1 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.
Psalm 60 is a cry out to God during a time of national crisis. This Psalm, attributed to King David, is a plea for restoration after suffering a devastating defeat. It is believed to be written during a time of war, specifically when David was fighting against the Edomites. The Psalm is not only a reflection of the historical situation of the Israelites, but it also carries spiritual significance for believers today. The main themes of this Psalm include divine judgement, the frailty of human efforts, the assurance of God's promises, and the hope for divine intervention.
The historical context gives an understanding of the distress expressed in Psalm 60. The superscription of the Psalm states that it was written when David strove with Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah, and Joab returned and smote twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt. These battles were some of the most brutal in David’s reign, causing the nation to reel in shock and uncertainty. The Psalmist describes this situation in verses 1 to 3: "O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again." (Psalm 60:1 KJV) The language used here suggests a sense of divine judgement. It felt as if God had abandoned them, causing them to experience defeat.
The Psalmist also acknowledges the frailty of human efforts without divine assistance. In verse 11, he writes: "Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man." (Psalm 60:11 KJV) This statement underscores the futility of human efforts in the face of divine displeasure. Regardless of their military prowess or strategic planning, the Israelites realized that without God's favour, their efforts were in vain. It is a reminder for believers today that human strength and wisdom are insufficient without God's guidance and intervention.
Despite the dire situation, Psalm 60 is not devoid of hope. In verses 6 to 8, the Psalmist recalls God's promises to His people. He declares: "God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth. Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver; Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me."(Psalm 60:6-8 KJV) These verses express confidence in God's promises to give the land to Israel. The Psalmist is assured that despite the current circumstances, God's promises stand. This is a reminder for believers today that God's promises are unchanging and reliable amidst life's uncertainties.
Psalm 60 ends with a plea for divine intervention and a declaration of trust in God. In verse 12, the Psalmist confidently proclaims: "Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies." (Psalm 60:12 KJV) This statement reflects the Psalmist's hope for divine intervention and expresses a profound trust in God's deliverance. Despite the initial despair, the Psalmist ultimately places his confidence in God. It is a powerful testimony of faith for believers today, reminding them to trust in God's deliverance, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
In conclusion, Psalm 60 is a powerful testament of faith during a time of national crisis. It acknowledges the reality of divine judgement and the limitations of human efforts, yet it also expresses confidence in God's promises and hope for divine intervention. For believers today, this Psalm serves as a reminder to trust in God's promises and seek His intervention in times of difficulties. It assures us that even when we face challenges, God's promises remain steadfast and His deliverance is certain.
Despite the context of war and national crisis, Psalm 60 carries a timeless message of hope and faith. Its themes resonate with believers today, reminding us of the importance of relying on God in all circumstances. Whether we face personal trials or national crises, Psalm 60 offers solace and encouragement. It teaches us that human efforts are futile without God's guidance and that God's promises are reliable despite life's uncertainties. Above all, it reassures us that with God, we can face any challenge valiantly.
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