Psalm 60: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Divine Restoration

Executive Summary ✨

Psalm 60, a lament and a plea for divine restoration, resonates deeply within the Coptic Orthodox tradition. This psalm, attributed to David after military setbacks, speaks of God’s seeming abandonment, the nation’s suffering, and unwavering faith in God’s eventual deliverance. It highlights the cyclical nature of sin, repentance, and God’s boundless mercy. We examine the historical context of David’s struggles, connecting them to the spiritual battles each Christian faces daily. This commentary dives verse-by-verse, exploring the Patristic interpretations, practical spiritual applications, and the enduring hope for divine restoration that this Psalm offers. It emphasizes how even in times of intense testing, faith, and prayer can pave the way for God’s favor and healing of both the individual and the community. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that even in our darkest hours, God’s promise of divine restoration remains steadfast.

Introduction: Psalm 60 is a poignant reminder that even the most faithful can experience periods of intense trial and perceived abandonment by God. Yet, within this lament lies a profound hope for divine restoration, a theme central to the Coptic Orthodox understanding of God’s unwavering love and mercy.

Commentary Sections

Verse 1: Title and Invocation

To the Chief Musician. Set to ‘The Lily of Testimony.’ A Michtam of David. To teach. When he fought against Mesopotamia and Syria of Zobah, when Joab returned and killed twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.

This title provides crucial context. David’s psalm emerges from a time of military conflict and apparent defeat. The “Lily of Testimony” suggests beauty arising from suffering, a concept echoing the resurrection from the cross. The reference to Joab’s victory in the Valley of Salt serves as a reminder that even amidst setbacks, God can grant victory. The Valley of Salt, historically believed to be located south of the Dead Sea, highlights the arid and desolate circumstances from which David cries out. The WordPress website builder helps to present this commentary in an accessible format.

Spiritual Application: Recognize that trials often precede triumphs. Even in seemingly desolate situations, God can bring forth beauty and victory. Cultivate the resilience to endure hardship, knowing that restoration is possible.

Verse 2: The Land Quakes

הִרְגַּזְתָּ֥ה אֶ֗רֶץ פְּצַמְתָּ֑הּ רְפָ֖ה שְׁבָרֶ֣יהָ כִֽי־מָֽטָה׃ (Hirteza eretz pitsamta; Refa shevareiha ki matah)

KJV: Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.

NKJV: You have made the earth tremble; You have broken it; Heal its breaches, for it is shaking.

The imagery here is powerful: an earthquake representing national turmoil and divine displeasure. “Thou hast broken it” speaks of a deep fracture within the nation, both physically and spiritually. The plea to “heal its breaches” reveals a longing for wholeness and restoration. The shaking earth can be interpreted as a consequence of sin, disrupting the order God established. St. Athanasius, in *Contra Gentes*, often speaks of natural disasters as warnings and opportunities for repentance. (“Τὰ γὰρ φυσικὰ πάθη παιδευτικὰ γίνονται τῇ ψυχῇ.” – *Adversus Gentes*, 42. Translation: “For natural sufferings become instructive to the soul.”)

Spiritual Application: Acknowledge the consequences of sin, both personal and societal. Seek healing and reconciliation, understanding that true restoration requires addressing the root causes of division and brokenness.

Verse 3: The Wine of Astonishment

הִרְאִיתָ֣ה עַמְּךָ֣ קָשָׁ֑ה הִ֝שְׁקִיתָ֗נוּ יַ֣יִן תַּרְעֵלָֽה׃ (Hire’ita ammekha kashah; Hishqitanu yayin tar’elah.)

KJV: Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.

NKJV: You have shown Your people hard things; You have made us drink the wine of confusion.

The “wine of astonishment” is a metaphor for the overwhelming sense of disorientation and despair experienced by the people. God, in his sovereignty, allows hardship to test faith and refine character. This is not a literal intoxication but a spiritual bewilderment caused by trials. The Coptic Orthodox tradition emphasizes the importance of perseverance during trials, seeing them as opportunities for spiritual growth. The desert fathers often speak of the “wine of asceticism” which, while bitter, leads to spiritual clarity. This contrast shows the path to restoration requires enduring hardship.

Spiritual Application: When facing overwhelming challenges, remember that God allows trials for a purpose. Seek spiritual guidance and resist the temptation to despair. Allow hardship to refine your faith and draw you closer to God.

Verse 4: A Banner Displayed

נָתַתָּ֤ה לִּירֵאֶ֨יךָ ׀ נֵּס֮ לְהִתְנוֹסֵ֫ס מִפְּנֵ֥י קֹֽשֶׁט׃ (Natata lireeikha nes lehithnoses mipenei qoshet.)

