Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 60:9
Who will bring me [into] the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?
9. the strong city ] Probably Sela or Petra, the capital of Edom, famous for its inaccessibility (Oba 1:3). See Stanley’s Sinai and Pal., p. 89, for a description of the wonderful defile, which in ancient times was the only usual approach to Petra.
Who will lead me into Edom ] The verb is in the perfect tense, which is sometimes used in questions to express a sense of difficulty or hopelessness. Who could lead me, or, who could have led me, right into (the preposition is emphatic) Edom? The difficulties are almost insuperable. But possibly the text is faulty. The restoration of one letter with a change in the vocalisation would give the future tense. In any case the rendering of R.V., Who hath led me unto Edom? as a reference to some previous successful invasion, does not suit the context.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
9 12. None but God can give help, and though for the moment He has abandoned His people, He will surely once more lead them to victory.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Who will bring me into the strong city? – The strong city – the fenced, the fortified city – referred to here is doubtless the capital of Idumea. This was the celebrated city Petra, situated in the rocks, and so difficult to be taken by an enemy. For a description of it, see the notes at Isa 16:1. It was this city, as the capital of the land of Edom, which David was now so anxious to secure; and he asks, therefore, with interest, who among his captains, his mighty men, would undertake the task of conducting his armies there.
Who will lead me into Edom? – Into the capital, and thence into the whole land to subdue it. This was done under the combined command of Joab and Abishai his brother. See the notes at the title to the psalm.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Psa 60:9
Who will bring me into the strong city?
The Christian warfare
We are all familiar with the idea that the life of the Christian and the progressive advance of the kingdom of heaven involves a conflict, a never-ceasing warfare. We are, however, I think, sometimes unmindful that that warfare must assume very various phases according to the varying conditions and circumstances; and that much watchfulness, skill, determination and patience is needed for the frequent re-organization of forces, the re-adaptation of resources, and the revision of methods. Thus, with the individual, there are often constitutional tendencies which can only be counteracted by, it may be, a lifelong watchfulness and sustained assault; there are often strongholds of confirmed habit which have been allowed to entrench themselves within us, and which nothing short of a tedious system of siege operations can reduce. How true it is, we must all know, that spiritual growth and development of the Christian character are retarded because we have left such-like strongholds unreduced. Our forgetfulness of this aspect of our militant position may arise from a yielding to the temptation that these tedious siege operations can be dispensed with. We hope that if left alone these strongholds of evil tendency and habit will surrender while we make the easier conquests; or we hope that we may enter into possession of our promised land and leave these fortresses standing, content with a resolution to watch them; or we decide that, as we cannot hope to reduce them absolutely, we will make, as we think, safe terms with them, so that they shall not molest us or disturb our peace. Or it may be that we fail to gain permanent possession of them because we are tempted to evade the truth that no stronghold carried by assault is secured unless we are ready at once to occupy the position and to hold it. Evil habits are not eradicated until they are permanently replaced by good habits; it is only the gradual intrusion and establishment of good habits that ousts the evil and at last permanently excludes them. And this securing a permanent footing for habits of acting aright is an exceeding slow process. In order to form a habit, a series of individual actions must be persistently repeated for a considerable time, and before the habit has become irrevocably established we must expect to meet many reverses and engage in many desperate rallies. We live in impatient days; there is a tendency to resort to methods of spiritual warfare which seem to produce speedy results; adventurous raids are made here and there, while the strongholds stand unassailed, and ground gained is not held for want of those less showy operations which are needful if we would make each step secure. To my younger hearers especially I would say, Be not deceived; steady, persevering effort is needed if you would become real masters of yourselves. Depend upon it, as with Israel of old, you cannot advance far towards getting possession of your promised land, possession and control of your passions, your will, without finding a fortress to be subdued. What is true of the individual growth in grace, is true also with the extension of Christs kingdom upon earth. There are occasions where the Church finds herself confronted by towering strongholds of formidable strength which have long held captive the minds and hearts of her fellow-men, strongholds which cannot be carried by simple assault, but which must be reduced by the slow and persistent advance of regular approaches. At such times there is a demand made upon the Churchs faith, and the same temptation to shirk the trying duty presents itself. It is also true that in regard to the Churchs advances, much unpretending monotonous labour has to be expended in securing the ground gained. We have need not only of men who will carry on the message, but also of men who will unobtrusively sacrifice themselves to the often unexciting and sometimes very trying, but most important work of slowly building up the new life in the new believers; helping them by slow degrees to assimilate the life, the character, the habits, personal, domestic, and social, of the new man which they have newly put on. Who will lead us into these strong cities? We answer, Christ; and then, when we further ask, How can we best bring the power of Christ to bear upon them? we reply, First endeavour to secure that the fountain shall be pure, that the stream of life going forth from your English shores shall be living, and strong, and clear; then let us have men devoted, who can explain the nature of the living stream, and direct inquiries to the source of its virtue as a healing power; thirdly, let the consecrated intellect of England help us to express Divine truth more truly and exhaustively; and then such a threefold cord may well be expected to be a mighty instrument for the pulling down of the strongholds. (Bishop E. R. Johnson.)
