“Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.”
The reiteration of the petition that God would give aid against the enemy and that deliverance would come from God establishes that despite the divine oracle promising victory, the people must still petition God to actualize this promise. The reference to deliverance from humans (rather than from God) indicates a particular concern: the enemies are other nations, and only God can effect the military reversal necessary. The repetition of the petition reinforces the dependence on divine action while acknowledging human inability. This verse closes the psalm with renewed confidence in God despite the uncertainty of the future outcome.
Church Fathers on Psalms 60:11
1. David the king was one man, but not one man he figured; sometimes to wit he figured the Church of many men consisting, extended even unto the ends of the earth: but sometimes One Man he figured, Him he figured that is Mediator of God and men, the Man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5 In this Psalm therefore, or rather in this Psalm's title, certain victorious actions of David are spoken of:...“To the end, in behalf of those men that shall be changed unto the title's inscription,…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!