601 God, you have put us away from you, you have sent us in all directions, you have been angry; O be turned to us again. 2 By the power of your hand the earth is shaking and broken; make it strong again, for it is moved. 3 You have made the people see hard times; you have given us the wine of shaking for our drink. 4 Give a safe place to those who have fear of you, where they may go in flight from before the bow. (Selah.) 5 So that your loved ones may be made safe, let your right hand be my salvation, and give me an answer.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 60:1-5
Commentary on Psalm 60:1-5
(Read Psalm 60:1-5)
David owns God's displeasure to be the cause of all the hardships he had undergone. And when God is turning his hand in our favour, it is good to remember our former troubles. In God's displeasure their troubles began, therefore in his favour their prosperity must begin. Those breaches and divisions which the folly and corruption of man make, nothing but the wisdom and grace of God can repair, by pouring out a spirit of love and peace, by which only a kingdom is saved from ruin. The anger of God against sin, is the only cause of all misery, private or public, that has been, is, or shall be. In all these cases there is no remedy, but by returning to the Lord with repentance, faith, and prayer; beseeching him to return to us. Christ, the Son of David, is given for a banner to those that fear God; in him they are gathered together in one, and take courage. In his name and strength they wage war with the powers of darkness.