Psalm 60; (2 Samuel 8:1-14)

Here is another Song that reveals David’s confidence based in the character and word of God!  David’s prayer does not come until the end (v11-12) but how he arrives in the full conviction of faith should teach us.  This Psalm is said to be “for teaching” (note the title)  May we learn well!

Again, the title is not necessarily part of the inspired text.  They seem to have been added later.  So we always want to give careful thought as to the connection.  It speaks of military conflict between David and the Syrians and Edomites.  If that is the case it refers to 2 Sam. 8:1-14 (1 Chron. 8:3-13).  It was a time early in David’s reign but after God had established a special covenant relationship with David (2 Sam. 7). 

In the narrative we see that David subdued the Philistines, Moab, Syria and Edom.  These are, of course, the nations that border on Israel (the map shows this clearly.)  King Saul had fought to secure Israel’s borders, but had mixed success and then was killed in battle with the Philistines.  Now David has come to the throne, has had success, but now has the added blessing of God’s gracious covenant.  As he continues to battle it is with a greater confidence that God must and God will fight for Israel.

So now consider Psalm 60, and what it teaches us about trusting God!

·         The historical context, v1-3.  Israel under the proud and disobedient Saul had not been able to count on God’s help.

·         The covenantal context, v4-5.  But now God has made a promise to David to secure his throne.  This is a banner to be carried into battle that encourages God’s people.  David sees himself as God’s beloved (although it could also refer to the nation, God’s firstborn).

·         The national context, v6-8.  David also remembers God’s choice of Israel and His promise to give them the land (e.g. John 1:8).  This included the East side of the Jordan (Gilead, Manasseh).  Israel was God’s inheritance.

·         The practical context, v9-10.  Israel was insufficient in stacking up against the surrounding nations.  The only way for her to succeed was for God, who had seemingly cast them off in the time of Saul, to now lead them into battle.

·         The supplication, v11-12.  And so he pleads: “Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless.”  He trusts: “Through God we will do valiantly.”

We have similar encouragements to our faith.  We have the reminders of past failures, times when it seemed God simply was not with us.  As believers we are in a new covenant relationship with God.  He is FOR us (Rom. 8:31).  As He chose Israel, so He has chosen us to be holy and blameless (Eph. 1:4).  He will do what is necessary to bring us to that goal (Phil. 1:6).  And we should have no question as to our own weaknesses; without Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5).  And as David was confident of doing valiantly, so we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13).  Let us come boldly, confidently, in sincere faith, to the throne of God (Heb. 4:14-16).