Psalm 60:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: You have set up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow. Selah

NIV: But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow.

NASB: You have given a banner to those who fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah

CSB: You have given a signal flag to those who fear you, so that they can flee before the archers. Selah

NLT: But you have raised a banner for those who fear you — a rallying point in the face of attack. Interlude

KJV: Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.

NKJV: You have given a banner to those who fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah

Despite dismayed shock at the havoc Edom was inflicting on Israel (Psalm 60:1–3), David also sees God's mercy and deliverance. His words, thus far, have credited God with everything that has happened. Normally, such context would be helpful in interpreting the meaning of a verse. In this case, however, the original Hebrew language is obscure and subject to frequent debate. The two main interpretations offered both reflect God's sovereignty. One continues David's lament over Israel's dire situation. The other has this verse beginning the section where David anticipates the Lord's victory.

Banners are large flag-like objects often used to issue signals on a battlefield (Isaiah 5:26). One interpretation of this verse involves tragic sarcasm: implying that God has arranged His chosen people's army under a "banner" of defeat and loss. The other rendering suggests that those who honor God are given a rallying point in which they are safe (Psalm 20:5). In either case, David clearly credits God with control over these events.

Exodus 17:8–13 describes a lengthy battle between Amalek and the Israelites. Joshua led the Israelites in the fight, and so long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed. When Moses grew weary, Aaron and Hur held up his hands. God gave Israel the victory, and Moses built an altar and called it, "The Lᴏʀᴅ is My Banner" (Exodus 17:15). Jeremiah 4 predicts an invasion of Judah from the north that intends to make Judah's land a waste and leave her cities in ruin. It was time for Judah to blow the trumpet, raise a standard toward Zion, and flee to it for safety (Jeremiah 5—6).

The Hebrew word selah is not explicitly defined. It most likely means a musical pause, possibly meant as a time of reflection.

Psalm 60:1–5 expresses David's combination of dismay and faith. He is occupied with war in the north, so news of a southern invasion is a dangerous catastrophe. Yet he speaks only of God's power and work, including confidence that the Lord will provide a means of rescue. Events occurring after this psalm was written are recorded in 2 Samuel 8 and 1 Chronicles 18.

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.