Jamieson–Fausset–Brown CommentaryPsalms 60

PSALM 60

Psa 60:1-12. Shushan-eduth--Lily of testimony. The lily is an emblem of beauty (see on Psa 45:1, 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) (2Sa 10:16). Aram-zobah--Syria of Zobah (2Sa 10:6), to whose king the king of the former was tributary. The war with Edom, by Joab and Abishai (2Ch 18:12, 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.

1-3. allude to disasters. cast ... off--in scorn (Psa 43:2; 44:9). scattered--broken our strength (compare 2Sa 5:20). Oh, turn thyself--or, "restore to us" (prosperity). The figures of physical, denote great civil, commotions (Psa 46:2, 3).

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

6-10. God hath spoken in--or, "by." his holiness--(Psa 89:35; Am 4:2), on the pledge of His attributes (Psa 22:3; 30:4). Taking courage from God's promise to give them possession (Ex 23:31; De 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--

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