Psalm Sixty
by Dr. Henry M. Morris
(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)
To the chief Musician upon Shushan-eduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand.
Shushan-eduth. See the titles of Psalms 45 and 80. Shushan-eduth refers to a type of hymn tune and meant “To the lilies.”
smote of Edom. The historical reference may be to unrecorded campaigns of David and Joab against Syria in the north and Edom in the south.
turn thyself to us again. This is the last of David's six “Michtams.” The meaning of “michtam” is uncertain but seems to reflect deep concern overlain with trust. The King James translators believed it was related to the Hebrew word for “engraving” and so called such psalms “golden psalms.”
given a banner. Despite the unnamed setbacks in their efforts to claim the entire land of promise, David in faith would go forward under his banner of “truth,” believing in the promises of God's Word. The remaining verses express confidence that God will indeed give them victories over all portions of the promised land.
Psalm 60:5 That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me.
Psalm 60:9 Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?
Psalm 60:11 Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.
Psalm 60:12 Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.