Day 129

Psalm 60: Read here – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2060&version=NASB

The events of this psalm are to be found in 2Sam8:13,14, 1Kings 11:15&16 and 1Chron 28:12&13. While the actual events are condensed, we know that David was with his army in the far North East engaged in his first Syrian campaign. The Edomites (Capitol Petra) in the South East took advantage of his absence and invaded Palestine. David hears this and dispatches Joab. There was a sever battle in the Valley of Salt (South of the Dead Sea.) The Edomites suffered a crushing defeat; one from which they never recovered.

While David was confused about the situation, he took comfort in understanding that God was the author of it all. What God does in judgment or discipline, He can restore in love and mercy.

The concept of the ‘banner’ (v4) was connected to Israel’s reliance upon God and His victory for them. C.F. Moses building an altar after the Battle of Rephidim and calling it ‘Yahweh Nissi,’ The LORD is our banner. (See Exodus17:8ff)

Note the ‘Selah’ at this point, suggesting special attention to this fact. For the sake of that banner, the cry for deliverance is raised.

The Hebrew word ‘beloved’ (v5) belongs to the language of love poetry; it appeals to the strongest of bonds, the most ardent of relationships. You also are God’s beloved!

 The Geographical mentions in v6-8 cover all the points of the compass surrounding Israel. This shows that God did not speak symbolically. Though He is Lord over all the earth, He has a special care and regard for the land of Israel, His chosen people.

Note the repeated ‘mine’ and ‘my’ in these verses, for everything is His, not theirs, and those to whom He gives it are His tenants and stewards. Yet it is theirs all the more securely for that.

 “The ‘washbasin’ represents Moab’s subjugation to servant status. The ‘strong city’ (v9) is Petra the most inaccessible and apparently impregnable mountain stronghold of Edom. Only God could give victory over a fortress-like that, and David knew it. So he cries to God, acknowledging that ‘the help of man is worthless.

The psalm that began in defeat would end in victory.