Psalms 60

Chapter Summary

Psalms 60 is a psalm of David, written during a time of war and conflict. The chapter begins with a cry for help, as David asks God to restore His people and give them victory over their enemies (Psalms 60:1-3). David then reflects on God's past faithfulness and power, and expresses confidence in His ability to deliver them again (Psalms 60:6-8). The psalm concludes with a statement of trust and a call to praise God for His salvation (Psalms 60:11-12). Throughout the chapter, David emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, rather than relying on human strength or wisdom.

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 60 is part of the collection of psalms known as the 'Psalms of David', and is thought to have been written during the reign of King David. The chapter is likely a reference to the wars that David fought against the surrounding nations, and the victories that God gave him. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, and points forward to the ultimate victory of Christ over His enemies.

Heart Application

This chapter applies to our lives by reminding us of the importance of trusting in God's power and provision. Just as David trusted in God's ability to deliver him, we can trust in Christ's power to save us from sin and its consequences. The chapter also encourages us to seek God's help in times of need, and to rely on His strength rather than our own.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 60 is a chapter about trusting in God's power and provision, even when things seem tough. The psalmist, David, asks God for help and salvation, and expresses faith in His ability to deliver and restore (Psalms 60:1-3). The chapter reminds us that human help is worthless, and that true deliverance can only come from God (Psalms 60:11).

Voices from the Church

“The Lord's people are never in a position to be ashamed of their trust in Him, for He is always faithful to His promises.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The psalmist's cry for help is a model for our own prayers, and reminds us of the importance of seeking God's help in times of need.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction: A Cry for Help (Psalms 60:1-3) — The chapter begins with a cry for help, as David asks God to restore His people and give them victory over their enemies.
2. Reflection on God's Faithfulness (Psalms 60:6-8) — David reflects on God's past faithfulness and power, and expresses confidence in His ability to deliver them again.
3. Statement of Trust (Psalms 60:11-12) — The psalm concludes with a statement of trust and a call to praise God for His salvation.
4. Conclusion: The Importance of Trusting in God (Psalms 60:1-12) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, rather than relying on human strength or wisdom.
5. Application: Seeking God's Help in Times of Need — The chapter encourages us to seek God's help in times of need, and to rely on His strength rather than our own.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

This chapter teaches us that God is sovereign over all things, and that His power and provision are the only reliable sources of help and salvation.

The Importance of Trust

The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, rather than relying on human strength or wisdom.

The Power of Prayer

The psalmist's cry for help is a model for our own prayers, and reminds us of the importance of seeking God's help in times of need.

The Ultimate Victory of Christ

The chapter points forward to the ultimate victory of Christ over His enemies, and the establishment of His kingdom.

Lessons from Psalms 60

1. The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter teaches us that trusting in God's power and provision is the only reliable source of help and salvation.
2. The Power of Prayer — The psalmist's cry for help is a model for our own prayers, and reminds us of the importance of seeking God's help in times of need.
3. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all things, and reminds us that His power and provision are the only reliable sources of help and salvation.
4. The Ultimate Victory of Christ — The chapter points forward to the ultimate victory of Christ over His enemies, and the establishment of His kingdom.
5. The Importance of Seeking God's Help — The chapter encourages us to seek God's help in times of need, and to rely on His strength rather than our own.

Themes from Psalms 60

1. Trust in God's Power — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, rather than relying on human strength or wisdom.
2. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches us that God is sovereign over all things, and that His power and provision are the only reliable sources of help and salvation.
3. The Power of Prayer — The psalmist's cry for help is a model for our own prayers, and reminds us of the importance of seeking God's help in times of need.
4. The Ultimate Victory of Christ — The chapter points forward to the ultimate victory of Christ over His enemies, and the establishment of His kingdom.
5. The Importance of Seeking God's Help — The chapter encourages us to seek God's help in times of need, and to rely on His strength rather than our own.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that you can apply the principle of trusting in God's power and provision to your own life?
2. How does the psalmist's cry for help model our own prayers, and what can we learn from his example?
3. What are some ways that God has demonstrated His faithfulness and power in your own life, and how can you express confidence in His ability to deliver you again?
4. What are some ways that you can seek God's help in times of need, and how can you rely on His strength rather than your own?
5. How does the chapter's emphasis on the sovereignty of God and the importance of trust apply to your own life and circumstances?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 60

	Sermon	Description
	(Names of Jehovah) 3. Jehovah Nissi by Roy Hession	Roy Hession explores the name Jehovah Nissi, emphasizing that God is our banner and source of victory in spiritual battles. He recounts the story of Israel's battle against Amalek,
	The Testimony of a Fixed Heart by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the focus is on Psalm 108 and the situation described in it. The speaker highlights the fear and sense of abandonment expressed in the psalm, suggesting that it ref
	Money, Mules and Travel by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reaching out to the lost and sharing the message of salvation. He highlights that the purpose of the church is to bring pe
	Christian Cannibalism - a Critical Spirit by Don Courville	This sermon emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and avoiding criticalness towards others, God, and His ways. It warns against being consumed by distractions and possession
	Oh Restore Us Again by Shane Idleman	Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of honest communication with God during times of despair, as reflected in Psalms 60 and 61. He encourages believers to express their feeling
	The Prayer for Revival (Psalm 89) by Maurice Roberts	Maurice Roberts emphasizes the weakness in prayer in modern times, attributing it to the neglect of Scripture, resulting in prayers falling short of biblical standards. He highligh
	God's Hornets by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that God sends His own forces, likened to 'hornets', to prepare the way for His people, ensuring their victory over adversaries without direct confrontatio
	The Sick Man's Prayer and the Sinner's Cry by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches on the deep reliance of God's people on Him alone for help and deliverance, emphasizing the need for a spiritual understanding of the malady of sin, the knowl
	Exposition on Psalm 61 by St. Augustine	St. Augustine preaches about the unity of believers in Christ, emphasizing that as members of His Body, we should see His voice in the Psalms as our own, crying out from the ends o
	Exposition on Psalm 108 by St. Augustine	St. Augustine delves into the intricate connections between various Psalms, highlighting the prophetic nature of the titles and the depth of meaning beyond historical references. H

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 60

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 60 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, rather than relying on human strength or wisdom. Henry notes that the chapter is a model for our own prayers, and reminds us of the importance of seeking God's help in times of need. He also highlights the sovereignty of God over all things, and reminds us that His power and provision are the only reliable sources of help and salvation. Ultimately, Henry sees the chapter as a foreshadowing of the ultimate victory of Christ over His enemies, and the establishment of His kingdom. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?