Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley, [1754-65], at sacred-texts.com
Psalms 60:2
psa 60:2
Tremble - A poetical expression, signifying great changes among the people.
Psalms 60:3
psa 60:3
To drink - Thou hast filled us with no less honor, than men intoxicated with strong drink.
Psalms 60:4
psa 60:4
A banner - Which is a sign and instrument, Of union. This people who were lately divided, thou hast united under one banner, under my government: Of battle. Thou hast given us an army, and power to oppose our enemies; which blessing God gave to Israel, for the sake of those few sincere Israelites who were among them. The truth - Not for any merit of ours, but to shew thy faithfulness in making good thy promises.
Psalms 60:5
psa 60:5
Beloved - Thy beloved people.
Psalms 60:6
psa 60:6
Rejoice - Therefore I will turn my prayers into praises, for what God has already done. Divide - Which supposeth possession and dominion. Shechem - A place within Jordan, in mount Ephraim. Succoth - A place without Jordan. He mentions Shechem, and Succoth; for all the land of Canaan, within and without Jordan.
Psalms 60:7
psa 60:7
Gilead - All the land beyond Jordan, which was possessed by Reuben and Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh. Manasseh - The other half of that tribe within Jordan. The strength - A chief part of my strength, either to offend mine enemies, or to defend myself. For this tribe was very numerous, and valiant and rich. Law - giver - The chief seat of my throne and kingdom, and of the inferior throne of judgment, Psa 122:5.
Psalms 60:8
psa 60:8
Wash - pot - In which I shall wash my feet. I shall bring them into the lowest degree of servitude. Shoe - I will use them like slaves; a proverbial expression. Triumph - It is an ironical expression, signifying that her triumphs were come to an end.
Psalms 60:9
psa 60:9
Who - None can do it but God. City - The cities; the singular number for the plural. Having beaten his enemies out of the field, he desires God's assistance to take their strong - holds, and so secure himself from farther attempts. Edom - Which was an high and rocky country, Oba 1:1-3, fortified by nature, as well as by art, and therefore not to be subdued without a Divine hand.
Psalms 60:10
psa 60:10
Hadst cut off - But now hast graciously returned to us.
