Psalms 60:10

[Wilt] not thou, O God, [which] hadst cast us off? and [thou], O God, [which] didst not go out with our armies?

Wilt not thou, O God {H430}, which hadst cast us off {H2186}{H8804)}? and thou, O God {H430}, which didst not go out {H3318}{H8799)} with our armies {H6635}?

God, have you rejected us? You don't go out with our armies, God.

Have You not rejected us, O God? Will You no longer march out, O God, with our armies?

Hast not thou, O God, cast us off? And thou goest not forth, O God, with our hosts.

Psalm 60:10 is a poignant cry from King David, reflecting a moment of national crisis and perceived divine abandonment. This verse is part of a Michtam, a "golden psalm," expressing deep lament and an earnest plea for God's renewed favor and presence in battle.

Historical and Cultural Context

The superscription to Psalm 60 provides crucial context, stating it was written "when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand." This indicates a period of intense military conflict, likely involving significant setbacks against powerful northern kingdoms (Aram) and a decisive victory over Edom, but not without prior struggle. David and Israel had experienced a period of perceived weakness or defeat where God's presence in their military campaigns seemed absent. The question in verse 10 is rhetorical, expressing the nation's bewilderment and plea for God to reverse His apparent withdrawal and lead them to victory.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Perceived Divine Withdrawal: The central theme is the feeling that God has "cast us off" (Hebrew: zanach, meaning to reject, abandon, or disdain) and did not "go out with our armies." This doesn't mean God literally abandoned them, but that His active support in battle, which was crucial for Israelite success (Deuteronomy 20:4), was seemingly absent, leading to defeat or significant struggle.
  • Lament and Plea: The verse is a lament, a heartbroken question posed to God, expressing the nation's vulnerability and desperation. It's a direct appeal for God to return to His accustomed role as their divine warrior and deliverer.
  • National Distress: The context of war highlights the profound distress of the nation. Military defeat was often seen as a sign of God's displeasure or withdrawal, leading to national humiliation and fear.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "cast us off" is zanach (זָנַח), which conveys a sense of rejection or abandonment. It's a strong word, emphasizing the depth of their feeling that God had turned away. The phrase "didst not go out with our armies" vividly describes God's perceived absence from their military campaigns. In ancient Israelite thought, Yahweh was often depicted as a divine warrior who led His people into battle (Exodus 14:14), and His presence guaranteed victory. The lack thereof was a sign of grave concern.

Practical Application and Reflection

Psalm 60:10 offers profound insight into the human experience of faith during adversity. Even devout believers like David can feel as though God has "cast them off" during times of intense personal or national suffering, when prayers seem unanswered, or circumstances appear to go against them. This verse validates such feelings of honest lament and encourages believers to bring their raw emotions and questions directly to God. It reminds us that our perception of God's presence may waver, but His faithfulness does not. Like David, who moved from lament to a renewed declaration of trust and hope in subsequent verses (Psalm 60:12), we are called to persist in prayer, seeking God's renewed intervention and reminding ourselves of His unchanging character, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. It teaches us to voice our deepest pains while holding onto the ultimate hope of God's restoration and victory.

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.

  • Joshua 7:12

    Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, [but] turned [their] backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.

  • Psalms 108:11

    [Wilt] not [thou], O God, [who] hast cast us off? and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts?

  • 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.

  • Deuteronomy 20:4

    For the LORD your God [is] he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.

  • Deuteronomy 1:42

    And the LORD said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I [am] not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies.

  • Psalms 118:9

    [It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

  • Psalms 118:10

    All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.
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