The inspiration of a great leader
The inspiration of a leaders presence and courage has turned many a defeat into a victory. Marlborough, Henry of Navarre, and Napoleon are instances, with Garibaldi and our own Gordon. But the memory of a great leader is inspiring also. The last words of Hedley Vicars were, This way, 97th! and although the captain fell, his men rushed forward and repulsed a force ten times their number. We are to arm ourselves with that panoply of perfect trust and perfect obedience which our Divine Leader put on, and in which He endured and conquered. Many a child has borne pain and contumely with fortitude and patience, upheld by the thought of the Saviours sufferings.
Christ the invincible warrior
It has been said of Edward, the Black Prince, that he never fought a battle which he did not win, and of the great Duke of Marlborough, that he never besieged a city that he did not take. Shall that be said of men which we deny concerning the Most High God? Is He less successful than some human generals? Shall these invincibly prevail, and grade be liable to defeat? Impossible.
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 9. Who will bring me into the strong city?] If this part of the Psalm, from the sixth to the twelfth verse, refer to the return of the captives from Babylon, as I think probable; then the strong city may mean either Petra, the capital of Idumea; Bozra, in Arabia, near the mountains of Gilead; Rabba, the capital of the Ammonites; or Tyre, according to the Chaldee, the capital of Phoenicia; or Jerusalem itself, which, although dismantled, had long been one of the strongest cities of the east. Or it may imply, Who shall give me the dominion over the countries already mentioned? who will lead me into Edom? who will give me the dominion over that people?
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Who will bring me? None can do it but God, as he declareth in the following verses.
Into the strong city, i.e. the cities; the singular number for the plural, which is usual. Having beaten his enemies out of the field, and into their strong cities, from whence they hoped to renew the war, he desires Gods assistance, whereby he may take their strong holds, and so secure himself from further attempts against him.
Into Edom; which was a high and rocky country, Oba 1:3, fortified by nature as well as by art, and therefore not to be invaded and subdued without a Divine hand.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
9, 10. He feels assured that,though once angry, God is now ready to favor His people.
who will lead me or,who has led me, as if the work were now begun.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Who will bring me [into] the strong city?…. Which some understand of Rabbah of the Ammonites, which Joab besieged, and sent to David to come and take it in person, 2Sa 12:26. The Targum interprets it of Tyre, which was a strong fortified city, Eze 26:4. It rather seems to be the same with Edom, or the metropolis of the Edomites; since it follows:
who will lead me into Edom? which was situated in the clefts of the rock, and on the height of the hill, Jer 49:16; but is mystically to be understood of the city of Rome, the great and mighty city, as it is often called in the book of the Revelation, Re 11:8; whose destruction is certain, being predicted; and after which there have been desires raised in the hearts of God’s people in all ages; and particularly just before the time God will put it into the hearts of the kings of the earth to burn it with fire; who are here represented by David, as desirous of entering into it in triumph to destroy it,
Re 17:16.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
The third strophe reverts to prayer; but the prayer now breathes more freely with a self-conscious courage for the strife. The fortified city ( ) is not Rabbath Ammon; but, as becomes evident from the parallel member of the verse and 2Ki 14:7, the Idumaean chief city of Sela’ ( ) or Petra (vid., Knobel on Gen 36:42, cf. Psa 31:22; 2Ch 8:5; 2Ch 11:5 together with Psa 14:5). The wish: who will conduct me = Oh that one would conduct me (Ges. 136, 1)! expresses a martial desire, joyful at the prospect of victory; concerning , quis perduxerit me , vid., on Psa 11:3. What follows is not now to be rendered: Not Thou (who but Thou), Elohim, who…(Hitzig) – for in order to have been understood thus and not as in Psa 60:3, Psa 44:10, the poet could not have omitted – on the contrary, the interrogatory is the foundation on which the supplicatory is raised. The king of Israel is hard pressed in the battle, but he knows that victory comes from above, from the God who has hitherto in anger refused it to His people, inasmuch as He has given power to Edom to break through the defensive forces of Israel (vid., Psa 44:10). (not = ) is, as in Psa 108:13, equivalent to . The view that it is equal to , the suffix being cast away, is not confirmed in this instance, vid., on Psa 16:6, cf. Psa 3:3. How vain is human succour, has been seen only very recently in the case of the kings of Zobah and Ammon, who have succumbed in spite of their confederates. Israel prays for its victorious power from above, and also obtains it thence, as is most confidently expressed in v. 14. , to do valiantly, to show valour, is equivalent to: to be victorious, as in Psa 118:16. In God does Israel conquer, and God, who is in Israel, will by means of Israel tread down Edom in accordance with its deserts.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
