What does Psalm 60:9 mean?

The psalm was composed when the nation of Edom invaded the southern territory of Israel (Psalm 60:1–5). This happened while David's main army engaged Arameans and Ammonites to the north (2 Samuel 8:3; 1 Chronicles 18:3). David's initial reaction was grief, as he recognized the attack as a dire threat. God responded with a declaration of His control over all the nations involved (Psalm 60:6–8). Here, David asks how this will be accomplished. He does not seem to doubt that God can rescue Israel, or that God will, but only wonders at the means. This parallels Mary's wondering, but faithful, response to the angel who announced her pregnancy (Luke 1:34).

Likely, the fortified city mentioned here was Petra, sometimes called Sela. This was the capital of Edom and was securely built into rock. It was accessible only by two narrow, treacherous paths. Edom took great pride in the impregnable location of its capital city. Obadiah 1:3 says of Edom, "The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, 'Who will bring me down to the ground?'" The Lord answers in the following verse, "Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down" (Obadiah 1:4). If David was to conquer the fortified city, he would need to rely entirely on God for the victory. He asks, "Who will lead me to Edom?" Of course, the answer was God would (Psalm 60:12).