What does Psalm 60:5 mean?

Just as there are varying interpretations of the prior verse (Psalm 60:4), this is either an appeal for God to provide a means of rescue, or more explanation of how the Lord is doing so. The Hebrew phrasing of verse 4 is obscure. The statement might be a grieving, sarcastic comment that God has rallied His people to failure. In that case, verse 5 could mean "but, Lord please give salvation." Alternatively, verse 4 might be a comment that the Lord's banner is the safe place to which His people can flee. That may imply verse 5 means "God is acting so that…"

Most translations render verse 5 as a request, and not an explanation. The phrase following the English word "that" seems to be aimed at the rescue of Israel, not the banner mentioned in verse 4. In either case, the point is that the Lord is in control of the situation.

Regardless of how desperate Israel's situation seemed, David knew Israel's people were God's beloved ones. They meant far too much to Him to let them perish at the hands of an enemy. The reference to God's right hand indicates power. David was certain God would answer prayer. Perhaps David prayed with the remembrance that God had covenanted to give him rest from all his enemies (2 Samuel 7:11). New Testament believers may face hard times, but like those Israelites who feared Him, they may be confident that God loves them too much to let the enemy triumph over them. Paul writes that Christians are "more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Romans 8:37).