Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 60

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

The psalmist laments a national defeat and cries out to God for rescue.

When God’s people experience his discipline, they affirm their loyalty and await God’s answer.

• This psalm was taught to young people as part of their education.

• When: See 2 Samuel 8:13–14.

• Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah refer to the Arameans of northwest Mesopotamia and Syria (see study note on Genesis 24:10).

• The tune “Lily of the Testimony” is unknown today.

we are staggered from the wine: Yayin, the Hebrew word for "wine," is often associated with drunkenness (2 Samuel 13:28; Isaiah 5:11; 28:7–8; see also Psalm 104:15; Deuteronomy 14:26; Isaiah 55:1). It symbolized God's judgment on the wicked (Psalm 75:8; Jeremiah 51:7).

• God raised a banner over his people to serve as a rallying point and as a source of pride and confidence.

• The fear of God that leads to wisdom (Psalm 111:10) is not weakness. It gives the perspective and strength needed to do what is right.

This section is repeated in Psalm 108:6–13.

The psalmist prays for rescue based on the special relationship between God and his people.

The Lord responds with a message of promise. He shares his land with his people as spoils of war.

Shechem and Succoth represent the heartland of Israel.

These places were located in the central region of the land. Because of this, they can represent the center of Israel’s life and strength.

Destroying the capital (the fortified city) of a defeated invader would help prevent future attacks. Edom's capital was Bozrah, located to the southeast of Israel. Only God could grant victory.