Psalms 60:4

KJV

Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou hast given {H5414}{H8804)} a banner {H5251} to them that fear {H3373} thee, that it may be displayed {H5127}{H8710)} because {H6440} of the truth {H7189}. Selah {H5542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To those who fear you because of the truth you gave a banner to rally around, (Selah)

Berean Standard Bible

You have raised a banner for those who fear You, that they may flee the bow. Selah

American Standard Version

Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, That it may be displayed because of the truth. [Selah

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 60:4 presents a pivotal moment of hope and divine assurance amidst national distress, declaring that God has graciously provided a "banner" to those who revere Him. This banner, a visible sign of His presence, protection, and rallying point, is to be publicly displayed as an undeniable testament to His unwavering faithfulness and the enduring reliability of His covenant promises, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. The verse serves as an anchor of trust in God's character and His ultimate triumph.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 60 is a communal lament, opening with a profound cry of anguish and a vivid description of national defeat and God's apparent abandonment (verses 1-3). The psalmist, David, expresses the deep pain of a nation seemingly shattered and scattered by military setbacks. Verse 4 marks a crucial turning point, shifting from lament to a declaration of God's provision and renewed hope. It introduces the image of a "banner" as a divine gift, setting the stage for the subsequent petitions for victory and expressions of confidence in God's power (verses 5-12). This verse acts as the theological hinge, reorienting the community's perspective from despair to divine trust, even before the full victory is achieved.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription of Psalm 60 explicitly links it to a period of military conflict involving Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, culminating in Joab's victory over Edom in the Valley of Salt. This historical backdrop, detailed in [2 Samuel 8:13](/2_samuel/8-13 "2 Samuel 8:13 - David's Victory Over Edom") and [1 Chronicles 18:12](/1_chronicles/18-12 "1 Chronicles 18:12 - Abishai's Victory Over Edom"), suggests an initial, significant defeat that brought the nation to its knees. In ancient warfare, a banner (or standard) was far more than a flag; it was a critical rallying point for troops, a symbol of national identity, and a visible representation of the commander's presence and authority. Its display signified a call to arms, a declaration of intent, or a sign of victory. The concept of "fear of the Lord" (Hebrew: _yare_) in this context refers not to servile dread but to a profound reverence, awe, and obedient trust—a foundational element of Israel's covenant relationship with God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Divine Provision and Protection**, portraying God as the active giver of a vital symbol of security and guidance in times of war and distress. It underscores the importance of the **Fear of the Lord**, emphasizing that God's favor and empowering presence are uniquely extended to those who live in reverent obedience and trust Him above all else. Furthermore, the theme of **Truth and Testimony** is central, as the banner is displayed "because of the truth," signifying God's inherent faithfulness and the unwavering reliability of His covenant promises to His people. This public display transforms the banner into a **Visible Declaration of God's Sovereignty**, serving as both an encouragement to the faithful and a powerful witness to the surrounding nations of God's ultimate triumph, even when initial circumstances appear bleak.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Banner (Hebrew: נֵס, _nes_):** This term refers to a standard, ensign, or signal. In military contexts, it was a pole with a distinguishing emblem, serving as a rallying point for troops, a sign of leadership, and a symbol of national identity or divine presence. Its display was a public act of declaration. The concept is powerfully echoed in [Exodus 17:15](/exodus/17-15 "Exodus 17:15 - Jehovah Nissi, The Lord My Banner"), where Moses names the altar "Jehovah Nissi," meaning "The Lord My Banner," after a victory, signifying God Himself as the standard around which His people gather for victory.
* **Fear thee (Hebrew: יָרֵא, _yare_):** This Hebrew verb denotes a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God, rather than a servile terror. It encapsulates the proper response of humanity to the holy and mighty God, leading to humble submission, obedient trust, and a desire to live in accordance with His will. This "fear" is often presented as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, as seen in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom").
* **Truth (Hebrew: קֹשֶׁט, _qoshet_):** This noun signifies firmness, reliability, faithfulness, and uprightness. It refers to God's inherent character as one who is true to His word, His promises, and His covenant. The banner is displayed not merely for human morale, but because it is grounded in the unshakeable reality of God's own faithfulness and integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee":** This opening clause highlights God's gracious and active provision. The "banner" is not something earned or created by human effort, but a divine gift. It symbolizes God's active presence, protection, and His role as the ultimate rallying point for His people. The recipients are specifically identified as "them that fear thee," emphasizing that this divine favor and empowering presence are extended to those who live in reverent awe, obedient trust, and devotion to God.
* **"that it may be displayed because of the truth":** This phrase articulates the purpose and foundation of the banner. It is given not to be hidden, but "displayed" (Hebrew: _nasas_, to lift up, to wave, to display prominently), signifying a public and visible declaration. The reason for its display is "because of the truth" (Hebrew: _qoshet_). This refers to God's inherent faithfulness, the reliability of His covenant promises, and the unwavering integrity of His character. The banner, therefore, becomes a public testimony to God's steadfastness and His commitment to His people, even in the face of adversity.
* **"Selah":** This term, frequently found in the Psalms and Habakkuk, is a musical or liturgical instruction. While its precise meaning is debated, it is generally understood to indicate a pause for reflection, emphasis, or an instrumental interlude. In this context, it calls the reader or listener to pause and deeply contemplate the profound theological statement that God provides a banner of truth for His reverent people.