9 Who will bring me into the fortified city? Anticipating an objection which might be alleged, he proceeds to state that he looked to God for the accomplishment of what remained to be done in the capture of the fortified places of his enemies, and the consolidation of his victories. It might be said, that as a considerable number continued to resist his claims, the confident terms which he had used were premature. God, however, had pledged his word that every nation which set itself in opposition to him would be brought under his power, and in the face of remaining difficulties and dangers he advances with certainty of success. By the fortified city, (399) some understand Rabbah, the capital of the Moabites. Others, with more probability, consider that the singular is used for the plural number, and that David alludes in general to the different cities under protection of which his enemies were determined to stand out. He declares, that the same God who had crowned his arms with victory in the open field would lead him on to the siege of these cities. With a view to prove his legitimate call to the government, he amplifies a second time the marks of the divine favor which it had received, by contrasting it with that which preceded. “The God,” he says, “who had formerly cast us off, and abandoned us to unsuccessful warfare, will now lay open before me the gates of hostile cities, and enable me to break through all their fortifications.”
(399) Literally, “the strong city,” or “the city of strength.” The Chaldee makes it Tyre, the capital of Phoenicia. Mudge and others think Petra, the capital of Idumea, is meant. Viewed as referring to that remarkable city, which was hewn out of the rock, and deemed impregnable, (Oba 1:3,) and with which Burckhardt, Laborde, Stephens, and other modern travelers, have made us so minutely acquainted; the language of the Psalmist is very appropriate, illustrating the strength of his faith, and magnifying the greatness of the divine aid. Who will bring me into the fortified city ? it is impossible for me, by my own strength, or by mere human aid, to occupy this stronghold, unless God interpose in my behalf, assist, and prosper my attempts.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(9) Who will . . .i.e., how can this ancient Divine oracle be fulfilled now in present circumstances? This is the poets question. He may be a king himself eager for triumph, or more probably Israel personified. (See the plural in Psa. 60:10-12.) Edom is the particular foe in view, and as the difficulties of the undertaking present themselves, misgivings arise and the assurance gained from the triumphs of olden time turns into prayer, half plaintive, half confident, that the Divine favour and power may be once more on the side of the chosen people.
The strong city.As in the Hebrew the article is wanting, any strongly fortified city might be intended, were it not for the parallelism. Here it must stand for Selah or Petra, the capital of Edom. For its impregnable position (see Note Oba. 1:3). The question, Who will lead me into Petra? is explained by the fact that there are only two possible approaches to the city, each a long narrow tortuous defile, and that the place itself is so buried in its ravines that it cannot be seen from any spot in its neighbourhood far or near.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
9. Strong city That is, Selah, the rock, afterwards called Petra, the capital of Edom. It was situated in the eastern mountains of the Arabah, about fifty miles south, bearing east, from the Dead Sea, and about seventy miles from the head of the Gulf of Akaba. It was captured by David and by Amaziah. In 2Ki 14:7, and Isa 16:1, it is translated “Selah” in our English Bible, and in 2Ch 25:12, “the Rock.” Three hundred years before Christ it became the great transit point of commerce between the East and the West across the Arabian Desert, and was renowned for its wealth and strength.
Who will bring me into the strong city Selah was situated in a hollow of the mountains, two thousand feet above the Arabah valley, surrounded east and west by high cliffs, with no military roads on the west, and approached on the east by caravans only through a narrow, though famous, ravine, the Sik. It was deemed impregnable.
