601 To the Overseer.—'Concerning the Lily of Testimony,' a secret treasure of David, to teach, in his striving with Aram-Naharaim, and with Aram-Zobah, and Joab turneth back and smiteth Edom in the valley of Salt—twelve thousand. O God, Thou hadst cast us off, Thou hadst broken us—hadst been angry!—Thou dost turn back to us. 2 Thou hast caused the land to tremble, Thou hast broken it, Heal its breaches, for it hath moved. 3 Thou hast shewn Thy people a hard thing, Thou hast caused us to drink wine of trembling. 4 Thou hast given to those fearing thee an ensign. To be lifted up as an ensign Because of truth. Selah. 5 That Thy beloved ones may be drawn out, Save 'with' Thy 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.