Psalm 60

1. This psalm reflects national shock and dismay at a military defeat. The defeat that is being lamented is mentioned in Second Samuel 8 and First Chronicles 18. The nation of Israel was attacked by surprise and defeated. Now David expresses their disbelief at the events that have unfolded.

2. David understands that it is God Who has made this (or allowed this) defeat to happen, and so, in verse 1, he asks God to “restore us.” Sometimes national repentance is necessary. Could it be that our nation needs to be on its collective knee?

3. Verse 2 poetically speaks of security lost. The use of an earthquake in the poem expresses the fact that what seems to be secure (such as the ground) may not be. The Israelites must have felt as though they were secure before this shocking loss.

4. The end of verse 3 expresses the feelings of the people after the defeat. It is as if they have been made drunk by wine. In other words, they are confused and in a daze as one is who has been made drunk.

5. However, beginning with verse 4, David admits that God has a “banner,” symbolizing something around which to rally following this defeat. They need to come back to God and begin to work His way again.

6. Verses 6-8 list various strategic locations among the kingdom. David is saying that, while these portions are of Israel, they are really of God. He is, in effect, asking God to protect Israel; most especially these locations (seeing as how they had lost the battle that caused this psalm in surprise fashion).

7. The final four verses (9-12) restate what has already been said in the psalm. David acknowledges that Israel has sinned, but now wishes to reunite under God. With that step done, the people will be ready to fight God’s way and win for His people. Not only will they win, they will do so “valiantly.”