David begins this psalm during campaigns against Mesopotamia and Syria by acknowledging God’s sovereignty. We sees God as being able to cast off, break down, and be displeased with His people, but asks Him to restore him. God makes the ground tremble and break, and David asks for Him to heal it. God has shown the people hard things, and brought confusion, but He also has given a banner to those who fear Him. The remainder of the psalm talks of God’s actions to bring victory and rejoicing t0 Israel, and His identification with and protection of His people. The final few sentences exemplify the back and forth of the psalm:
Psalm 60:10–12 (NKJV)
10 Is it not You, O God, who cast us off?
And You, O God, who did not go out with our armies?
11 Give us help from trouble,
For the help of man is useless.
12 Through God we will do valiantly,
For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.
This psalm shows us the heart of a warrior, constantly embattled, yet firmly aware of the need for trust in God. David was a man who knew the uncertainty of warfare, but still knew the certainty of God’s power and faithfulness. Even when the enemy is at the gate, God stands in the gate on our behalf. Trust in Him!
Devoted To You 