Psalms 60 - Meaning, Themes & Application

" [[To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand.]] O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again. "

Psalms 60:1 means David feels God has rejected and scattered His people because of their sin, and he’s begging God to come back and help …

" Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh. "

Psalm 60:2 pictures life shaking like an earthquake—everything feels broken and unsafe. David is saying, “God, it feels like our whole world is falling apart. …

" Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment. "

Psalms 60:3 means God sometimes allows painful, shocking experiences that leave us confused and overwhelmed, like “drinking” something bitter and strong. These seasons wake us …

" Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. "

Psalm 60:4 means God gives His people a clear sign of hope and identity, like a banner held high in battle, so they remember His …

" That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear "

Psalms 60:5 means God’s people are asking Him to rescue them because He loves them. “Right hand” pictures God’s strong power to save. In real …

" God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth. "

Psalm 60:6 means God has firmly promised to give His people victory and a secure place, even after painful losses. David rejoices because God’s word …

" Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver; "

Psalms 60:7 shows God claiming every part of Israel as His and assigning each tribe a role, proving He is in full control. For us, …

" Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph "

Psalms 60:8 uses bold word pictures to show that God rules over Israel’s enemies. Calling Moab a “washpot” and tossing a shoe toward Edom means …

" Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom? "

Psalms 60:9 shows David admitting he can’t win difficult battles on his own and needs God to lead him into “the strong city.” Edom represents …

" Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies? "

Psalm 60:10 shows David feeling rejected by God after a painful defeat. He’s asking, “God, You once let us fall—will You help us now?” It …

" Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. "

Psalms 60:11 means that human help is limited and unreliable, but God’s help is powerful and sure. When you face problems—like job loss, family conflict, …

" Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies. "

Psalms 60:12 means that real victory and courage come from God, not our own strength. With God’s help, we can face tough problems—like anxiety, debt, …