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

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

Even in times of distress, God provides a “banner” – a symbol of hope and victory. This banner is not a mere flag, but a declaration of God’s truth and faithfulness. It represents the unwavering commitment of those who fear God, even amidst adversity. The Hebrew word “nes” (נֵּס) can also signify a miracle, further emphasizing God’s power to overcome challenges. This verse connects to the Deuterocanonical books (Wisdom of Solomon 5:16): “Therefore shall they receive a glorious kingdom, and a beautiful crown from the Lord’s hand; for with his right hand shall he cover them, and with his arm shall he protect them.”

Spiritual Application: Cling to God’s truth and promises during times of difficulty. Let your life be a banner that proclaims God’s faithfulness, even in the face of adversity. Remember that God’s truth will ultimately prevail.

Verse 5: Deliverance by His Right Hand

לְמַעַן יֵחָלְצוּן יְדִידֶיךָ הוֹשִׁיעָה יְמִינְךָ וַעֲנֵֽנִי׃ (Lema’an yehaletsun yedidekha hoshi’ah yeminekha wa’aneni.)

KJV: That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me.

NKJV: That Your beloved may be delivered, Save with Your right hand, and hear me.

The phrase “that thy beloved may be delivered” highlights God’s love and concern for His people. “Save with thy right hand” emphasizes God’s power and authority to rescue them from their plight. The right hand is often used metaphorically to represent strength and divine intervention. The cry “and hear me” displays a personal plea to God. This echoes the prayer of the thief on the cross. God’s right hand provides salvation to those whom He loves.

Spiritual Application: Trust in God’s power to deliver you from your troubles. Pray with faith, knowing that God hears the cries of His children and is able to intervene on their behalf.

Verses 6-8: God Has Spoken in His Holiness

אֱלֹהִים דִּבֶּר בְּקָדְשׁוֹ אֶעְלֹזָה אֲחַלְּקָה שְׁכֶם וְעֵמֶק סֻכּוֹת אֲמַדֵּד׃ לִי גִלְעָד וְלִי מְנַשֶּׁה וְאֶפְרַיִם מָעוֹז רֹאשִׁי יְהוּדָה מְחֹקְקִי׃ מוֹאָב סִיר רַחְצִי עַל־אֱדוֹם אַשְׁלִיךְ נַעֲלִי עֲלֵי פְלֶשֶׁת אֶתְרוֹעָֽע׃ (Elohim diber beqodsho e’eloza ahalleqah shekhem we’emeq sukkot amadded; Li gil’ad veli menasheh we’efrayim mao’oz roshi yehudah mehoqeqi; Moab sir rahtsi al-edom ashlikh na’ali alei peleshet etro’a.)

KJV: God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth. Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver; Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me.

NKJV: God has spoken in His holiness: “I will rejoice; I will divide Shechem and measure out the Valley of Succoth. Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the helmet for My head; Judah is My lawgiver. Moab is My washpot; Over Edom I will cast My shoe; Over Philistia I will triumph.”

These verses are a declaration of God’s sovereign ownership and authority over the land. God “has spoken in his holiness,” assuring his people of his unwavering commitment to fulfill his promises. The dividing of Shechem and the measuring of the Valley of Succoth symbolize the restoration of the land to Israel. Gilead and Manasseh, Ephraim, and Judah are all part of God’s inheritance. Moab being a “washpot” and casting a shoe upon Edom are statements of triumph and victory. This echoes God’s promise to Abraham.

Spiritual Application: Trust in God’s sovereignty and his ability to fulfill his promises. Rest in the assurance that God is in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic. Claim your inheritance in Christ and live in the victory that he has won.

Verses 9-12: Who Will Bring Me?

מִ֣י יֹ֭בִלֵנִי עִ֣יר מִבְצָ֑ר מִ֖י נָחַ֣נִי עַד־אֱדֽוֹם׃ הֲלֹא־אַתָּ֣ה אֱלֹהִים זְנַחְתָּ֑נוּ וְלֹא־תֵצֵ֥א אֱלֹהִים בְּצִבְאוֹתֵֽינוּ׃ הָֽבָה־לָּ֥נוּ עֶזְרָת מִצָּ֑ר וְשָׁוְא תְּשׁוּעַת אָדָֽם׃ בֵּֽאלֹהִים נַעֲשֶׂה־חָ֑יִל וְה֖וּא יָב֣וּס צָרֵֽינוּ׃ (Mi yovileini ir mivtsar mi nahani ad-edom; Halo-atah Elohim zenah’tanu velo-tetse Elohim betsivotenu; Havah-lanu ezrat mitsar weshaw teshu’at adam; Be’elohim na’aseh-hayil whu yavos tsareinu.)

