Psalm 60 Meaning Explained

A communal lament after military defeat. It feels like God has rejected and broken them. The vivid image of God giving His people 'wine that made us stagger' captures their disorientation. Yet, embedded is an ancient oracle: 'With God we shall do valiantly.' The psalm holds the tension between the experience of abandonment and the stubborn memory of God’s promise to tread down foes.

A clear explanation of Psalm 60, its meaning, context, and message for believers today

Psalms Chapter 60 | KJV

1. 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.
2. Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.
3. Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.
4. Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.
5. That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me.
6. God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.
7. Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;
8. Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me.
9. Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?
10. Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?
11. Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.
12. Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

Historical Context

Psalm 60, attributed to David, was written after military defeat, expressing trust in God for restoration and victory.