Who will lead me Who has led me unto Edom? The change of tense, in the Hebrew, would more naturally explain itself by remembering God had directed the army of Israel to the border of Edom by an oracle from the priest; and the interrogatory form, on which the prayer and faith of David are founded, is suitable to an unfinished act. They now stood in the border of Edom, checked and baffled, but hopeful. The strong city, the key to the whole kingdom, lies beyond them, and the argument of the prayer is, that as God had already led them into Edom, so he would bring them into the capital or strong city. See more in introductory note to Psalms 108.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
David Declares His Assurance That Although God Has Appeared For A While To Have Abandoned His People, He Will Now Arise And Enable Them To Gain The Victory ( Psa 60:9-12 ).
David now questions who it is who has caused him to venture against Edom, and who it is who will give Israel victory over them (lead them into Edom’s strong city, Petra)? Surely it cannot be God for God appears to have cast them off and not to be going forth with them. But his point is that they could be satisfied with nothing less than God’s help. Indeed, man’s help would be useless. And he ends on the assurance that God will indeed act and enable Israel to triumph.
It is a reminder to us that however hopeless the circumstances, and however dark things might appear to be, in the end those who are God’s can be sure that He will intervene on their behalf, even though outwardly He might not appear to be in a hurry.
Psa 60:9
‘Who will bring me into the strong city?
Who has led me to Edom?’
By now Joab would have been on his way with his strong relieving force, and David puts to God the question as to who will bring him (his invading forces) into Edom’s strong city, Petra, an almost inaccessible fortress in the wilderness (see Oba 1:3). Indeed, he questions as to who it is who has “led him to Edom”, that is, caused him to attempt what he is undertaking. Outwardly, he says, it would not appear to be God. He is attempting by this to bring home to God his own helplessness if God will not help him. But, of course, in his heart David’s hope was that God was indeed with him, even if at first it might appear not to be so.
Psa 60:10
‘Have not you, O God, cast us off?
And you do not go forth, O God, with our hosts.’
The initial success of Edomite/Syrian forces against the defenders of southern Judah (defenders who would be somewhat sparse because the majority of them would be with David in Syria proper) suggested that God had cast Israel off. For could not God save by many or by few? Thus Edom’s success could only indicate that God was not going forth with the defenders, something which was not only disastrous for Judah, but also, in the eyes of the nations, a sign of God’s weakness.
Psa 60:11
‘Give us help against the adversary,
For vain is the help of man.’
He thus urges God now to alter His position and give them help against their adversary, for he recognises that that help is vital. If he is to have certainty of victory he must have God’s support.
Psa 60:12
‘Through God we will do valiantly,
For he it is who will tread down our adversaries.’
The final verse of the Psalm demonstrates that he is satisfied that his prayers have ‘moved God’. He is sure now that God will be with his forces so that through Him they will do valiantly, and by Him they will tread down their adversaries. Victory is now assured, a victory that in fact resulted in the decimation of the forces of Syria/Edom and the conquest of Edom (2Sa 8:13-14).
For us it is a reminder that if we are suffering defeats in our spiritual lives, we must first of all examine ourselves and heed God’s chastening. And once we have done this, and repented and put things right, we can know that He will arise on our behalf, once again giving us victory. Indeed, to depend on anyone else would be futile.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Psa 60:9. Who will bring me, &c. Dr. Delaney observes, that David, having promised himself, in a prophetic rapture, the dominion over Moab and Edom, considered himself as that rod which should rise out of Israel, and smite the corners of Moab, and make Edom a possession, Num 24:17. And what king but David subdued the haughty Philistines, conquered Moab first, and Edom after? And when could this prophesy be written, but in the beginning of his reign; when the Philistines were triumphant, and before he had made any of these conquests? It appears from this verse, that David expected to be brought by God into a strong city, before he was brought into Edom by him. Jerusalem is the only city so characterised, which David took before his war with Edom. He concludes with imploring the divine aid; with a resolution, that, on this presumption, he and his people would act valiantly; and accordingly they marched directly against Jerusalem, and took it by storm. Some, from the title of this psalm, imagine the strong city here mentioned to be Rabbah of the Ammonites. See 2Sa 12:26.
REFLECTIONS.1st, We have here,
1. The deplorable state of the affairs of the Jewish nation during the ill administration of Saul, and the struggles of Ishbosheth. Probably, this description looked forward also, as prophetical of that state, when, for their rejection of God’s anointed, his wrath should be kindled, more terribly convulsions destroy their whole polity and government, and, scattered into all lands, they should bear the marks of God’s heavy hand; an astonishment to others, a terror to themselves.
