in which he depicts, in the language of God's people, their sorrows under former disasters, offers prayer in present straits, and rejoices in confident hope of triumph by God's aid.

Verse 1

1-3. allude to disasters.

cast . . . off—in scorn (Psalms 43:2; Psalms 44:9).

scattered—broken our strength (compare 2 Samuel 5:20).

Oh, turn thyself—or, "restore to us" (prosperity). The figures of physical, denote great civil, commotions (Psalms 46:2; Psalms 46:3).

Verse 3

3. drink . . . wine of astonishment—literally, "of staggering"—that is, made us weak (compare Psalms 75:8; Isaiah 51:17; Isaiah 51:22).

Verse 4

4, 5. Yet to God's banner they will rally, and pray that, led and sustained by His power (right hand, Psalms 17:7; Psalms 20:6), they may be safe.

Verse 5

5. hear me—or, "hear us."

Verse 6

6-10. God hath spoken in—or, "by."

his holiness— (Psalms 89:35; Amos 4:2), on the pledge of His attributes (Psalms 22:3; Psalms 30:4). Taking courage from God's promise to give them possession (Exodus 23:31; Deuteronomy 11:24) (and perhaps renewed to him by special revelation), with triumphant joy he describes the conquest as already made.

Shechem, and . . . Succoth—as widely separated points, and—

Verse 7

7. Gilead . . . and Manasseh—as large districts, east and west of Jordan, represent the whole land.

divide . . . and mete out—means to have entire control over.

Ephraim—denotes the military (Deuteronomy 33:17); and—

Judah—(the lawgiver, Deuteronomy 33:17- :), the civil power. Foreign nations are then presented as subdued.

Verse 8

8. Moab—is a my washpot—the most ordinary vessel.

over—or, "at"

Edom—(as a slave) he casts his shoe.

Philistia, triumph, &c.—or, rather, "shout."

for me—acknowledges subjection (compare Psalms 108:9, "over Philistia will I triumph").

Verse 9

9, 10. He feels assured that, though once angry, God is now ready to favor His people.

who will lead me— or, who has led me, as if the work were now begun.

Verse 10

10. Wilt not thou?—or, "Is it not Thou?"

Verse 11

11, 12. Hence he closes with a prayer for success, and an assurance of a hearing.