KJV: Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom? Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies? Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

NKJV: Who will bring me into the strong city? Who will lead me to Edom? Was it not You, O God, who cast us off? And You, O God, who did not go out with our armies? Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless. Through God we shall do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.

A poignant cry of desperation is heard. The psalmist questions who can lead them to victory. He acknowledges God’s apparent abandonment, yet still calls upon Him for help. “For vain is the help of man” speaks to the limitations of human strength and the ultimate reliance on God. The final verse offers a powerful declaration of faith: “Through God we shall do valiantly.” This reinforces the notion that true strength and victory come from God. St. Cyril of Alexandria, in his commentary on the Psalms, says (“Οὐ γὰρ ἡμῶν τὸ νικᾶν, ἀλλὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν” – *Commentarii in Psalmos*, Psalm 60. Translation: “For it is not we who conquer, but God our Lord.”)

Spiritual Application: Acknowledge your dependence on God, especially during times of weakness and uncertainty. Recognize the limitations of human help and turn to God for true strength and deliverance. Live with the confidence that through God, you can overcome any obstacle.

Subtopic: Divine Restoration in the Coptic Orthodox Tradition ✨

The concept of divine restoration is deeply interwoven into the fabric of the Coptic Orthodox faith. It stems from the belief that humanity, created in God’s image, fell from grace through sin, but God, in His infinite love, offers a path back to Him through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

• Repentance as a Pathway: Repentance (*metanoia* – μετάνοια) is not simply regret, but a transformation of the mind and heart, turning away from sin and towards God.
• The Sacraments as Instruments of Grace: Sacraments, especially confession and communion, are seen as channels through which God’s grace flows, cleansing us from sin and restoring us to fellowship with Him.
• The Role of the Church: The Church, as the Body of Christ, is a community of healing and restoration, where believers support one another and encourage one another to remain steadfast in faith.
• Asceticism and Spiritual Discipline: Through practices such as fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, we discipline our bodies and minds, creating space for God’s grace to work in our lives and restore us to spiritual wholeness.
• The Hope of Eternal Life: Divine restoration culminates in the promise of eternal life with God, where all brokenness will be healed and all tears will be wiped away.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why does God allow suffering in the lives of believers?

A: God allows suffering for various reasons, including testing and refining our faith, disciplining us for our own good, and preparing us for greater glory. Suffering can also draw us closer to God and increase our dependence on Him. It is a mystery, but we trust in His wisdom and love.

Q: How can I experience divine restoration in my own life?

A: Experience divine restoration by turning to God in repentance, confessing your sins, receiving the sacraments, engaging in spiritual disciplines, and seeking support from the Church community. Cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on God.

Q: What is the role of prayer in the process of restoration?

A: Prayer is essential for restoration. Through prayer, we communicate with God, seek His guidance, express our needs, and receive His peace and strength. Prayer opens our hearts to God’s grace and allows Him to work in our lives. Constant prayer will help to overcome our problems.

Q: How does the Coptic Orthodox Church view the relationship between suffering and salvation?

A: The Coptic Orthodox Church believes that suffering, when endured with faith and patience, can be a pathway to salvation. Christ’s suffering on the cross is the ultimate example of how suffering can bring about redemption. Suffering can purify our hearts and prepare us for eternal life.

Conclusion

Psalm 60 is a powerful testament to the enduring hope for divine restoration. It acknowledges the reality of suffering and apparent abandonment, yet steadfastly clings to faith in God’s power and love. It emphasizes the importance of repentance, prayer, and reliance on God, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. The message is clear: even when the earth shakes beneath us and we drink the wine of astonishment, God’s promise of divine restoration remains. Let us, like David, cry out to God in our distress, trusting in His mercy and power to heal our brokenness and restore us to wholeness. Through faith and perseverance, we can experience the transformative power of divine restoration in our lives and become living witnesses to God’s unwavering love.

Tags

Psalm 60, Divine Restoration, Coptic Orthodox, Patristic Commentary, Suffering, Repentance, Faith, Prayer, Deliverance, Spiritual Growth

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Explore Psalm 60 with a Coptic Orthodox perspective. Discover insights on divine restoration, suffering, repentance, and finding hope in God’s unwavering love and power to deliver.