RR Psalm 60:1-3 Part 1
Shalom,
Psalm 60:1 For the music director, on the “Lily of the Covenant,” a Michtam of David, for teaching, 2 when he fought with Aram-Naharaim and with Aram-Zobah, and Joab returned and struck down twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 3 O God, You have spurned us. You have broken out against us. You have been angry. Turn back to us!
Rabbi’s Note: First, as we begin our meditations on this Psalm, we must notice the way the verses are numbered differently in the Jewish and Christian texts. The first three verses of most Jewish texts are combined into verse 1 of most Christian texts. Therefore; most Jewish texts have 14 verses of Psalm 60, while most Christian texts have all the same words, but have only 12 verses.
The next thing we must understand is the period of time to which war this Psalm is describing. Even though David had been anointed previously by Samuel, he finally assumed the throne to become King of Israel after the death of King Saul. 2Samuel 5:3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David cut a covenant with them at Hebron before Adonai. Then they anointed David king over Israel. Thus King David began his 40 year reign. But there were still many wars to fights.
The “Valley of Salt” is at the southern tip of the Dead Sea. Aramians is another name for Syrians. These battles took place early in David’s reign as he sought to solidify his rulership over Israel and expand its territory. These events are recorded in 2 Samuel 10 and 1 Chronicles 19, and it all lines up well with Psalm 60. End RN.
The last Hebrew phrase of verse 3 is where we want to focus our attention today. “T’sho’vav Lanu,” meaning “You will return to us.” After detailing three ways God has left us, “(1) You have spurned us. (2) You have broken out against us. (3) You have been angry.” the psalmist calls upon God to return.
That’s the same lesson as at the end of Psalm 59. Do you want God’s favor (hint: say yes) then call upon Him, and why wait until you’re in trouble? Isaiah 58:9a Then you will call, and Adonai will answer. You will cry and He will say, “Here I am.” When we call upon God, we are opening the door to him. God is a gentleman, He doesn’t break down closed doors. Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.
Dining with God? Why, that’s the last supper where the Lord Himself is the menu. He alone is our sacrifice. And we take on our role as priests when we partake of the sacrifice. When God does something, it is done with perfection. All that’s is left for us is to have an attitude of thanksgiving. We open the door and we let God into our lives. Then His kingdom is ours. I think it was Prudential Insurance who was offering a “piece of the rock.” The reality of the “Rock” is Yeshua.
Psalm 18:3 Adonai is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in Him I take refuge, my shield, my horn of salvation, my stronghold.
Shalom shalom.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu30-July-202616th of Av, 5786
De 10:12-11:9Ez 391 Ch 171 Ti 1 (Jn 6:37-71)
Psalm 60:1 For the music director, on the “Lily of the Covenant,” a Michtam of David, for teaching, 2 when he fought with Aram-Naharaim and with Aram-Zobah, and Joab returned and struck down twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 3 O God, You have spurned us. You have broken out against us. You have been angry. Turn back to us!
Rabbi’s Note: First, as we begin our meditations on this Psalm, we must notice the way the verses are numbered differently in the Jewish and Christian texts. The first three verses of most Jewish texts are combined into verse 1 of most Christian texts. Therefore; most Jewish texts have 14 verses of Psalm 60, while most Christian texts have all the same words, but have only 12 verses.
The next thing we must understand is the period of time to which war this Psalm is describing. Even though David had been anointed previously by Samuel, he finally assumed the throne to become King of Israel after the death of King Saul. 2Samuel 5:3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David cut a covenant with them at Hebron before Adonai. Then they anointed David king over Israel. Thus King David began his 40 year reign. But there were still many wars to fights.
The “Valley of Salt” is at the southern tip of the Dead Sea. Aramians is another name for Syrians. These battles took place early in David’s reign as he sought to solidify his rulership over Israel and expand its territory. These events are recorded in 2 Samuel 10 and 1 Chronicles 19, and it all lines up well with Psalm 60. End RN.
The last Hebrew phrase of verse 3 is where we want to focus our attention today. “T’sho’vav Lanu,” meaning “You will return to us.” After detailing three ways God has left us, “(1) You have spurned us. (2) You have broken out against us. (3) You have been angry.” the psalmist calls upon God to return.
That’s the same lesson as at the end of Psalm 59. Do you want God’s favor (hint: say yes) then call upon Him, and why wait until you’re in trouble? Isaiah 58:9a Then you will call, and Adonai will answer. You will cry and He will say, “Here I am.” When we call upon God, we are opening the door to him. God is a gentleman, He doesn’t break down closed doors. Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.
Dining with God? Why, that’s the last supper where the Lord Himself is the menu. He alone is our sacrifice. And we take on our role as priests when we partake of the sacrifice. When God does something, it is done with perfection. All that’s is left for us is to have an attitude of thanksgiving. We open the door and we let God into our lives. Then His kingdom is ours. I think it was Prudential Insurance who was offering a “piece of the rock.” The reality of the “Rock” is Yeshua.
Psalm 18:3 Adonai is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in Him I take refuge, my shield, my horn of salvation, my stronghold.
Shalom shalom.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu30-July-202616th of Av, 5786
De 10:12-11:9Ez 391 Ch 171 Ti 1 (Jn 6:37-71)
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