Psalm Chapter 60

What is the meaning of Psalm 60?

Introduction to Psalm 60

Psalm 60 stands as a powerful testament to the complex relationship between divine sovereignty and human experience in times of national crisis. This Psalm, attributed to David, was composed during a period of military setbacks and national uncertainty, yet it transforms from a lament into a profound declaration of faith in God’s ultimate victory. The superscription indicates it was written “for teaching,” suggesting its enduring relevance for instructing future generations about maintaining faith during challenging times.

This Psalm masterfully weaves together military imagery, geographical metaphors, and theological truth to address the fundamental question of how God’s people should respond when facing apparent defeat despite having divine promises of victory. Its raw honesty in expressing disappointment while maintaining unwavering trust makes it particularly relevant for believers navigating similar tensions in their own spiritual journeys.

Context of Psalm 60

The historical context of Psalm 60 is specifically linked to David’s campaigns against Edom, as detailed in 2 Samuel 8:13 and 1 Chronicles 18:12. The superscription mentions conflicts with Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah, along with Joab’s victory over twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. This period represented a crucial phase in establishing Israel’s regional dominance under David’s reign, though it came with significant challenges and temporary setbacks.

Within the broader context of the Psalter, this composition belongs to the collection of Davidic psalms that deal with national crises and divine kingship. It follows a pattern seen in other royal psalms where personal lament transforms into communal hope. The Psalm’s placement within Book II of the Psalter (Psalms 42-72) contributes to the larger narrative of God’s faithfulness to His covenant despite apparent contradictions in immediate circumstances.

In the grand narrative of Scripture, Psalm 60 serves as a bridge between God’s promises to David regarding his kingdom and the ultimate fulfillment of these promises in the Messiah. It demonstrates how divine promises often unfold through processes that include temporary setbacks and challenges, preparing God’s people for the ultimate victory of the Messiah’s kingdom.

Ancient Key Word Study

• תְּעוּדָה (te’udah) – “testimony/teaching” – This word in the superscription indicates the Psalm’s didactic purpose. Its root relates to bearing witness or giving testimony, suggesting this Psalm serves as a permanent witness to God’s faithfulness during national crises.
• פָּרַצְתָּנוּ (p’ratztanu) – “broken/breached us” – This military term describes a breach in defensive walls, metaphorically expressing how God had allowed His people to become vulnerable to enemy attack. The word choice emphasizes divine sovereignty even in defeat.
• הִרְעַשְׁתָּה (hir’ashtah) – “made to quake” – This powerful verb describes seismic activity, suggesting divine judgment had shaken the very foundations of the land. It’s used metaphorically to describe profound national instability.
• נָסַס (nas) – “banner/standard” – This military term refers to a rallying point for troops, but here it’s used in the context of God’s truth. It suggests that divine truth serves as a rallying point for God’s people in times of crisis.
• מָעוֹז (ma’oz) – “stronghold” – This defensive term appears frequently in David’s psalms, representing both literal military protection and spiritual security in God. Its use here emphasizes the shift from human to divine protection.
• שְׁכֶם (Shechem) – This city name represents the northern territory of Israel. Its mention along with other geographical locations creates a powerful poetic device declaring God’s sovereignty over all the promised land.
• מְצוּדָתִי (metzudati) – “my fortress” – Related to the word for hunting or capturing, this term presents God as both a defensive stronghold and an aggressive protector who actively fights for His people.
• רַהַב (rahav) – “proudly/fiercely” – This term often refers to mythological chaos monsters in ancient Near Eastern literature, but here it’s used to describe triumphant confidence in God’s power.

Compare & Contrast

• Verse 1’s use of זָנַח (zanach) – “rejected” rather than עָזַב (azav) – “abandoned” is significant. While both words indicate separation, zanach implies a temporary strategic withdrawal rather than permanent abandonment, maintaining hope for restoration.
• Verse 3’s “wine of staggering” (יַיִן תַּרְעֵלָה) employs specific imagery of intoxication rather than general confusion, emphasizing how divine judgment can disorient and destabilize a nation.
• The phrase “give us help against the enemy” (verse 11) uses עָזְרַת (ezrat) rather than יְשׁוּעָה (yeshua), emphasizing immediate military aid while subtly pointing to the need for ultimate salvation.
• The geographical references in verses 6-8 are carefully chosen to represent the totality of the promised land, using historically significant locations rather than mere territorial markers.
• Verse 4’s use of נוּס (nus) – “flee” in relation to the banner suggests taking refuge rather than retreat, contrasting with similar military terminology that might imply defeat.
• The metaphor of God “throwing” His shoe over Edom (verse 8) employs specific cultural imagery of claiming possession, rather than using more direct terms for conquest.
• The declaration “God has spoken in His holiness” (verse 6) uses בְּקָדְשׁוֹ (beqodsho) rather than terms for divine speech, emphasizing the unchangeable nature of God’s promises.

