Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary
Psalms 60:9

Clarke's Commentary

Verse Psalms 60:9. 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?

Bridgeway Bible Commentary

Psalms 60:0 Psalm Victory over Edom

In the war outlined in 2 Samuel 8:3-14 (and dealt with in more detail in 2 Samuel 10:1-19) David fought on many fronts. The present psalm concerns Israel’s victory in a battle against Edom. Because of the widespread military activity, a number of people and places are named in the accounts in 2 Samuel and in the heading to this psalm. Also three different leaders are named as bringing victory to Israel. The first is David, who was the supreme commander in Israel. The second is Joab, who was the army commander-in-chief. The third is Abishai, who was the leader of the army unit involved in the particular battle that is mentioned here (cf. heading to Psalms 60:0 with 2 Samuel 8:13; 1 Chronicles 18:12; 1 Chronicles 18:12).

While Israel has been fighting to the north and east, Edom and its allies have attacked from the rear (i.e. the south). Israel’s forces have suffered such heavy losses it appears God has deserted them. They have been thrown into confusion, as if hit by an earthquake. They stagger like a person who is drunk (1-3). Since they are God’s people, will he not reverse this disaster and lead them to victory (4-5)? Surely he will, for he has given them his promise. All the enemy-occupied areas, whether west of Jordan or east, will be liberated, for they belong to Israel by God’s appointment. The southern attackers - Moab, Edom and Philistia - will be overthrown and made to serve Israel (6-8).
Why then should God’s people doubt him? He has not forgotten them. He will indeed lead them against the enemy strongholds and give them victory (9-12).

Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible

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” 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.”
(Psalms 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?”
(Psalms 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. Psalms 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” The psalmist again appeals mightily to God for help against the enemy.

“For vain is the help of man” “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.’“H. C. Leupold, p. 452.

Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

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 Isaiah 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.

Calvin's Commentary on the Bible

9Who 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, (Obadiah 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.

Smith's Bible Commentary

Psalms 60:1-12

Psalms 60:1-12 :

O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again. For thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shakes. You have showed your people hard things: you have made us to drink the wine of astonishment. You have given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. That your beloved may be delivered; save with your right hand, and hear me. God hath spoken in his holiness; and I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth. Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver; Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me ( Psalms 60:1-8 ).

These verses, actually, here in this particular part are repeated. Verses Psa 60:5-12 are identical to Psalms 108:6-13 ,so we will get these further on again.

Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom? Will not thou, O God, which hath cast us off? and thou, O God, which did not go out with our armies? Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies ( Psalms 60:9-12 ).

"Give us help, oh God. Vain is the help of man." In another place David said, "It is time for You to work, oh Lord, for vain is the work of man." Oh, that we would learn to just trust in God; call upon Him for our help. Rather than looking to man, look to God. We always are scheming. We're always devising. We are always trying to figure out just one more angle. So many people try to use me in their devices and in their scheming. They have tried every game in the book, every trick. And they finally think, "Well, if I can just get Chuck, you know, they will listen to him." And it is just another one of their... they are not willing to leave it in God's hands completely. They just can't leave it with God. They say, "Oh, I'm just turning my life over to God." And then they are still scheming, still conniving, still trying to work another angle. Why don't we just give up and let God take over completely? It is great day when I just yield to God all the issues of my life. And I trust Him completely. "Give us help from trouble, for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly."

Father, we thank You tonight for Your Word. Let Your Spirit plant it in our hearts. May we grow thereby. In Jesus' name. Amen

May the Lord bless and keep and strengthen and guide your life through this week. Keep looking up; we are getting so close. Keep your eyes on the Middle East; it is coming down. The day of the Lord is at hand. Let us lay aside every weight, the sin which does so easily beset us, and let's run with patience the race that has been set before us, as we look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. "

Dr. Constable's Expository Notes

Psalms 60

The occasion for this national (communal) lament psalm was Israel’s victory over the Arameans and the Edomites (cf. 2 Samuel 8:13; 1 Kings 11:15-16; 1 Chronicles 18:12). Naharaim (lit. rivers) and Zobah were regions in Aram. In this battle, Joab was responsible for defeating 12,000 Edomites (2 Samuel 8:13). Joab’s brother Abishai was the field commander, and the writer of Chronicles gave him the credit for the victory (1 Chronicles 18:12).

This is a didactic psalm according to the superscription. That is, David wrote it to teach the readers to trust in the Lord when they encountered similar difficulties.

Dr. Constable's Expository Notes

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.

Dr. Constable's Expository Notes

3. An expression of confidence in God 60:9-12

Gill's Exposition of 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, 2 Samuel 12:26. The Targum interprets it of Tyre, which was a strong fortified city, Ezekiel 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, Jeremiah 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, Revelation 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,

Revelation 17:16.

Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible

      6 God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.   7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;   8 Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me.   9 Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?   10 Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?   11 Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.   12 Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

      David is here rejoicing in hope and praying in hope; such are the triumphs of the saints, not so much upon the account of what they have in possession as of what they have in prospect (Psalms 60:6; Psalms 60:6): "God has spoken in his holiness (that is, he has given me his word of promise, has sworn by his holiness, and he will not lie unto David,Psalms 89:35), therefore I will rejoice, and please myself with the hopes of the performance of the promise, which was intended for more than a pleasing promise," Note, God's word of promise, being a firm foundation of hope, is a full fountain of joy to all believers.

