Psalms 60

Psalm 60#sn Psalm 60. The psalmist grieves over Israel’s humiliation, but in response to God’s assuring word, he asks for divine help in battle and expresses his confidence in victory.

For the music director; according to the shushan-eduth style;#tn The Hebrew expression means “lily of the testimony.” It may refer to a particular music style or to a tune title. a prayer#tn The precise meaning of the Hebrew word מִכְתָּם (miktam), which also appears in the heading to Pss 16, 56-59, is uncertain. HALOT 582-83 s.v. defines it as “inscription.” of David written to instruct others.#tn Heb “to teach.” It was written when he fought against Aram Naharaim and Aram-Zobah. That was when Joab turned back and struck down#tn In Josh 8:21 and Judg 20:48 the two verbs “turn back” and “strike down” are also juxtaposed. There they refer to a military counter-attack. 12,000 Edomites#tn Heb “12,000 of Edom.” Perhaps one should read אֲרַם (’aram, “Aram”) here rather than אֱדוֹם (’edom, “Edom”). in the Valley of Salt.#sn The heading apparently refers to the military campaign recorded in 2 Sam 10 and 1 Chr 19.

1O God, you have rejected us. You suddenly turned on us in your anger. Please restore us!

2You made the earth quake; you split it open. Repair its breaches, for it is ready to fall.

3You have made your people experience hard times; you have made us drink intoxicating wine.

4You have given your loyal followers a rallying flag, so that they might seek safety from the bow. (Selah)

5Deliver by your power and answer me, so that the ones you love may be safe.

6God has spoken in his sanctuary: “I will triumph! I will parcel out Shechem; the Valley of Succoth I will measure off.

7Gilead belongs to me, as does Manasseh! Ephraim is my helmet, Judah my royal scepter.

8Moab is my washbasin. I will make Edom serve me. I will shout in triumph over Philistia.”

9Who will lead me into the fortified city? Who will bring me to Edom?

10Have you not rejected us, O God? O God, you do not go into battle with our armies.

11Give us help against the enemy, for any help men might offer is futile.

12By God’s power we will conquer; he will trample down our enemies.