Commentary on Psalms 60

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) (Sa2 10:16). Aram-zobah--Syria of Zobah (Sa2 10:6), to whose king the king of the former was tributary. The war with Edom, by Joab and Abishai (Ch2 18:12, Ch2 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. (Psa 60:1-12)

allude to disasters.

cast . . . off--in scorn (Psa 43:2; Psa 44:9).

scattered--broken our strength (compare Sa2 5:20).

Oh, turn thyself--or, "restore to us" (prosperity). The figures of physical, denote great civil, commotions (Psa 46:2-3).

drink . . . wine of astonishment--literally, "of staggering"--that is, made us weak (compare Psa 75:8; Isa 51:17, Isa 51:22).

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

hear me--or, "hear us."

God hath spoken in--or, "by."

his holiness-- (Psa 89:35; Amo 4:2), on the pledge of His attributes (Psa 22:3; Psa 30:4). Taking courage from God's promise to give them possession (Exo 23:31; Deu 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--

Gilead . . . 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 (Deu 33:17); and--

Judah--(the lawgiver, Gen 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, &c.--or, rather, "shout."

for me--acknowledges subjection (compare Psa 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.

Next: Psalms Chapter 61