Psalms 60:1
O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses; you have been angry; oh, restore us.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just say God "scattered" them; the original Hebrew word also means "broken us." This points to a deeper wound than just dispersion – it speaks to the shattering of their defenses, their very sense of security, as if a wall had been broken down, leaving them utterly vulnerable. This isn't just a military defeat, but a profound sense of being broken and exposed.
The psalm opens with David lamenting a devastating military defeat, feeling abandoned and broken by God. This cry of distress likely follows a specific historical event, possibly a conflict against the Edomites mentioned in the superscription, where Israel suffered heavy losses and their defenses were shattered. David looks back on this painful moment, acknowledging God's apparent anger and pleading for His restoration and renewed favor.
Understand the original words
Elohim · Hebrew Noun
The generic term for the divine Being, referring to His power, majesty, and authority as the Creator and Judge of all mankind.
zanach · Hebrew Verb
The act of God withdrawing His favor, covenant presence, or protection from His people due to their disobedience, serving as a form of divine discipline.
anaph · Hebrew Verb
To be filled with righteous indignation against sin; it represents God’s settled opposition to evil and His active, holy response to the covenant unfaithfulness of His people.
shuwb · Hebrew Verb
The act of God bringing His people back into a state of favor, fellowship, or prosperity after a period of divine judgment or exile.
This psalm reflects a moment of severe national crisis, possibly after a serious military setback against the Edomites and Arameans, where the nation feels abandoned by God. It highlights the deep spiritual connection between national fortune and God's favor.
c. 1010 BC
David's civil war and struggle for kingship
Following Saul's death, David was crowned king over Judah, but faced a long civil war against the house of Saul, leading to national division and turmoil.
c. 1005 BC
David consolidates power over all Israel
David eventually unified all the tribes of Israel under his rule, establishing Jerusalem as his capital.
c. 1005-1000 BC
David's campaigns against surrounding nations
David waged successful wars against several nations, including the Arameans (Syrians) of Zobah and of Maacah, and subdued Edom in the Valley of Salt.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
Joab defeats Edomites in Valley of Salt
Joab, David's commander, led a decisive military campaign against the Edomites, inflicting heavy losses in the Valley of Salt, securing the southern border.
This passage directly parallels the lament in Psalm 60:1, describing a military defeat where God seems to have rejected and scattered His people.
Lamentations 5:21-22This lament echoes the feeling of abandonment and divine displeasure, praying for God's return and restoration to His people who feel forsaken.
Jeremiah 30:11This verse speaks of God's discipline as a form of correction, promising restoration after judgment, mirroring the plea in Psalm 60:1 for God to turn back to them.
Romans 11:15This passage discusses the rejection of Israel and the subsequent scattering, but also holds out hope for future restoration, resonating with the theme of God turning back to His people after displeasure.
Psalms 85:4-7This psalm is a prayer for restoration after a period of exile and God's displeasure, directly asking God to turn back and revive His people, much like Psalm 60:1.
pulpitPsalms 60:1: "<> O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again."
Verse 1. - O God, thou hast east us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased (comp. Psalm 44:9-11). The expressions used imply a signal defeat, which, though not mentioned in the historical books, harmonizes with the account given in 1 Kings of the severe treatment of Edom by Joab. From the fact of the defeat the psalmist infers the ground of it - God's di…
gillPsalms 60:1: "To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand. O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again."
O God, thou hast cast us off,.... What is said in this verse, and Psalm 60:2 , are by some applied to times past; to the distress of the people Israel by their neighbours in th…
The verse doesn't just say God "scattered" them; the original Hebrew word also means "broken us." This points to a deeper wound than just dispersion – it speaks to the shattering of their defenses, their very sense of security, as if a wall had been broken down, leaving them utterly vulnerable. This isn't just a military defeat, but a profound sense of being broken and exposed.
The psalm opens with David lamenting a devastating military defeat, feeling abandoned and broken by God. This cry of distress likely follows a specific historical event, possibly a conflict against the Edomites mentioned in the superscription, where Israel suffered heavy losses and their defenses were shattered. David looks back on this painful moment, acknowledging God's apparent anger and pleading for His restoration and renewed favor.
The psalm opens with David lamenting a devastating military defeat, feeling abandoned and broken by God. This cry of distress likely follows a specific historical event, possibly a conflict against the Edomites mentioned in the superscription, where Israel suffered heavy losses and their defenses were shattered. David looks back on this painful moment, acknowledging God's apparent anger and pleading for His restoration and renewed favor.
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c. 1000 BC
David's forces fight Arameans
During this period, David's armies also contended with the Arameans of Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, engaging in significant battles.
"O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses; you have been angry; oh, restore us." — The verse doesn't just say God "scattered" them; the original Hebrew word also means "broken us." This points to a deeper wound than just dispersion – it speaks to the shattering of their defenses, t…
