Psalm 60 – Victory is assured when we align with God

Psalm 60 is another mikhtam, a golden Psalm of David, composed for the choir director. It was composed for the purpose of teaching his people. The superscript tells us that it was set to Shushan Eduth. This is probably the tune that this Psalm was set to be sung in. The two names Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, are likely to be two Syrian commanders that led their forces against David and his army. While David was engaged in the thick of battle, he had news that the Edomites invaded the southern part of Palestine. He then quickly despatched Joab, his commander, with some of his forces to ward off the attack. In the ensuing battle, Joab was believed to have killed 12,000 of the Edomites in the Valley of Salt. For more detail, read 2 Samuel 8:3–14, 1 Kings 11:15, 16, and 1 Chronicles 18:12, 13

The Psalm began with an accusation that God had rejected them and caused their defeat. The implication was that God had forsaken them, so they lamented over their defeat in the battle. Verse 9 tells us that it was at the hand of Edom that they had just suffered a defeat. Feeling abandoned by God, they complained to Him about it. Disappointed as they were, they knew that God would nonetheless help them again, so they prayed to Him seeking His help. They had the boldness to ask God to change His attitude and grant them victory over the enemies. 

So in verses 1-4, we see a description of the situation the nation was in. In verse 5, they sought for an answer in prayer and asked God for help. Then in verses 6-8, we see an assurance of victory from God. But we hear their whining again in verses 9-10 before they prayed yet another time for help. Verses 11-12 expressed their confidence that God would answer their cry and come to their rescue.

This Psalm tells us that God will do for us, His people, what no one else can do. When we suffer a setback, don’t jump into any conclusion. We should take time to reflect and think through the possible cause of the setback. God never allows a thing to happen to us without His intended lessons. Be open to learn and allow God to take us through. Hence we should stop whining or complaining. But be driven to seek God and His presence and find our breakthrough again.