Psalm 60:9-12 NIV

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 60:11

Verse 11 11Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Again he reverts to the exercise of prayer, or rather is led to it naturally by the very confidence of hope, which we have seen that he entertained. He expresses his conviction, that should God extend his help, it would be sufficient of itself, although no assistance should be received from any other quarter. Literally it reads, Give us help from trouble, and vain is the help of man “O God,” as if he had said, “when pleased to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 60:1-12

The psalm itself has every characteristic of the Davidic style—liveliness, rapid transitions, terse yet comprehensive language, strong metaphors, intense feeling, hopefulness. It belongs to the time when, after his first Syrian campaign ( 2 Samuel 8:3-8 ), David was engaged in a war with Edom of a most sanguinary character ( 2 Samuel 8:13 ; 1 Kings 11:15 , 1 Kings 11:16 ; 1 Chronicles 18:12 )—marked by striking vicissitudes, and at least one grievous defeat of the forces of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 60:1-12

Despondency and its antidote. There are heights and depths in the Divine life. We may pass quickly from the one to the other. When at the height of triumph we may be brought low. When in the depths of despondency we may be raised up. This psalm speaks of despondency. We see— I. HOPE RISING IN THE MIDST OF DESPONDENCY . ( Psalms 60:1-4 .) We are apt to fix our mind on our trials. They bulk large. They press us sorely. We dwell upon their grievousness. We shrink from... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 60:1-12

Assurance in prayer. I. THE PRAYER OF THE REJECTED FOR RESTORATION . ( Psalms 60:1-5 .) The grounds of the prayer are: 1 . Their great need . Felt themselves as if cast off—the very earth trembling with their calamity. They had been reduced to the helplessness of one overcome with wine. 2 . The faithfulness of God to his promises was their banner . ( Psalms 60:4 .) They could pray because they carried this banner. 3 . They could hope and pray on... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 60:9

Who will bring me into the strong city? The "strong city" of Edom was Sela, "The Cliff"—now Petra. And it was a city of enormous strength, rock hewn in the main, and guarded by frightful precipices. Who will conduct me through its strong natural and artificial defences, and give me possession of the place? Who will lead me into Edom? Who will even bring me into the country? The Edomites, flushed with their recent victory, will, of course, dispute my entrance. Who will enable me to overcome... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 60:9-12

Rehearsal of God's promises has raised the psalmist out of despondency, and he can now confidently call God to his assistance. Edom is to be conquered, for so God has premised ( Psalms 60:8 ). But how? Who will lead out Israel's armies? Will God, who has lately "cast Israel off"? If not, it must he man. But "vain is the help of man" ( Psalms 60:11 ). So the call is made that God will give help in the trouble—and with the call comes full confidence—and the triumphant cry goes forth,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 60:10

Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? rather, Hast not thou, O God, cast us off? Can we expect thee to lead us, when thou hast so lately cast us off, and, as we hear it said on all sides, dost not go out with our armies? A reference, perhaps, to Psalms 44:9 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 60:11

Give us help from trouble. Faith combats doubt, and, overcoming it, finds an utterance—"Give us help now , whatever thou hast done in the past." Our trouble is great. "Help us from it." For vain is the help of man. We have, therefore, no hope but in thee. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 60:12

Through God we shall do valiantly. No miracle is expected or asked for. Let God look upon us favourably—let his light shine into our hearts, and then "we ourselves shall do valiantly"—we shall gain the victory—we shall accomplish the prophecy of Balaam ( Numbers 24:18 ); and Edom shall pass into our possession. (For the fulfilment, see 2 Samuel 8:14 ; 1 Chronicles 18:13 .) For he it is that shall tread down our enemies (comp. Psalms 44:5 ), which has the same meaning, "Through thy... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 60:9

Who will bring me into the strong city? - The strong city - the fenced, the fortified city - referred to here is doubtless the capital of Idumea. This was the celebrated city Petra, situated in the rocks, and so difficult to be taken by an enemy. For a description of it, see the notes at Isaiah 16:1. It was this city, as the capital of the land of Edom, which David was now so anxious to secure; and he asks, therefore, with interest, who among his captains, his mighty men, would undertake the... read more

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 60:11

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 60:1-12

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 60:1-12

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 60:1-12

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 60:9

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 60:9-12

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 60:10

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 60:11

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 60:12

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 60:9

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