Psalms 60:4

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Psalms 60:4 KJV: "Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah."

Context

Psalm 60 is a communal lament and prayer of David, likely composed during a period of national distress and military setback, as indicated by its superscription. The psalm begins with a cry of anguish over God's apparent abandonment and defeat in battle (verses 1-3), possibly referring to an initial defeat against Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah before Joab's eventual victory over Edom in the Valley of Salt (see 2 Samuel 8:13 and 1 Chronicles 18:12). Amidst this hardship, verse 4 marks a turning point, expressing a renewed hope and confidence in God's divine provision and faithfulness to His people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Protection: The central image is God giving a "banner." In ancient warfare, a banner (or standard) served as a rallying point for troops, a symbol of national identity, and a sign of leadership and presence. Here, it signifies God's active presence, protection, and leadership for His people.
  • Fear of the Lord: The recipients of this divine banner are "them that fear thee." This refers not to a servile dread, but to a profound reverence, awe, and obedient trust in God. It highlights that God's favor and provision are extended to those who honor and obey Him.
  • Truth and Testimony: The banner is displayed "because of the truth." This can refer to God's inherent faithfulness and reliability (His truthfulness), or the truth of His promises and covenant with His people. The banner becomes a public declaration of God's steadfast character and His commitment to His covenant.
  • Victory and Public Declaration: The display of the banner is a public act, a visible sign of God's intervention and ultimate triumph, even amidst initial defeat. It serves as an encouragement to God's people and a testimony to the world.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Banner" (Hebrew: nes, ื ึตืก): This word can mean a standard, ensign, sign, or signal. It's often used in contexts of war as a rallying point. This concept is powerfully echoed in Exodus 17:15, where Moses names the altar "Jehovah Nissi," meaning "The Lord My Banner" after a victory.
  • "Fear thee" (Hebrew: yare, ื™ึธืจึตื): Implies reverential awe, respect, and obedience, rather than terror. It's a foundational aspect of wisdom and right relationship with God, as seen in Proverbs 9:10.
  • "Displayed" (Hebrew: nasas, ื ึธืกึทืก): Means to lift up, to wave, to display prominently. It emphasizes the public and visible nature of God's standard.
  • "Truth" (Hebrew: qลลกt, ืงึนืฉืึถื˜): Signifies firmness, faithfulness, reliability, and uprightness. The banner is displayed because God is true to His word and His character.
  • "Selah": A common term in the Psalms, likely indicating a pause for musical interlude or solemn reflection.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 60:4 offers profound encouragement. In times of personal struggle, national crisis, or spiritual warfare, God provides a "banner." This banner represents:

  • God's Unchanging Presence: He is with His people, a constant rallying point in life's battles.
  • The Authority of His Word: The Bible stands as our truth, a standard to live by and declare.
  • The Victory of Christ: For Christians, the cross is the ultimate banner, signifying Christ's triumph over sin and death, which we are called to display (see 1 Corinthians 1:18).

This verse calls us to publicly display our allegiance to God and His truth, living lives that testify to His faithfulness, especially when circumstances seem bleak. It reminds us that our hope is not in human strength or political power, but in the Lord, our Banner, who is always faithful to those who fear Him.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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