Psalm 60 (59):2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This is chronicled in the books of Kings, highlighting David's victories over those named, including Mesopotamia in Syria, Sobal, Joab, and Edom. Thus, as recorded, everyone acknowledged what transpired; let us consider what he has left behind.

Nevertheless, it is customary for the prophetic spirit in psalm titles to diverge from historical accounts, often conveying messages that might not exist in the annals of history. The intent of such titles is not solely to recount events but to provide a foreshadowing for what is to come. Notably, this psalm doesn’t explicitly state that he conquered Mesopotamia in Syria or Sobal. Therefore, let us begin by understanding these matters in light of future revelations, bringing clarity to previously shadowy interpretations.

Concerning the end, you know the conclusion. For the culmination of the law is Christ. You understand the transformation taking place as one transitions from the former state into a new life. Once immersed in darkness, now you are light in the Lord (Eph. 5:8). They have been replaced by the title: those passing into the kingdom of Christ from the dominion of the devil. It is indeed beneficial that they are acknowledged in the title. Their transformation is as follows: for teaching's sake, David himself imparted wisdom, thus it was not solely for his benefit but for instruction unto others.

This leads us to consider how Christ intended to change us through the very fire He came to send into the world (Lk 12:49). If Christ’s purpose was to introduce this fire for the healing of the world, we ought to contemplate not simply how the fire was sent, but how it manifests in the world. Let us reflect on the significance of Mesopotamia and Sobal being consumed by fire. By examining the meanings of these names in their original Hebrew context, we find that Mesopotamia signifies a high calling, an exaltation for the whole world through that calling. Therefore, what is elevated is humbled and consumed.

Sobal evokes the idea of empty antiquity, overshadowed and rendered obsolete by Christ's cleansing flames. As the old brambles are incinerated, vibrant new growth emerges, occurring rapidly and in abundance, as the fire clears the way for regeneration. Fear not, then, the fire of Christ that emerges. All flesh is as hay, and the glory of man is like the flower of the grass (Isa. 40:6). Thus, the fire eradicates all that is temporal.

Regarding Joab, whose name denotes an adversary, he signifies an enemy. This is insightful as it suggests the possibility of an adversarial force. If the enemy is repelled, it becomes representative of the devil; yet, if through faith transformed, it embodies the believer. How can a follower of Christ be termed an enemy? Through their prior enmity, they have now embraced belief. Strike Edom, whose name represents worldly existence. The earthly must be vanquished; why should that which is bound to the earth continue to thrive while that which is destined for heaven is overlooked? Therefore, the life tied to earthly things must yield to the life of the spirit.

Just as we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly (1 Cor. 15:49). Observe this mortification process: "put to death your members which are upon the earth" (Col. 3:5). Having vanquished Edom, David defeated twelve thousand in the valley of the salt pits. This perfect number resonates with the twelve Apostles, emphasizing the dissemination of the Word across the globe. The Word of God, embodied in Christ, carries forth in the messengers of truth.

The world is divided into four known quarters: the four winds—East, West, North, and South—serving as a representation. The Word was dispatched across these regions to summon all into the embrace of the Trinity. The totality of twelve multiplied, reflects the completeness communicated by the Church, as she arises refined from the world.

Why in the valley of the salt pits? The valley signifies humility; salt pits embody flavor. Many may humble themselves, yet in vain and ignorance, clinging to worldly pursuits. They endure hardship for monetary gain, for worldly honor, through comfort, yet why not for God? Why not for Christ? Why not for the essence of salt? Remember, it is declared, "You are the salt of the earth" (Matt. 5:13), and if the salt loses its flavor, it is good for nothing but to be cast out.

Therefore, it is wise to embrace true humility. Consider the heretics who feign humility; were not laws established by men to condemn them, at odds with divine decree? They may be humbled, fleeing in persecution, yet without true delight, driven by folly and aimlessness. The salt has indeed lost its flavor and is left to be trodden underfoot. We have heard the title of the psalm, let us now also heed the words contained within.

Therefore, let the Church of God hear my message and learn to echo what we have recently articulated: “Give us help from affliction, and the salvation of man is vanity.” Thus, according to the psalmist, my condition should not deter me, as tribulation often brings forth assistance and does not serve merely as a justification for weakness. It is fitting, then, for those who have been cast away due to their transgressions, only to be restored through divine mercy, to declare: “O God, thou hast cast us away, and hast cast us down; thou hast angered us, and hast bruised us.” It is better to offer an explanatory reflection on these words, as they align naturally with the intent of the psalm. However, the historical backdrop of this psalm, as noted in its superscription, has yet to be found in any divinely inspired accounts. Nonetheless, diligent scholars of Scripture may discern parallels in the Second Book of Kings, which recounts how David struck down Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, who sought control over the Euphrates River. David brought forth a thousand chariots, seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand foot soldiers, ultimately destroying all the chariots and retaining only a hundred for himself (2 Sam. 8:3-4). Further down, the text states: “And David reigned over all Israel, and David executed judgment and righteousness for all his people” (2 Sam. 8:15). The narrative continues with the sons of Ammon, who sent for reinforcements from Syria, leading Joab to devise a strategic attack against them (2 Kings 10:6, 9, 19). This historical account aligns well with the psalm’s superscription, even as it reflects the pinnacle of David's military accomplishments.

