Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

Chapter 4 Psalms 60–80

Psalm 60 with John Calvin – Defeat of Rebellious Nations

In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the valley of Sukkoth (v. 6). The places he names are those possessed later in David’s reign, and which were still possessed by Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth when this psalm was written. Since a severe struggle was necessary to acquire them, he asserts that they would certainly be brought under his subjection in due time, as God had graciously promised it. So with Gilead . . . and Manasseh (v. 7). As Ephraim was the most populous of all the tribes, he appropriately terms it his helmet, that is, of his dominions. He adds that Judah would be his scepter , for “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet” (Gen 49:10). Moab is my washbasin (v. 8). In proceeding to speak of foreigners, he observes a wide distinction between them and his own citizens. The descendants of Abraham he

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