FocusDistress, kingship, and praise
Psalms 60:1
KJVO God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The second collection continues varied prayers and songs and closes with royal prayer and a doxology; its individual psalms retain distinct voices and occasions.
- 60:1 O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.
- 60:2 Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.
- 60:3 Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Multiple writers contributed to Psalms, including David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and Moses; some psalms have no named attribution. The traditional Hebrew headings distinguish many of these contributions. Biblical references: Acts 2:25; Acts 4:25. book background
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Psalms 60:1–60:12): The community appeals to God after defeat, with a divine declaration concerning the lands and peoples involved. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israel's worshipping community, including individuals and assemblies using the psalms for prayer, praise, lament, and instruction. A particular psalm may speak directly to God, to the congregation, or to another group. Biblical references: Psalms 22:22; Psalms 78:1; Psalms 100:1. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Victory with God. Read Psalms 60:1 through Psalms 60:3 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The second collection continues varied prayers and songs and closes with royal prayer and a doxology; its individual psalms retain distinct voices and occasions. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The collection includes different periods and occasions. A specific date is not given for every psalm, and a date inferred for one poem must not be assigned to the whole collection. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The poems refer to homes, wilderness, sanctuary, Zion, exile, and the wider creation. A poetic scene is not automatically the place where the poet composed the psalm. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Victory with God (Psalms 60:1 to Psalms 60:3). Start reading at Psalms 60:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus and the apostles apply particular psalms to Christ. Those cited applications provide firm connections; they do not justify treating every first-person statement in every psalm as directly spoken by Jesus. See Luke 24:44, Acts 2:25, Acts 2:30, Acts 2:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Bring lament, confession, thanksgiving, and praise honestly before God. Read petitions and descriptions in their poetic setting, and distinguish the psalm's speaker from the reader applying it. interpretation
Cited: Psalms 60:1, Psalms 60:3, Luke 24:44, Acts 2:25, Acts 2:30, Acts 2:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
Related passages
- Michtam Ps 59:1
- when he strove 2 Sam 8:3,12-13 2 Sam 10:16 1 Chr 18:3,12-13 1 Chr 19:16-19
- valley 2 Kgs 14:7 2 Chr 25:11
- O God Ps 60:10 Ps 44:9 Ps 74:1 Ps 89:38 Ps 108:11 1 Chr 28:9 Rom 11:1-2
- scattered Ps 59:11 1 Sam 4:10-11,17 1 Sam 13:6-7,11,19-22 1 Sam 31:1-7
- O turn Ps 79:9 Ps 89:3,7,19 Ps 85:4 Ps 90:13 Lam 3:31-32 Zech 10:6
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Psalms 60
Psalms 1:1 Psalms 41:13 Psalms 150:6
“Thou hast given a banner to them that fear…”
Psalms 60:4–5FocusDistress, kingship, and praise
“God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice,…”
Psalms 60:6–8FocusDistress, kingship, and praise
“Who will bring me into the strong city? who…”
Psalms 60:9–12FocusDistress, kingship, and praise
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Psalms
Psalms 1:1 Psalms 41:13 Psalms 150:6
Book I
Psalms 1:1–41:13FocusPrayer, the righteous, and the king
FocusDistress, kingship, and praise
Book III
Psalms 73:1–89:52FocusThe sanctuary, the nation, and covenant questions
Book IV
Psalms 90:1–106:48FocusThe LORD's reign and Israel's history
Book V
Psalms 107:1–150:6FocusThanksgiving, pilgrimage, and concluding praise
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.