Psalm 60:9

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 60:6-12

David is here rejoicing in hope and praying in hope; such are the triumphs of the saints, not so much upon the account of what they have in possession as of what they have in prospect (Ps. 60:6): ?God has spoken in his holiness (that is, he has given me his word of promise, has sworn by his holiness, and he will not lie unto David, Ps. 89:35), therefore I will rejoice, and please myself with the hopes of the performance of the promise, which was intended for more than a pleasing promise,?... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 60:9

Who will bring me into the strong city ?.... Which some understand of Rabbah of the Ammonites, which Joab besieged, and sent to David to come and take it in person, 2 Samuel 12:26 . The Targum interprets it of Tyre, which was a strong fortified city, Ezekiel 26:4 . It rather seems to be the same with Edom, or the metropolis of the Edomites; since it follows: who will lead me into Edom ? which was situated in the clefts of the rock, and on the height of the hill, Jeremiah 49:16 ;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 60:9

Who will bring me into the strong city? - If this part of the Psalm, from the sixth to the twelfth verse, refer to the return of the captives from Babylon, as I think probable; then the strong city may mean either Petra, the capital of Idumea; Bozra, in Arabia, near the mountains of Gilead; Rabba, the capital of the Ammonites; or Tyre, according to the Chaldee, the capital of Phoenicia; or Jerusalem itself, which, although dismantled, had long been one of the strongest cities of the east. Or... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 60:9

Verse 9 9Who will bring me into the fortified city? Anticipating an objection which might be alleged, he proceeds to state that he looked to God for the accomplishment of what remained to be done in the capture of the fortified places of his enemies, and the consolidation of his victories. It might be said, that as a considerable number continued to resist his claims, the confident terms which he had used were premature. God, however, had pledged his word that every nation which set itself in... 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

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

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