Bible Commentary

Psalms 60:1-5

Matthew Henry on Psalms 60:1-5

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

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.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 60:1-12EXPOSITION IN the case of this psalm, the "title" is again our best guide, both with respect to the author and to the occasion of the composition. The title is unusually full, and contains such a number of minute partic…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 60:1O God, thou hast east us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased (comp. Psalms 44:9-11). The expressions used imply a signal defeat, which, though not mentioned in the historical books, harmonizes with th…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 60:1-12Assurance in prayer. I. THE PRAYER OF THE REJECTED FOR RESTORATION. (Psalms 60:1-5.) The grounds of the prayer are: 1. Their great need. Felt themselves as if cast off—the very earth trembling with their calamity. They…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 60:1-12Despondency and its antidote. There are heights and depths in the Divine life. We may pass quickly from the one to the other. When at the height of triumph we may be brought low. When in the depths of despondency we may…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 60:2Thou hast made the earth (rather, the land) to tremble. The blow struck convulsed the whole land—i.e. the people in it. It is not really an earthquake, but a panic fear, that is intended. Thou hast broken it; or, rent i…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 60:3Thou hast showed thy people hard things; literally, a hard thing, or harshness; i.e. severity. Thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment; or, of trembling (as in Isaiah 51:17, Isaiah 51:22); comp. Psalms 75:8;…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 60:4Thou hast given a tanner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. So most commentators. But the ancient rendering, recently revived by Professor Cheyne, is perhaps preferable. According to…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 60:5That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me; rather, hear us. From complaint (Psalms 60:1-4) the psalmist abruptly turns to prayer, thus closing the first strophe with a gleam of hope.Joseph S. Exell and contributors