Psalms 60:1

¶ 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.

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.

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

  • Lament and Perceived Abandonment: The opening phrase, "O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased," expresses profound national distress. It reflects a deep sense of divine judgment and withdrawal, a common theme in psalms of lament when Israel faced defeat or suffering.
  • Prayer for Restoration: Despite the feeling of abandonment, the verse concludes with a fervent plea: "O turn thyself to us again." This demonstrates enduring hope and belief in God's power to restore and deliver, even from a state of perceived rejection. It’s a call for God to turn His face back to His people.
  • National Humility and Dependence: The psalm begins by acknowledging God's sovereignty over their circumstances, even when those circumstances are dire. It's an admission that their scattering and displeasure are not accidental but are seen as divinely ordained, prompting a humble appeal for renewed favor.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verbs used convey strong emotions:

  • "Cast us off" (Hebrew: zanach - זָנַח): This word implies a complete rejection, abandonment, or spurning. It paints a picture of being thrown away or treated as worthless.
  • "Scattered us" (Hebrew: parats - פָּרַץ): While often meaning "to break through" or "burst forth," in this context, it suggests a breaking of ranks, a breach, or a dispersion resulting from defeat.
  • "Been displeased" (Hebrew: anaph - אָנַף): This term means to be angry or enraged, clearly indicating God's wrath or strong disapproval.
  • "Turn thyself to us again" (Hebrew: shuv - שׁוּב): This is a crucial verb meaning "to return," "restore," or "repent." Here, it's a plea for God to reverse His stance, to turn His favor back towards Israel, echoing the call for national repentance and divine restoration.

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:

  • Honest Lament is Valid: It's permissible to express raw feelings of pain, confusion, and even perceived abandonment to God.
  • Hope in God's Restoration: Even in the midst of distress, the underlying trust in God's ability and willingness to "turn Himself again" remains. This psalm, despite its opening lament, ultimately moves towards a declaration of faith and triumph, serving as a reminder that God can turn mourning into dancing.
  • Context Matters: The superscription highlights that current struggles can be part of a larger divine narrative, leading to ultimate victory and glory, even if the immediate situation feels like a defeat.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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