2. In the midst of their distresses, a banner is displayed for the faithful Israelites, in David promised to be their king and captain, and now exalted to the throne; under whom enlisted, union within prepared them for victory without: animated by his presence, and bold under such a leader, they lifted up their hostile banners, defied and vanquished their foes. Christ, the captain of our salvation, may also be here designed; his banner of love spread abroad, invites poor sinners to his standard; under him enlisted, spiritual strength and courage animate their souls, and they go forth conquering and to conquer: and to him shall the dispersed of Israel be gathered at last, and, turning to the Lord, see a period of their miseries. Note; (1.) The deeper our distresses, the more are the power and grace of our God magnified in our deliverance. (2.) We should ever remember the state in which Jesus found us, and the misery from which he drew us, as an engagement to be faithful, and fight manfully under his banners.
3. He prays earnestly for God’s help and healing. O turn thyself to us again, cease from thy displeasure, and visit us with thy salvation; heal the breaches, for thou alone canst heal them; and as the danger is imminent, it shaketh, let thy mercy to the land be speedy, that thy beloved may be delivered from the hands of all their enemies; for, having no power of themselves, they look to thee; save with thy right hand and hear me,their advocate. Note; (1.) Sin has made a deadly breach in our souls, which nothing but the grace of God can repair. (2.) They who turn to God in prayer, may expect his return to them in mercy. (3.) They who fear God are beloved by him, and his right hand will save them.
2nd, David appears triumphing in the divine promises; God hath sworn; he believes, and in consequence rejoices.
1. All foes within and without shall yield to him. Israel, in their several tribes who had joined Ishbosheth, shall return to him. Conquest without would follow union within. Note; (1.) When a believer can say, Christ is mine, then all other blessings necessarily follow. (2.) When God pleases, he can make our bitterest foes our warmest friends. (3.) National union is a great blessing from God.
2. He answers a difficulty which might be suggested from the strength of the enemy’s fortresses. Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom? God is the strength of his confidence. Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? yes, assuredly: now thou art returned in mercy, we shall be victorious; and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies before, shalt make us now more than conquerors. Therefore give us help from trouble, in answer to our fervent prayers; for vain is the help of man, we acknowledge it; and, renouncing every human confidence, desire alone to repose ourselves on thee. And thus we are confident, that through God we shall do valiantly, and put all our enemies under our feet, for he it is who shall tread down our enemies, on whom we depend, and to whom we will ascribe the praise of all our success. Note; (1.) Difficulties will often stand in the believer’s way, but faith will overcome them all. (2.) When to sense we seem as cast off, we must not quit our hold of the promise, but trust, and wait to see the salvation of God. (3.) When our dangers are greatest, our prayers and cries should be most earnest. (4.) The less we expect to receive from the creature, the surer we are to avoid disappointment. (5.) If we are enabled to do valiantly against our spiritual enemies, let us remember from whom cometh our strength, and lay at his feet the crown which his own grace has obtained for us.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
How beautiful are all these things, if seen and read with reference to Christ! The prophet beheld in a vision the Lord Jesus coming up from Edom after his victory, when travelling in the greatness of his strength; Isa 63:1 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Psa 60:9 Who will bring me [into] the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?
Ver. 9. Who will bring me into the strong city? ] Into Rabbah of the Ammonites, which at length he got, 2Sa 12:29-31 , and now wisheth for. Kimchi readeth it in the perfect tense, Who has led me into the strong cities? who has brought me into Edom? Hast not thou, O God? &c.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psa 60:9-12
9Who will bring me into the besieged city?
Who will lead me to Edom?
10Have not You Yourself, O God, rejected us?
And will You not go forth with our armies, O God?
11O give us help against the adversary,
For deliverance by man is in vain.
12Through God we shall do valiantly,
And it is He who will tread down our adversaries.
Psa 60:9-12 This strophe speaks of the impossibility of military victories without YHWH’s help and presence (i.e., Holy War).
1. Psa 60:9 asks the military question
2. Psa 60:10 asserts the spiritual reality (i.e., Holy War) that unless YHWH goes before Israel’s army, no victory is possible, cf. Psa 44:9; Psa 108:11
3. Psa 60:11 asserts the physical reality that military victory by humans is vain and fleeting
4. Psa 60:12 asserts that only with YHWH can there be victory, cf. Deu 20:1; 1Sa 17:45; 1Sa 17:47; Psa 20:7; Psa 22:16-17; Psa 44:1-3; Psa 44:5-7; Psa 146:3; Zec 4:6). This is referring to the victory of God’s purposes in Israel as a light to the nations, not just a conqueror.
