Psalm 60
It’s unclear exactly what today’s header is referencing. The most likely connection is with II Samuel 8:13 which has David killing 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. Kings were often given credit for victories when the actual work was done by military leaders, in this case Joab. Even today we see Generals getting credit for military victories (Patton, Montgomery, Schwarzkopf) when lesser officers and enlisted soldiers did the actual fighting. Also in the header, “Aram” is mentioned in II Samuel 8:6.
Beyond that, many of the names listed in the Psalm itself are referenced in II Samuel 8. By way of clarification, (a) Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Judah (v. 7) refer to the Israelite nation itself; (b) Moab, Edom, and Philistia (v. 8) refer to people groups who are enemies of Israel, all three also mentioned in II Samuel 8:1, 2, 11-14; and (c) Shechem and Succoth (v. 6) refer to geographic regions.
One of my study bibles offered a plausible explanation as to what’s going on in this Psalm. These authors suggested that while Israel was waging war against it’s northern enemies Edom snuck up from the south and won some military victories (vv. 1-3) over some weakened forces. David then sent Joab to do battle with Edom (v. 9) and he won some decisive victories such that Edom then became subject to Israel (II Samuel 8:14).
Thank you Fred for the insights into what may be going on in this psalm!
David always looks to God for help, guidance, and delivery. But even he had blind spots, especially around Uriah and Bathsheba. Reminds me that closeness to God doesn’t always guarantee clear insights! I need to keep going deeper as well as be attuned to what I might see through the eyes of dedicated Christians.
A moment of levity here…
I am amused by the contrasting metaphors used in this psalm.
Referring to the Israelite nation: they are God’s property, his helmet, his scepter.
The ones for their enemies: God will use Moab as his “washbasin” — likely a vessel for washing dirty, dusty feet. Yuck! He will “toss his sandal” at Edom — the way you shoo away a dog(?) or challenge an enemy(?) My study notes mention taking off your sandal is a sign of claiming land in these cultures. He will “shout in triumph” at Philistia — they have already lost their battle against Israel, they just don’t know it yet!
In this psalm, David is pleading with God to act, crying out for his help while feeling rejected by him due to an array of troubles, yet clearly David knows that their hope is in God alone. Amen!
Just my two cents’ worth…