United Commentaries

Ps.51.1-65.13

These psalms of David share a common thread in their reflection on the experience of evil. In Ps 51, the psalmist confesses the evil he has done and asks God’s forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 lament specific evils that David experienced. A song of praise (Ps 65) brings David’s laments to an end.

Ps.60.1-12

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

Ps.60.1

title useful for teaching: This psalm was taught to young people as part of their education.

regarding the time: See 2 Sam 8:13-14.

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

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

Ps.60.1-4

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

Ps.60.3

wine (Hebrew yayin) that sent us reeling: Yayin, the generic Hebrew term meaning “wine,” is often associated with drunkenness (2 Sam 13:28; Isa 5:11; 28:7-8; cp. Ps 104:15; Deut 14:26; Isa 55:1); it symbolized God’s judgment of the wicked (Ps 75:8; Jer 51:7).

Ps.60.4

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 (111:10) is not weakness; it provides the perspective and strength required to do what is right.

Ps.60.5-12

This section is repeated verbatim in 108:6-13.

Ps.60.5

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

Ps.60.6-8

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

Ps.60.6

Shechem and Succoth represent Israel’s heartland.

Ps.60.9

Destroying a defeated invader’s capital (the fortified city) would help to ensure that they would not attack again. The capital of Edom was Bozrah, located to the southeast of Israel. Only God could grant victory.