This psalm gives us information about David's reign not found in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel or 1 and 2 Chronicles. Although the setting of the psalm is found in 2 Samuel 8, that passage makes no reference to the fact that David's forces had met stiff resistance (Psa 60:1-3) and apparently even a temporary defeat (Psa 60:9-10). The closer we get to God, the more our enemies will attack us because we threaten their evil and selfish way of living.
Psalms 60:3
Instead of the wine of blessing, God had given them the cup of his judgment. God's rejection was intended to bring them back to himself.
Psalms 60:6-10
God said the cities and territories of Israel were his, and he knew the future of each of the nations. When the world seems out of control, we must remind ourselves that God owns the cities and knows the future of every nation. God is in control. With God's help, we will gain the victory.
Psalms 60:8
David mentioned the enemy nations that surrounded Israel: Moab lay directly to the east, Edom to the south, and Philistia to the west. At the time this psalm was written, David was fighting Aram to the north. Although he was surrounded by enemies, David remembered that God had promised triumph over those nations. He knew that Israel's future was closely tied to God's reputation of keeping his promises.
