Bible Commentaries

Psalm 60:1-12. Shushan-eduth - Lily of testimony. The lily is an emblem of beauty (see on Psalm 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) (2 Samuel 10:16). Aram-zobah - Syria of Zobah (2 Samuel 10:6), to whose king the king of the former was tributary. The war with Edom, by Joab and Abishai (2 Chronicles 18:12, 2 Chronicles 18:25), 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.

allude to disasters.

cast … off — in scorn (Psalm 43:2; Psalm 44:9).

scattered — broken our strength (compare 2 Samuel 5:20).

Oh, turn thyself — or, “restore to us” (prosperity). The figures of physical, denote great civil, commotions (Psalm 46:2, Psalm 46:3).

wine of astonishment — literally, “of staggering” - that is, made us weak (compare Psalm 75:8; Isaiah 51:17, Isaiah 51:22).

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

hear me — or, “hear us.”

God hath spoken in — or, “by.”

his holiness — (Psalm 89:35; Amos 4:2), on the pledge of His attributes (Psalm 22:3; Psalm 30:4). Taking courage from God‘s promise to give them possession (Exodus 23:31; Deuteronomy 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 -

and Manasseh — as large districts, east and west of Jordan, represent the whole land.

divide … and mete out — means to have entire control over.

Ephraim — denotes the military (Deuteronomy 33:17); and -

Judah — (the lawgiver, Genesis 49:10), the civil power. Foreign nations are then presented as subdued.

Moab — is a my washpot - the most ordinary vessel.

over — or, “at”

Edom — (as a slave) he casts his shoe.

Philistia, triumph, etc. — or, rather, “shout.”

for me — acknowledges subjection (compare Psalm 108:9, “over Philistia will I triumph”).

He feels assured that, though once angry, God is now ready to favor His people.

who will lead me — or, who has led me, as if the work were now begun.

Wilt not thou? — or, “Is it not Thou?”

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