      I. David here rejoices; and it is in prospect of two things:--

      1. The perfecting of this revolution in his own kingdom. God having spoken in his holiness that David shall be king, he doubts not but the kingdom is all his own, as sure as if it were already in his hand: I will divide Shechem (a pleasant city in Mount Ephraim) and mete out the valley of Succoth, as my own. Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine, and both are entirely reduced, Psalms 60:7; Psalms 60:7. Ephraim would furnish him with soldiers for his life-guards and his standing forces; Judah would furnish him with able judges for his courts of justice; and thus Ephraim would be the strength of his head and Judah his lawgiver. Thus may an active believer triumph in the promises, and take the comfort of all the good contained in them; for they are all yea and amen in Christ. "God has spoken in his holiness, and then pardon is mine, peace mine, grace mine, Christ mine, heaven mine, God himself mine." All is yours, for you are Christ's,1 Corinthians 3:22; 1 Corinthians 3:23.

      2. The conquering of the neighbouring nations, which had been vexatious to Israel, were still dangerous, and opposed the throne of David, Psalms 60:8; Psalms 60:8. Moab shall be enslaved, and put to the meanest drudgery. The Moabites became David's servants,2 Samuel 8:2. Edom shall be made a dunghill to throw old shoes upon; at least David shall take possession of it as his own, which was signified by drawing off his shoe over it, Ruth 4:7. As for the Philistines, let them, if they dare, triumph over him as they had done; he will soon force them to change their note. Rather let those that know their own interest triumph because of him; for it would be the greatest kindness imaginable to them to be brought into subjection to David and communion with Israel. But the war is not yet brought to an end; there is a strong city, Rabbah (perhaps) of the children of Ammon, which yet holds out; Edom is not yet subdued. Now, (1.) David is here enquiring for help to carry on the ark: "Who will bring me into the strong city? What allies, what auxiliaries, can I depend upon, to make me master of the enemies' country and their strongholds?" Those that have begun a good work cannot but desire to make a thorough work of it, and to bring it to perfection. (2.) He is expecting it from God only: "Wilt not thou, O God? For thou hast spoken in thy holiness; and wilt not thou be as good as thy word?" He takes notice of the frowns of Providence they had been under: Thou hadst, in appearance, cast us off; thou didst not go forth with our armies. When they were defeated and met with disappointments, they owned it was because they wanted (that is, because they had forfeited) the gracious presence of God with them; yet they do not therefore fly off from him, but rather take so much the faster hold of him; and the less he has done for them of late the more they hoped he would do. At the same time that they own God's justice in what was past they hope in his mercy for what was to come: "Though thou hadst cast us off, yet thou wilt not contend for ever, thou wilt not always chide; though thou hadst cast us off, yet thou hast begun to show mercy; and wilt thou not perfect what thou hast begun?" The Son of David, in his sufferings, seemed to be cast off by his Father when he cried out, Why hast thou forsaken me? and yet even then he obtained a glorious victory over the powers of darkness and their strong city, a victory which will undoubtedly be completed at last; for he has gone forth conquering and to conquer. The Israel of God, his spiritual Israel, are likewise, through him, more than conquerors. Though sometimes they may be tempted to think that God has cast them off, and may be foiled in particular conflicts, yet God will bring them into the strong city at last. Vincimur in prælio, sed non in bello--We are foiled in a battle, but not in the whole war. A lively faith in the promise will assure us, not only that the God of peace shall tread Satan under our feet shortly, but that it is our Father's good pleasure to give us the kingdom.

      II. He prays in hope. His prayer is, Give us help from trouble,Psalms 60:11; Psalms 60:11. Even in the day of their triumph they see themselves in trouble, because still in war, which is troublesome even to the prevailing side. None therefore can delight in war but those that love to fish in troubled waters. The help from trouble they pray for is preservation from those they were at war with. Though now they were conquerors, yet (so uncertain are the issues of war), unless God gave them help in the next engagement, they might be defeated; therefore, Lord, send us help from the sanctuary. Help from trouble is rest from war, which they prayed for, as those that contended for equity, not for victory. Sic quærimus pacem--Thus we seek for peace. The hope with which they support themselves in this prayer has two things in it:-- 1. A diffidence of themselves and all their creature-confidences: Vain is the help of man. Then only we are qualified to receive help from God when we are brought to own the insufficiency of all creatures to do that for us which we expect him to do. 2. A confidence in God, and in his power and promise (Psalms 60:12; Psalms 60:12): "Through God we shall do valiantly, and so we shall do victoriously; for he it is, and he only, that shall tread down our enemies, and shall have the praise of doing it." Note, (1.) Our confidence in God must be so far from superseding that it must encourage and quicken our endeavours in the way of our duty. Though it is God that performs all things for us, yet there is something to be done by us. (2.) Hope in God is the best principle of true courage. Those that do their duty under his conduct may afford to do it valiantly; for what need those fear who have God on their side? (3.) It is only through God, and by the influence of his grace, that we do valiantly; it is he that puts strength into us, and inspires us, who of ourselves are weak and timorous, with courage and resolution. (4.) Though we do ever so valiantly, the success must be attributed entirely to him; for he it is that shall tread down our enemies, and not we ourselves. All our victories, as well as our valour, are from him, and therefore at his feet all our crown must be cast.