601 God, you have rejected us.
You have broken us down.
You have been angry.
Restore us, again. 2 You have made the land tremble.
You have torn it.
Mend its fractures,
for it quakes. 3 You have shown your people hard things.
You have made us drink the wine that makes us stagger. 4 You have given a banner to those who fear you,
that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. 5 So that your beloved may be delivered,
save with your right hand, and answer us.
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.