Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 60

Prayer in a Time of National TroubleThe title of this psalm tells us it is a Michtam, or “David’s jewel,” and that it is meant to teach. The Levites were to teach this psalm to the people to help them trust in God and celebrate victory the right way—by giving all praise to God, not to themselves or other people. The psalm was written when David was fighting against the Syrians and had just won a big victory over the Edomites. At the same time, he was still facing trouble with the Syrians. So, David had both worries and joys. He brought both his problems and his celebrations to God in prayer and praise. This teaches us that even when we have some victories, we may still have struggles, and we should turn to God with both our cares and our thanks.v. 1: David remembers the hard times Israel has gone through. He says, O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased . The people had suffered defeats and confusion, especially at the end of Saul’s reign and during David’s early struggles. David knows that these troubles happened because God was displeased with the people and had removed His protection from them. We must always remember that God is in control, even in our problems.

v. 2: David continues, Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh . The nation was shaken, divided, and weak from many defeats. David asks God to heal the country and bring unity and peace again. Only God’s wisdom and grace can repair what has been broken.

v. 3: He says, Thou hast showed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment . The people had faced suffering and confusion. They felt like people who were drunk, unable to understand what was happening or what to do next. David shares these memories to teach the people to remain humble and to remember that God’s help is what brings real change.

v. 4: David then notes a sign of hope: Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth . Even though times were hard, God gave encouragement to those who trusted in Him. David’s victory and leadership were like a banner for the faithful, uniting and giving them courage. For Christians, Jesus is our banner—He brings us together, gives us hope, and leads us in truth (Isaiah 11:10 ).

v. 5: Finally, David prays, That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me . He asks God to protect and rescue His people, calling them “beloved.” David trusts that God will save those who love Him, using His mighty power. When God delivers the church or nation, we can see it as an answer to many prayers—even our own.

Rejoicing in HopeIn this section, David is filled with hope. He is happy not just for what he has already received, but for what God has promised for the future. David trusts God's word, believing that His promises will come true. This faith gives him joy and confidence, even before he sees everything finished. God’s promises are a strong foundation for believers to hope and rejoice.v. 6: David says, God has spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice . He is glad because God has promised to give him victory. David is sure that God’s word will be fulfilled. He sees himself as already ruling over the land, dividing Shechem and measuring out Succoth as his own.

v. 7: He continues, Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver . David sees all the tribes coming together under his rule. Ephraim will provide strong soldiers, and Judah will give wise leaders. David celebrates that God’s promise includes all these blessings.

v. 8: David also looks forward to victory over enemy nations. He says, Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me . Moab will be humbled and serve Israel. David will claim Edom as his own, and the Philistines will no longer be able to boast against him. God’s people will have victory over their enemies (2 Samuel 8:2; Ruth 4:7 ).

v. 9: David asks, Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom? . He knows there are still strong enemies left, and he cannot win without God’s help. Even after some victories, David is humble and asks God for guidance and strength to finish the work.

v. 10: He remembers times when God seemed distant: Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies? . David admits that past failures happened because God did not help them. But he trusts that God’s mercy will return and finish what He has started.

v. 11: David prays, Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man . He knows that human strength is not enough. Only God can save and give true victory.

v. 12: Finally, David says, Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies (Psalm 60:12 ). David’s courage comes from trusting God. He knows that every victory comes from God’s power, not from his own strength. All praise belongs to God alone.