The whole point of these assertions is the question of Psa 60:10, Have You, Yourself, O God, rejected us? Unless He gives help there is no hope (Psa 60:11 b). If He does, there will be victory (Psa 60:12), both for God’s purpose (see SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH’s ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN ) and Israel’s security and peace.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. Read the Psalm and try to divide it into subjects, topics. Do you think Psa 60:1-3 and Psa 60:4-5 are separate topics?
2. What is the theological purpose of Psa 60:6-8? Why is it repeated in Psalms 108?
3. Psa 60:8 has several negative images. Explain them
4. What is the main theological truth of Psa 60:9-12?
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
the strong city. Probably Sela or Petra, corresponding with Edom (compare 2Ki 14:7). David claims the promise of Num 24:18.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Psa 60:9-11
Psa 60:9-11
PLEADING WITH GOD TO HELP
“Who will bring me into the strong city?
Who hath led me unto Edom?
Hast not thou, O God, cast us off?.
And thou goest not forth, O God, with our hosts.
Give us help against the adversary;
For vain is the help of man.”
“Who will bring me into the strong city” (Psa 60:9)? The `strong city’ here is Petra, the almost impregnable capital of Edom. No city of antiquity was ever any better fortified and protected than was Petra. The city occupied a canyon bounded by solid stone walls on both sides, into which residences, offices, and temples had been constructed by carving them out of the solid stone.
“Hast not thou, O God, cast us off?.
And thou goest not forth, O God, with our hosts.”
(Psa 60:10, ASV)
We do not like to find fault with the ASV, but in this verse, we are constrained to believe that the King James Version is superior.
“Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off?
and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?”
(Psa 60:10, KJV)
The Douay Version of the Old Testament also corresponds with the KJV here; and to us this rendition is far more appropriate than the American Standard Version or the RSV, both of which, it appears to this writer, provide negative elements in the prayer. Psa 60:10, as it stands either in RSV or American Standard Version is nothing but a complaint.
Through the use of the past tenses (as in KJV), the meaning then becomes, “God, we know that you will take us into the strong city, despite the fact that you allowed us to be defeated.”
“Give us help against the adversary” (Psa 60:11). The psalmist again appeals mightily to God for help against the enemy.
“For vain is the help of man” (Psa 60:11). “Seldom has the help that man can provide in emergencies been more aptly expressed than it is in this verse – `For vain is the help of man.’
E.M. Zerr:
Psa 60:9-10. David wrote as one who was to share in the triumph over the city of the Edomites. He asked who was to make such a victory sure. He then answered his own question in the words will not thou. 0 God?
Psa 60:11-12. God can help one out of trouble, but it would be in vain to look for assistance from man.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Who: Jdg 1:12, Jdg 1:24, Jdg 1:25, 1Ch 11:6, 1Ch 11:17-19
strong city: Heb. city of strength, 2Sa 11:1, 2Sa 12:26-31
Reciprocal: Gen 25:23 – the elder 2Sa 8:14 – all they 2Sa 22:44 – head 1Ch 18:12 – slew of the Edomites
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Psa 60:9-10. Who will bring me into the strong city, &c. As if he had said, These are difficult things indeed; and I may well ask, when I consider how potent these nations are, By what power shall I enter that strongly fenced city? (or, cities rather, the singular number being put for the plural.) Who is it that will conduct me into Idumea, and make me master of it? None can do it but God. Having beaten his enemies out of the field, he desires Gods assistance to take their strong holds, and so secure himself from further attempts. Edom was a high and rocky country, Obadiah Psa 60:3, fortified by nature, as well as by art, and therefore not to be subdued without a divine hand. Wilt not thou, &c., who didst not go out with our armies Namely, in former times; but now hast graciously returned to us. He brings to his own mind, and to the minds of the people, their former calamities, that they might be more thankful for present mercies and deliverances.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
60:9 Who will bring me [into] the {m} strong city? who will lead me into Edom?
(m) He was assured that God would give him the strong cities of his enemies, in which they thought themselves sure.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
3. An expression of confidence in God 60:9-12
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)
David was confident in view of God’s promises to subdue Israel’s enemies and give her the Promised Land. He would lead the Israelites to ultimate victory, even though He had allowed them to suffer immediate defeat.