Psalms
Summary
Psalm 60 is a communal lament following a military defeat, asking God why He has "cast us off" and "scattered us." It describes the earth as trembling and broken under God's displeasure. The psalmist appeals to the "banner" God gave to those who fear Him, "a banner to be raised because of the truth." David recalls God's promises over Shechem, Succoth, Gilead, and Ephraim, declaring that "Gilead is mine" as he looks for victory over Edom. The psalm concludes with the humble recognition that the "help of man is vain" and that only through God "we shall do valiantly."
O God, you have cast us off, you have scattered us, you have been displeased; O turn yourself to us again.
You have made the earth to tremble; you have broken it; heal its breaches, for it shakes.
You have shown your people hard things; you have made us to drink the wine of astonishment.
You have given a banner to those who fear you, a banner to be raised because of the truth. Selah.
That your beloved may be delivered; save with your right hand, and hear me.
God has spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem and measure out the valley of Succoth.
Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of my head; Judah is my lawgiver;
Moab is my washpot; over Edom I will cast out my shoe; Philistia, triumph because of me.
Who will bring me into the strong city? Who will lead me into Edom?
Will not you, O God, who had cast us off? And you, O God, who did not go out with our armies?
Give us help from trouble; for vain is the help of man.
Through God we shall do valiantly; for he it is who shall tread down our enemies.