Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 60
Matthew Henry Commentary
Psalms 60
Matthew Henry Commentary
Psalms 60
"O God thou hast cast us off, thou hast broken us down; Thou hast been angry; oh restore us again. Thou hast made the land to tremble; thou hast rent it: Heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh. Thou hast showed thy people hard things: Thou hast made us to drink the wine of staggering. Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah That thy beloved may be delivered, Save with thy right hand, and answer us." — Psalms 60:1-5 (ASV)
David acknowledges God's displeasure to be the cause of all the hardships he had endured. And when God is turning his hand in our favor, it is good to remember our former troubles. In God's displeasure their troubles began, therefore in his favor their prosperity must begin.
Those breaches and divisions that human folly and corruption create, only the wisdom and grace of God can repair, by pouring out a spirit of love and peace, through which alone 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 will be.
In all these cases there is no remedy except 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 who fear God; in him they are gathered together as one and take courage. In his name and strength they wage war with the powers of darkness.
"God hath spoken in his holiness: I will exult; I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth. Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the defence of my head; Judah is my sceptre. Moab is my washpot; Upon Edom will I cast my shoe: Philistia, shout thou because of me. 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. Through God we shall do valiantly; For he it is that will tread down our adversaries. " — Psalms 60:6-12 (ASV)
If Christ is ours, all things, one way or another, will be for our eternal good. The one who is a new creature in Christ may rejoice in all the precious promises God has spoken in His holiness. His present privileges, and the sanctifying influences of the Spirit, are sure pledges of heavenly glory.
David rejoices in conquering the neighbouring nations, which had been enemies to Israel. The Israel of God are through Christ more than conquerors. Though sometimes they think that the Lord has cast them off, yet He will bring them into the strong city at last.
Faith in the promise will assure us that it is our Father's good pleasure to give us the kingdom. However, we are not yet made complete conquerors, and no true believer will abuse these truths to indulge sloth or vain confidence.
Hope in God is the best principle of true courage, for why should those fear who have God on their side? All our victories are from Him, and while those who willingly submit to our anointed King will share His glories, all His foes will be put under His feet.
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