Psalm 60:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man!

NIV: Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless.

NASB: Oh give us help against the enemy, For rescue by man is worthless.

CSB: Give us aid against the foe, for human help is worthless.

NLT: Oh, please help us against our enemies, for all human help is useless.

KJV: Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.

NKJV: Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless.

Here, David asks the Lord to help Israel battle her foes. This prayer comes in response to a surprise invasion from the nation of Edom (Psalm 60:1–5). David admits that Israel cannot hope to win this conflict using their own strength. He wonders how God will provide rescue (Psalm 60:9–10) but does not doubt that the Lord can and will do so (Psalm 60:12).

Centuries earlier, Samson learned the hard way that his human strength was inadequate to ward off his enemy, the Philistines. Although he had often achieved victories when the Spirit of God was on him, he could not shake off the Philistines after awakening from sleep on Delilah's lap. His self-confidence failed him when he boasted, "I will go out as at other times and shake myself free" (Judges 16:20). However, "he did not know that the Lᴏʀᴅ had left him" (Judges 16:20). As a result, he was captured, blinded, shackled, and subjected to cruel treatment in a prison (Judges 16:21). Jesus told His disciples, "Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). The apostle Paul put no trust in his human body but relied on the Lord for victory in overcoming challenges to faith. He writes in Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through [Christ] who strengthens me."

Psalm 60:9–12 asks three questions, repeating David's distress over a sudden invasion by the nation of Edom (Psalm 60:1–5). The Lord had responded with a declaration that He was in control of all things, including victory over the enemy (Psalm 60:6–8). David wonders aloud how this will happen but concludes with a declaration of faith. He trusts that the Lord will lead Israel to victory.

David addresses God with great dismay. He describes the territory of Israel as abandoned by God, broken, and shattered by an enemy invasion. Yet David speaks in terms of God's actions and God's ultimate control. The Lord responds with His intent to save Israel and crush the enemy. David wonders how this will happen but expresses trust that God will keep His word. This psalm corresponds to the military actions of David recorded in 2 Samuel 8 and 1 Chronicles 18.

This psalm appears to have been written when David was battling the Arameans and Ammonites (2 Samuel 8:3; 1 Chronicles 18:3). While the army was engaged in the north, Edomites attacked Israel from the south and inflicted heavy damage. The psalm entreats God to cause Israel to triumph over the Edomites. Scripture records that the prayer was successful. David sent Abishai, accompanied by Joab and a contingent of soldiers, who routed the enemy (1 Chronicles 18:12; 2 Samuel 8:13).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.