Psalms 60:1-12 - Exposition

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 Israel (verses 1-3, 12)—but terminating in a glorious victory, and in the subjugation and occupation of the country ( 2 Samuel 8:14 ; 1 Chronicles 18:13 ). The psalm is written after the great defeat, and before the fortune of war has turned. God is pleaded with (verses 1-5), reminded of the promises which he has made (verses 16-8), exhorted in the strongest terms to give his help (verses 9-11), finally pronounced a sure Helper, through whom Israel is certain to obtain complete victory. (verse 12).

There are three strophes in the psalm—

the first of five verses (verses 1-5);

the second of three (verses 6-8); and

the third of four (verses 9-12).