King James Version

What Does Psalms 60:10 Mean?

Psalms 60:10 in the King James Version says “Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies? — study this verse from Psalms chapter 60 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?

Psalms 60:10 · KJV


Context

8

Moab is my washpot ; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me. triumph: or, triumph thou over me: (by an irony)

9

Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom? strong: Heb. city of strength?

10

Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?

11

Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. help of man: Heb. salvation, etc

12

Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The question 'hast not thou cast us off?' circles back to verse 1, but now positioned between God's promises (vv. 6-8) and appeal for help. This demonstrates that believers can simultaneously affirm God's election and question present circumstances. The tension between 'cast us off' and 'go out with our armies' reflects the mystery of divine sovereignty including temporary setbacks.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The pattern of God not going out with Israel's armies appeared in previous defeats (Numbers 14:42-45, Joshua 7:4-5), always connected to sin requiring repentance. David discerns that current defeat indicates divine displeasure requiring restoration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you hold together God's unchanging covenant promises and present discipline?
  2. What does God's refusal to 'go out with armies' teach about the source of victory?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
הֲלֹֽא1 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אַתָּ֣ה2 of 8
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים3 of 8

Wilt not thou O God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

זְנַחְתָּ֑נוּ4 of 8

which hadst cast us off

H2186

reject, forsake, fail

וְֽלֹא5 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֵצֵ֥א6 of 8

which didst not go out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים7 of 8

Wilt not thou O God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְּצִבְאוֹתֵֽינוּ׃8 of 8

with our armies

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci


Study Guide

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 60:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 60:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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