¶ 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.
To the chief Musician {H5329}{H8764)} upon Shushaneduth {H7802}, Michtam {H4387} of David {H1732}, to teach {H3925}{H8763)}; when he strove {H5327}{H8687)} with Aramnaharaim {H763}{H5104} and with Aramzobah {H760}, when Joab {H3097} returned {H7725}{H8799)}, and smote {H5221}{H8686)} of Edom {H123} in the valley {H1516} of salt {H4417} twelve {H8147}{H6240} thousand {H505}. O God {H430}, thou hast cast us off {H2186}{H8804)}, thou hast scattered {H6555}{H8804)} us, thou hast been displeased {H599}{H8804)}; O turn thyself to us again {H7725}{H8787)}.
For the leader. Set to "Lily of Testimony."A mikhtam of David for teaching about when he fought with Aram-Naharayim and with Aram-Tzovah, and Yo'av returned and killed 12,000 from Edom in the Salt Valley: God, you rejected us; you crushed us; you were angry; but now revive us.
You have rejected us, O God; You have broken us; You have been angry; restore us!
O God thou hast cast us off, thou hast broken us down; Thou hast been angry; oh restore us again.
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2 Samuel 8:12
Of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah. -
2 Samuel 8:13
And David gat [him] a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, [being] eighteen thousand [men]. -
2 Samuel 8:3
David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates. -
1 Chronicles 18:12
Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah slew of the Edomites in the valley of salt eighteen thousand. -
1 Chronicles 18:13
And he put garrisons in Edom; and all the Edomites became David's servants. Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went. -
2 Samuel 5:20
And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim. -
1 Chronicles 18:3
And David smote Hadarezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went to stablish his dominion by the river Euphrates.
Psalm 60:1 opens with a detailed superscription, providing crucial historical and musical context for this powerful lament and prayer. The main body of the verse immediately plunges into a cry of distress, reflecting a moment of national crisis and perceived divine displeasure.
Historical and Cultural Context
The superscription, "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," pinpoints the psalm's origin. "Shushaneduth" likely refers to a musical tune or instrument, perhaps "Lily of the Testimony." "Michtam of David" suggests a 'golden psalm' or a psalm for meditation and instruction.
The historical backdrop is significant: David's wars against the Arameans (Syrians) of Aram-Naharaim (Mesopotamia) and Aram-Zobah, and the subsequent victory over Edom. This period is chronicled in 2 Samuel 8 and 1 Chronicles 18. Specifically, the mention of Joab smiting 12,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt (or 18,000 in 2 Samuel 8:13 and 1 Chronicles 18:12) refers to a decisive victory. However, the psalm itself begins with a lament, suggesting it was composed during an initial setback or a period of national vulnerability *before* the ultimate triumph, highlighting the nation's reliance on God amidst adversity.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew verbs used convey strong emotions:
Practical Application
Psalm 60:1 offers a profound lesson for individuals and communities facing hardship. It teaches us that even when we feel God has "cast us off" or is "displeased" with our circumstances, the proper response is not despair but humble lament and earnest prayer for His return. It reminds us that: