Introduction
Psalm 60 is a prayer of lament and plea for help. David composed this psalm after suffering defeat in battle, acknowledging that the defeat was a result of God’s anger. Despite this, David confidently asks for God’s intervention, trusting that He will restore victory and deliver His people. The psalm reflects the tension between defeat and hope, highlighting God’s sovereignty and the need for His help.
Background of Psalm 60
Psalm 60 is attributed to David and is connected to a military defeat during his reign as king of Israel. It is believed that this psalm was written after David’s defeat by the Edomites, which served as a humbling reminder of God’s judgment and discipline. The psalm expresses a desire for God’s restoration and intervention in the midst of national crisis, offering a prayer for victory and deliverance.
What Does Psalm 60 Mean?
The psalm opens with David acknowledging that the defeat was a result of God’s anger and discipline. Despite the setback, he calls upon God to restore Israel’s strength and provide victory over their enemies. David affirms his trust in God’s sovereignty and expresses confidence that God will deliver His people from their enemies.
Verse Mapping Psalm 60:11
“Give us help against the foe, for human help is worthless.” (CSB)
- Word Study
- Help – Divine assistance, support, or intervention, often associated with God’s active involvement in the lives of His people.
- Foe – The enemy or adversary; in this case, the military forces opposing Israel.
- Worthless – Without value, ineffective, or unable to provide real assistance in times of crisis.
- Cross-References
- Psalm 118:8 – “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.”
- Jeremiah 17:5 – “This is what the Lord says: Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.”
- Paraphrase Give us Your help, Lord, because relying on human strength is useless when facing our enemies.
- Application Psalm 60 reminds us that human resources and strength are insufficient when we face significant challenges. We must place our trust in God alone, relying on His strength and intervention in times of trouble.
How Can We Apply Psalm 60 Today?
- Recognize Our Dependence on God When facing challenges, it’s easy to rely on our own strength or on others for help. However, Psalm 60 reminds us that ultimate help comes from God alone. We should turn to Him first and place our trust in His power.
- Seek God’s Intervention in Times of Crisis Just as David asked for God’s help in the midst of defeat, we can ask God to intervene when we face crises in our lives, whether personal, financial, or relational. God is faithful to provide the help we need.
- Remember God’s Sovereignty Even in the face of defeat or difficulty, we can trust that God is in control. Psalm 60 teaches us to acknowledge His sovereignty and to trust that He will restore and guide us through difficult times.
- Avoid Relying on Human Strength Alone While it’s important to seek help from others when needed, we must remember that human strength is limited. Psalm 60 encourages us to place our ultimate trust in God, knowing that His help is far more powerful and effective than anything humans can provide.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of your life do you tend to rely on your own strength or the strength of others? How can you learn to depend more fully on God?
- When was the last time you experienced a crisis and turned to God for help? How did He provide for you?
- How can you remember God’s sovereignty in moments of defeat or difficulty?
A Closing Prayer
Lord, I recognize that I am completely dependent on You for help and strength. I ask that You intervene in my life, especially when I face difficulties or defeat. Help me to trust in Your sovereignty and to place my hope in Your deliverance. May I always turn to You first, knowing that You are my ultimate source of help. Amen.
Final Thoughts
Psalm 60 teaches us to acknowledge our dependence on God and to place our trust in Him when we face challenges. It reminds us that while human strength is limited, God’s power is infinite. As we seek His help, we can trust that He will deliver us and restore us, no matter what obstacles we face.
