King James Version

What Does Psalms 60:1 Mean?

“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. Michtam: or, A golden Psalm scattered: Heb. broken”

Context

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. Michtam: or, A golden Psalm scattered: Heb. broken

Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.

Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(1) **Hast scattered us.**—Literally, *hast broken us. *A word used of a wall or fence, Psalm 80:12, but in 2Samuel 5:20 applied to the rout of an army, an event which gave its name to the locality, “plain of breaches.” So in English: “And seeing me, with a great voice he cried, They are broken, they are broken.”— TENNYSON: *Elaine.* On the other hand, the two succeeding verses seem to refer to a *political *convulsion rather than a *military *defeat, and it has been conjectured that the *breach *between the two kingdoms is here indicated. (See the use of *perez=breach, *in Judges 21:15.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 60:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.