Psalms 60:12

Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

Psalms 60:12 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 60 is attributed to David and is a lament or prayer for deliverance, written during a time of distress, possibly after a military defeat. The psalm pleads for God’s help and acknowledges the need for His intervention in overcoming enemies. The immediate context of verse 12 is verse 11, which states, “O give us help against the adversary, for deliverance by man is in vain.” This establishes that human effort alone is insufficient, setting the stage for the declaration of faith in verse 12.

Meaning

The verse begins with a powerful affirmation: “Through God we shall do valiantly.” Here, David recognises that their strength and ability to triumph over adversaries come from God. It highlights dependence on the Lord for victory, implying that without God’s presence and assistance, they would not achieve success. The second half, “for he it is that shall tread down our enemies,” emphasises the sovereignty and power of God. The imagery of treading down conveys that God will conquer their adversaries under His feet, instilling confidence in His ability to bring about victory in any situation.

The Hebrew parallelism shows that while believers act valiantly, it is God who performs the decisive act of trampling enemies. The Targum interprets “through God” as “through the Word of the Lord,” a reference to Christ, who appears at the head of his armies and inspires his people to fight valiantly, gaining victory over all enemies.

Application

Psalm 60:12 holds a broader application beyond David’s immediate situation. As believers, we face various challenges, struggles, and enemies—spiritual battles, personal difficulties, or opposition from those around us. This verse encourages us to place our trust in God as our source of strength and victory.

• Recognising God’s Strength: We should acknowledge that our strength to overcome challenges and enemies doesn’t come from our own abilities or resources, but from God alone. It humbles us and reminds us of our need for Him.

• Trusting in God’s Power: Just as David trusted in God’s power to defeat his enemies, we can trust that God is mighty and capable of triumphing over any opposition we face. It encourages us to have faith in His ability to bring about deliverance.

• Seeking God’s Help: We are reminded to turn to God in prayer, seeking His intervention and guidance. He is the one who fights on our behalf. Through our reliance on Him, we can experience His victories in our lives.

• Finding Comfort and Assurance: This verse offers comfort and assurance that, with God on our side, we can face any challenge or adversary. It strengthens our resolve to persevere, knowing that God is ultimately in control.

Reflection

Psalm 60:12 teaches us the importance of relying on God for strength and victory. It reminds us that He is the one who empowers us to overcome our enemies and face the challenges of life. By trusting in Him and seeking His guidance, we can experience His triumph and find comfort in His presence.