Psalms 60
Read Psalms 60 (WEB)+
1God, you have rejected us. You have broken us down. You have been angry. Restore us, again. 2You have made the land tremble. You have torn it. Mend its fractures, for it quakes. 3You have shown your people hard things. You have made us drink the wine that makes us stagger. 4You have given a banner to those who fear you, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. 5So that your beloved may be delivered, save with your right hand, and answer us. 6God has spoken from his sanctuary: “I will triumph. I will divide Shechem, and measure out the valley of Succoth. 7Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine. Ephraim also is the defense of my head. Judah is my scepter. 8Moab is my wash basin. I will throw my shoe on Edom. I shout in triumph over Philistia.” 9Who will bring me into the strong city? Who has led me to Edom? 10Haven’t you, God, rejected us? You don’t go out with our armies, God. 11Give us help against the adversary, for the help of man is vain. 12Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is he who will tread down our adversaries.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man!"”
Psalms 60:11
Summary
Psalm 60 expresses a communal lament during a time of national defeat, attributed to King David after a military setback. The psalmist acknowledges God's apparent rejection and anger that has led to their suffering and disarray. Amidst this calamity, they recognize the need for God's help and appeal to His past faithfulness and covenant promises. As the psalm progresses, there is a transition from despair to hope. The people implore God to rescue and support them in their turbulent times, acknowledging that victory is only possible through His intervention. It concludes with an affirmation of trust that God will ultimately bring salvation and restore the nation to its former strength.
Go deeper
Ask the AI about Psalms 60
Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture.
Daily Scripture study
Get a short devotional by email
One passage, one reflection, and one practical question for the day.
Subscribe free and instantly get “Depth Without Seminary” — our step-by-step study guide (PDF).
One short email each morning. Unsubscribe anytime.
Studying Psalms with a print Bible beside you? See our picks for the best study Bibles for beginners.
Chapter outline
How Psalms 60 unfolds
Psalm 60:1–3 A Cry for Restoration
The psalmist begins by expressing feelings of rejection and anger from God, pleading for restoration after experiencing turmoil and suffering.
Psalm 60:4–5 The Call for Deliverance
The psalmist acknowledges God's past support and appeals for help, invoking His power to save His people from their adversaries.
Psalm 60:6–8 God's Sovereign Authority
God declares His sovereignty over the land and its people, asserting His control over Israel's territories and enemies.
Psalm 60:9–10 Questioning God's Presence
The psalmist questions God's withdrawal from their battles, highlighting their desperation and sense of abandonment in the face of conflict.
Psalm 60:11–12 Recognition of Human Limitations
The psalmist acknowledges that human efforts are inadequate for victory, affirming confidence in God's power to achieve triumph.
Key verses
Psalms 60:11The key verse emphasizes reliance on God, underscoring the chapter's focus on seeking divine help in times of crisis.
Main themes in Psalms 60
Divine Help in Crisis
This theme emerges in verses 5 and 11, where the psalmist earnestly pleads for God's assistance in the face of overwhelming challenges. The intensity of the cries for help underscores the dire circumstances and highlights the psalmist's recognition of human frailty in contrast to divine strength. Throughout the chapter, this movement from despair to a confident appeal for divine deliverance illustrates the reliance on God's intervention as essential for overcoming crisis.
National Lament
The national lament is evident in the opening verses, where the collective suffering of the people is poignantly voiced. The acknowledgment of God’s anger alongside a fervent call for restoration encapsulates the shared grief and distress experienced within the community. This context not only reflects the depth of their sorrow but also emphasizes the importance of unity in seeking God's mercy and intervention for healing and renewal.
Human Inadequacy
This theme is articulated in verse 11, where the psalmist openly admits that human efforts alone are insufficient for securing victory. The stark contrast between divine capability and human limitation serves to underscore the necessity of relying on God in times of trouble. By recognizing this inadequacy, the chapter deepens its appeal for divine aid, reinforcing the idea that true strength comes from dependence on God's power.
Divine Faithfulness
References to God's past actions in verses 6-8 serve as a testament to His enduring faithfulness to Israel throughout their history. The psalmist's declaration of God's sovereignty and promise encourages the people to trust in His unwavering commitment to them. This theme provides reassurance to the community that despite their current struggles and challenges, God's faithfulness remains a steadfast foundation for hope and restoration.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Psalms 60
- Psalm 44Psalm 44 echoes themes of national lament and divine assistance in times of distress and defeat.
- 2 Chronicles 7This passage connects through themes of seeking God's favor and restoration after experiencing hardship.
- Psalm 108Psalm 108 develops the idea of trust in God's sovereignty, similar to the affirmations in Psalm 60.
- 2 Samuel 8The military victories recounted in 2 Samuel 8 provide background for understanding God's sovereignty in battle.
- Psalm 20Psalm 20 connects with the theme of trusting in God for help during times of national crisis.
- 1 Chronicles 18This passage echoes God's sovereign rule over Israel's enemies and His faithfulness to grant victory.
Study questions
Questions for studying Psalms 60
- What feelings does the psalmist express in verses 1-3?
- How does the imagery of land in verse 2 contribute to the lament?
- What does the reference to a banner in verse 4 signify?
- How does the sovereignty of God manifest in verses 6-8?
- What is the significance of the question posed in verse 9?
- What does verse 11 reveal about reliance on human strength?
- How does the psalmist conclude with a statement of faith in verse 12?
Psalms 60: frequently asked questions
What is Psalms 60 about?+
What is the key verse in Psalms 60?+
What are the main themes of Psalms 60?+
Related chapters