Psalms 60

Shushan-Eduth] Shushan signifieth an instrument of six strings, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 six; or a Lillie called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because it consists of six leaves: Eduth signifieth Testimony; either implying this Psalme to be a testimony of Davids faith and thankfulnesse; or to be sung by the Priests before the Ark of the testimonie; or rather, being joyned to the former word by a Maccaph, as in some kinde a part of it, it makes up the name of the musical instrument.

to teach] The Doctrine in this Psalme contained; that all might learn it. As Deut. XXXI. 19. 2 Sam. I. 18. 2 Chron. XXXV. 25.

when he strove] See the Histories, 2 Sam. VIII. 13. 1 Chron. XVIII. 12. And see the Observations on 2 Sam. VIII. 5, 13.

Edom] The Edomites joyning with the Syrians.

in the valley of salt] At the South end of the dead Sea. Or, that called the valley of Siddim, Gen. XIV. 8. Or the valley of Saveh, verse 17.

twelve thousand] And after in the pursuit of the victory, six thousand, or these six thousand, by Abishai, before the main battel. From both doth arise the number of eighteen thousand. Which victory being archieved by Davids two Generals, Joab and Abishai, both under him, is ascribed to each of these three, in the places afore cited. And as David, and his Generals, obtained a victory here, 2 Sam. VIII. 13. So afterwards did Amatziah slay of Edom in the valley of Salt 10000. And other 10000. were cast down the top of the rock, or Selah, or Petra; which Amatziah took by warre, and they all were broken in pieces, 2 King. XIV. 7. 2 Chron. XXV. 11, 12.

Psalms 60:4

Thou hast given] Now a banner of conquest and victory.

Psalms 60:5

That] From hence to the end accords with Psal. CVIII. 6, —13.

Psalms 60:6

I will reioyce] David by reason of Gods truth, word, and promises, will triumph over his enemies, within the Land of Judea, and those bordering about it.

I will divide] This implieth a possession first.

Shechem] It was a Citie in Mount Ephraim near Samaria; given to the Kohathites-Levites, and a Citie of Refuge. Abram came thither. Jacob had his daughter Dinah ravished there. Joshua thither gathers all Israel, and renues Gods Covenant with them a little before his death. The Shechemites conspire against the house of Gideon to make Abimelech King, and he destroyes them. Thither Rehoboam came to be made King; but Jeroboam gaines the Kingdome of Israel, builds, or repairs Shechem, and dwels in it. Of this see the Annotations on Hos. VI. 9.

Succoth] Not that in Egypt, Exod. XII. 37. But that where Jacob built booths, Gen. XXXIII 5. Afterward a Citie in the Tribe of Gad, upon the river Jabbok, East of Jordan; justly destroyed by Gideon, Judg. VIII. But repaired after.

Psalms 60:7

Gilead is mine] Thus David triumphs in having, or in assurance to have upon Gods word and promise, these utmost bounds, and Tribes of Judea beyond Jordan, though they stood longest out for Ishbosheth, Sauls sonne.

Psalms 60:8

Moab is my washpot] I can and will use it to base offices, as to wash my feet, use it as a conquered Nation, in servile and abject condition. See 2 Sam. 2. VIII. Psal. CVIII. 9.

Over Edom] Trample it under foot, or use it to base offices. See Matt. III. 11. as to pull off my shooe, to wipe my shooe; or as Sapores the Persian used Valerian the Romand Emperour; or Temerlan the Scythian used Bajazeth the Turk; or Pope Alexander the third used Frederik the Emperour; and Pope Caelestine the third did to Henry the Emperour: bring it to a base and ignominious subjection.

triumph thou] An ironical apostrophe, or bitter mock to Philistia, or the Philistines, in the West border of Palestine. And divers such ironies are in Scripture; See the Observations on Amos IV. 4.

Psalms 60:9

who will] The answer is in the two next verses.

Psalms 60:12

Through God] Davids wish, and confidence. See 1 Chron. XIX. 13.