Psalms 60

Psalms 60:1-12

The psalmist laments a national defeat and cries out to God for rescue.

Psalms 60:1-4

When God’s people experience his discipline, they affirm their loyalty and await God’s answer.

Psalms 60:1

• This psalm was taught to young people as part of their education.

• When: See 2 Samuel 8:13–14.

• Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah refer to the Arameans of northwest Mesopotamia and Syria (see study note on Genesis 24:10).

• The tune “Lily of the Testimony” is unknown today.

Psalms 60:3

we are staggered from the wine: Yayin, the Hebrew word for "wine," is often associated with drunkenness (2 Samuel 13:28; Isaiah 5:11; 28:7–8; see also Psalm 104:15; Deuteronomy 14:26; Isaiah 55:1). It symbolized God's judgment on the wicked (Psalm 75:8; Jeremiah 51:7).

Psalms 60:4

• God raised a banner over his people to serve as a rallying point and as a source of pride and confidence.

• The fear of God that leads to wisdom (Psalm 111:10) is not weakness. It gives the perspective and strength needed to do what is right.

Psalms 60:5-12

This section is repeated in Psalm 108:6–13.

Psalms 60:5

The psalmist prays for rescue based on the special relationship between God and his people.

Psalms 60:6-8

The Lord responds with a message of promise. He shares his land with his people as spoils of war.

Psalms 60:6

Shechem and Succoth represent the heartland of Israel.

These places were located in the central region of the land. Because of this, they can represent the center of Israel’s life and strength.

Psalms 60:9

Destroying the capital (the fortified city) of a defeated invader would help prevent future attacks. Edom's capital was Bozrah, located to the southeast of Israel. Only God could grant victory.

Aquifer Open Study Notes © 2026 Mission Mutual, an adaptation of the Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.