Psalm 60 Unique Insights

The Psalm’s superscription contains a rare musical term “Shushan Eduth” (lily of testimony), which according to ancient Jewish sources, represented a special musical instrument shaped like a lily and used specifically for psalms about divine testimony in times of national crisis. This musical designation adds a layer of liturgical significance to the Psalm’s teaching purpose.

The Midrash Tehillim provides a fascinating insight into verse 8’s reference to Moab as a “washbasin.” It connects this imagery to Ruth the Moabitess, suggesting that from this “washbasin” would come the purification of David’s lineage and ultimately the Messiah. This interpretation adds profound depth to what might otherwise seem like a mere statement of military dominance.

The ancient rabbis noted that the geographical progression in verses 6-8 follows the pattern of Israel’s conquest under Joshua, but in reverse order. This literary device suggests a reconquest or restoration of the land, pointing to both immediate military victories and the future messianic restoration of all things.

Rabbi David Kimchi (Radak) observed that the Psalm’s structure mirrors the pattern of exile and redemption found throughout Scripture: rejection (verses 1-3), restoration (verses 4-8), and ultimate victory (verses 9-12). This pattern would later be seen as prophetic of Israel’s future restoration through the Messiah.

Psalm 60 Connections to Yeshua

The Psalm’s movement from divine rejection to victory prefigures the Messiah’s experience on the cross, where He quoted another psalm of abandonment (Psalm 22:1) but ultimately achieved victory through resurrection. This pattern of apparent defeat transformed into triumph is central to understanding Yeshua’s redemptive work.

The geographical references in verses 6-8, while immediately applying to David’s kingdom, point forward to the Messiah’s universal reign. Yeshua’s kingdom, unlike David’s, will fulfill the ultimate scope of these territories and extend “from sea to sea” (Zechariah 9:10). The mention of Edom particularly resonates with messianic prophecies about the Lord’s victory over His enemies (Isaiah 63:1-6).

Psalm 60 Scriptural Echoes

This Psalm resonates deeply with Joshua 1:1-9, where God promises victory to Joshua while commanding courage and faithfulness. The territorial claims in verses 6-8 echo the original promises to Abraham in Genesis 15:18-21.

The theme of God as a divine warrior who fights for His people connects with Exodus 15:3 and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Revelation’s portrayal of the Messiah as a conquering king (Revelation 19:11-16).

The Psalm’s confidence in divine help despite current circumstances parallels Jehoshaphat’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:6-12, demonstrating a consistent pattern of faith in God’s covenant faithfulness.

Psalm 60 Devotional

In our own spiritual journeys, we often encounter seasons that feel like God has “rejected” us or allowed breaches in our defenses. This Psalm teaches us to honestly acknowledge these feelings while maintaining unwavering trust in God’s ultimate purposes. Just as David could praise God’s sovereignty even in defeat, we too can find strength in knowing that our temporary setbacks serve God’s greater victory.

The Psalm challenges us to view our circumstances through the lens of God’s covenant promises rather than immediate experiences. When facing personal or communal crises, we can follow David’s example of bringing our confusion and pain to God while holding firmly to His promises. This tension between present reality and future hope creates space for deep spiritual growth and authentic faith.

Did You Know

• The Valley of Salt mentioned in the superscription is likely located in southern Jordan near the Dead Sea, where natural salt deposits created a strategic military checkpoint.
• The phrase “Aram Naharaim” refers to Mesopotamia, literally meaning “Aram of the Two Rivers,” referring to the Tigris and Euphrates.
• The musical term “Shushan Eduth” appears only twice in the Psalter, here and in Psalm 80, both psalms dealing with national crisis and restoration.
• The measurement of “twelve thousand” Edomites in the superscription uses the Hebrew word “eleph,” which can also mean “military unit,” possibly indicating military divisions rather than exact numbers.
• The metaphor of throwing a shoe (verse 8) reflects an ancient Near Eastern practice of claiming property by throwing one’s sandal onto it.
• The geographical locations mentioned in verses 6-8 form a clockwise circuit around Jerusalem, symbolizing complete dominion over the promised land.
• The Aramaic Targum interprets this Psalm as a prophecy of the final redemption, connecting it with messianic expectations.
• Archaeological evidence from the Valley of Salt confirms significant military activity during the Davidic period, supporting the historical context of the Psalm.
• The term “Moab is my washbasin” uses imagery from royal court ceremonies where servants would wash their master’s feet, symbolizing complete subjugation.
• The phrase “God has spoken in His holiness” uses a form of divine oath-taking language found in ancient Near Eastern treaties.