#### Literary Devices
The profound message of Psalms 60:4 is conveyed through several impactful literary devices. The central image is a powerful **Metaphor**: the "banner" serves as a metaphorical representation of God's active presence, His protection, and His role as a rallying point for His people in times of conflict and distress. This metaphor is rich in **Symbolism**, where the banner symbolizes divine authority, unwavering faithfulness, and ultimate victory. It is a visible sign of God's covenant loyalty and His commitment to His people. There is an implicit **Contrast** within the psalm itself, where the initial lament of defeat and abandonment (vv. 1-3) is sharply contrasted with the hope and divine provision introduced in verse 4. This verse functions as a turning point, shifting the emotional and theological trajectory of the psalm from despair to renewed confidence in God. The use of "Selah" also functions as a **Rhetorical Device**, prompting the audience to pause and reflect on the deep theological implications of God's provision of a banner of truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 60:4 powerfully articulates the enduring theological truth of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, even amidst their deepest trials and apparent defeats. It underscores that God is not a distant deity but an active, providing presence, offering a visible standard around which His people can rally. This "banner" is a tangible expression of His truth, signifying His reliability, His promises, and His ultimate sovereignty over all circumstances. It teaches that God's provision is specifically for "them that fear Him," highlighting that a right relationship with God, characterized by reverent awe and obedient trust, is the prerequisite for experiencing His empowering presence and protection. The public display of this banner transforms it into a powerful testimony, not just for the internal encouragement of the faithful, but also as a declaration to the world of God's unchanging character and His commitment to His people.

* [Exodus 17:15](/exodus/17-15 "Exodus 17:15 - Jehovah Nissi, The Lord My Banner")
* [Isaiah 11:10](/isaiah/11-10 "Isaiah 11:10 - The Root of Jesse as a Banner")
* [Psalm 20:5](/psalms/20-5 "Psalm 20:5 - Displaying Banners in God's Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 60:4 offers profound encouragement and a clear call to action. In a world often marked by uncertainty, conflict, and personal struggles, God remains our constant and unchanging rallying point. The "banner" He provides is not a literal flag, but His unchanging Word, His indwelling Spirit, His unfailing presence, and ultimately, the finished work of Jesus Christ. This verse reminds us that our hope and security are not found in human strength, political power, or fleeting circumstances, but solely in the Lord, our Banner. We are called not only to receive this divine provision but to "display" it—to live lives that publicly testify to God's faithfulness and truth, especially when our circumstances seem bleak or challenging. This involves demonstrating our allegiance to Him through our actions, words, and unwavering trust, becoming a visible witness to His transforming power and steadfast character in a world desperately searching for truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "battles" or challenges are you currently facing where you need God to be your visible "banner" and rallying point?**
* **In what practical ways can you "display" God's truth and faithfulness in your daily life, work, and relationships?**
* **How does your understanding of the "fear of the Lord" translate into deeper reverence, obedience, and trust in God?**

### FAQ
**What does "Selah" mean in the Psalms?**

Answer: "Selah" is a Hebrew term found frequently in the Psalms and the book of Habakkuk. While its precise meaning is debated among scholars, it is widely understood to be a musical or liturgical instruction. It likely indicates a pause for reflection, emphasis, or an instrumental interlude within the psalm's recitation or singing. In essence, it calls the reader or listener to stop, ponder, and deeply consider the profound theological truth or emotional sentiment that has just been expressed, allowing it to sink in before proceeding.

**How does God "give a banner" to His people today?**

Answer: While we don't literally carry physical banners into battle, God continues to provide spiritual "banners" for His people. This includes His unchanging Word, the Bible, which serves as our standard of truth and guidance. It is also the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers and directs believers. Ultimately, the greatest banner God has given us is the cross of Jesus Christ, representing His triumph over sin and death, and serving as the ultimate rallying point for all who believe. Our lives, lived in allegiance to Christ, become a visible "display" of this divine banner to the world, testifying to God's truth and faithfulness, as seen in [Philippians 2:15-16](/philippians/2-15 "Philippians 2:15-16 - Holding Forth the Word of Life").

**What does it mean to "fear God" as mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: To "fear God" in the biblical sense, particularly in the Old Testament, does not primarily mean to be terrified of Him. Instead, it signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's majesty, holiness, and power. It involves recognizing His supreme authority and submitting to His will. This "fear" leads to humble obedience, faithful trust, and a desire to live in a way that honors Him. It is the foundation of wisdom and true knowledge, as articulated in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge"), and it leads to a right and flourishing relationship with Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 60:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's "truth" (Hebrew: _qoshet_), declaring, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")". The "banner" God has given to those who fear Him is supremely manifested in the cross of Christ. The cross, once a symbol of shame and defeat, became the ultimate "banner" displayed for all humanity, signifying Christ's triumphant victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. As [John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Lifted Up") proclaims, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." This lifting up on the cross is the ultimate display of God's truth—His justice, His love, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. Those who "fear" (revere and trust) God are those who gather under this banner, finding salvation, unity, and purpose in Christ. Our lives, as followers of Jesus, become the ongoing "display" of this truth, publicly testifying to the power of the cross and the living hope we have in our Lord, who is indeed our eternal banner and rallying point, as [Galatians 6:14](/galatians/6-14 "Galatians 6:14 - Boasting in the Cross of Christ") encourages us to boast only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 20:5

We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up [our] banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

Isaiah 11:12

And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

Exodus 17:15

And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:

Isaiah 13:2

Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt the voice unto them, shake the hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles.

Isaiah 5:26

And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly:

Song Of Solomon 2:4

He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me [was] love.

Isaiah 59:14

And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.