The poignancy of his lament at such a triumphant moment may raise questions—why, in light of his victories, does he declare, “O God, thou hast cast us off, and hast cast us down”? How can he express a sense of abandonment when God had provided him with such victories, strengthening his armies and expanding his tribute territories? It prompts reflection on whether this sentiment signals some form of ingratitude. After defeating Hadadezer, seizing significant resources, and subsequently overcoming the allied forces of Ammon and Syria—with Joab executing a decisive strategy—why does he convey such despair? Despite the context of triumph, the psalm speaks to a future reality, transcending its immediate circumstances and referencing the ultimate redemption intended for humanity. Hence, the psalm reflects the sentiments of those longing for transformation. This aspiration for change is common to all humanity, as we navigate the seasons of our lives, transitioning from childhood to old age, and adapting emotionally to moments of joy and sorrow, health and illness, prosperity and mourning. The psalm characterizes not simply those who change but those who seek to change, hinting at an upcoming fulfillment of prophecy—a call for all to forsake the folly of previous generations in favor of an earnest pursuit for holiness.

Thus, the message of the psalm is not confined to the Jewish experience of its time; it speaks profoundly to us who yearn for transformation, who reject polytheism for true piety and exchange idolatrous illusions for the knowledge of our Creator. We are called to embrace lawful chastity over lawless indulgence and to replace revelry with psalms, fasting, and prayer. Therefore, any assertion that this psalm does not encompass our journey would fall short of the truth. For the divine words echoed in Romans 3:3 resonate with us, and within the Church of God, these gifts are shared as spiritual sustenance. This psalm, rooted in Scripture, must not be treated lightly. Rather, let its truths be engraved upon your hearts, steadfast and immovable, unlike ephemeral writing that quickly fades. Should anyone challenge our connection to this psalm, let us counter with its own words, illustrating the unbreakable unity of our calling, as it gathers those previously distant and binds them together in faith through Christ. “Mine is Gilead, and mine is Manasseh; and Ephraim is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver; Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; over Philistia will I triumph” (Ps. 60:7-8). O God, thou hast cast us off; thou hast cast us aside, as we stray from You in accordance with our sins; thou hast allowed the weight of our iniquities to lead us into weakness; thou hast expressed wrath at our state as children of disobedience (Eph. 2:3) who were once without hope and devoid of God in the world (Eph. 2:12); thou hast brought us low when Thou didst offer Thine only begotten Son as atonement for our sins (Rom. 3:25), so that through His blood we might find redemption (Eph. 1:7).

Scripture addresses not only the necessity for change but also offers guidance on how to achieve it, providing examples of positive transformation. The full text of the superscription reads: “In the end, of them that desire to be changed, in a pillar to David, to teach him; when he burned up the midst of Syria, and Syria of Sobal, and Joab returned, and smote the debris of salts two hundred and ninety thousand.” This indicates that scripture provides instruction, as indicated by the term ‘teaching,’ which implies guidance. Additionally, ‘into the pillar of writing’ suggests that these lessons should be firmly etched in our hearts, with the pillars representing solid examples of virtuous actions.

The splendid actions of David's military leader led to the downfall of enemies, who faced destruction either through fire or defeat in battle. The territories of Syria and its adjacent regions suffered devastation, while many thousands were overwhelmed in the salty wilderness. However, it may be more beneficial to summarize the essential significance of these historical accounts rather than recount them in detail. The prophet refers to the entire nation of Syria, dividing it into two regions, each characterized uniquely. One is the central Syrian territory, while the other is Syria of Sobal; both were consumed by flames. Upon the return of the chief leader, a verdict was rendered against twelve thousand.

Thus, we can conceive the duality of Syria's appearance, with some Syrians encircled by turbulent waters, symbolic of those entrapped by their passions, while others are near the Owl, which represents the suffering inflicted by obstinate powers. Therefore, our path toward betterment may involve the purification of this duality of vice through the cleansing fire. Just as virtue leaves an enduring mark in life and discernment, so too does vice. The chaotic life that encircles the soul with torrents of desires is known as mediocrity, while misguided reasoning, closely allied with the authority of measure, is labeled as the Sobal region.

Through the illumination and purification of the Word, the barren and inhospitable earth, representing the host of opposing forces, is vanquished by the commander’s might. We cannot claim victory over our adversaries without the leader prevailing through divine strength. The defeat of our enemies inevitably results in peace. This outcome of triumph is imprinted deeply in our memories by the command to ‘change,’ illustrating through historical examples our liberation from passions.

It may be beneficial to also interpret the theme of transformation through the lens of certain scholars who refer to this psalm with phrases like "of flowers" or "of lilies." The term "of flowers" illustrates the changing of seasons, symbolizing the shift from vices to a virtuous lifestyle. The lily imagery elucidates the nature of the transformation, as one enlightened emerges with a radiant and pure demeanor, shedding the darkness of prior existence. Thus, the superscription that reads “of them that desire to be changed” serves as an encouragement for us to consistently seek improvement through prayer and mindful living.

The name ‘Adraazar’ in Greek implies ‘one who frustrates power’ or ‘one who annihilates strength,’ illustrating the devil’s role in initially undermining the spiritual authority of our nature through the breach of the divine command, thus subjugating humanity to time and creation. Without this subjugation to time and nature, it is impossible to engage in conflict with mankind. Joab returned and struck down Edom in the wilderness of Soleil, slaying twelve thousand. Every representative of the spiritual King David, our Lord Jesus, battles against opposing forces and vanquishes twelve thousand in the valley of Salt. The valley of Soleil signifies the flesh, which has become a wretched realm of passions due to disobedience. In this valley, every devout and God-fearing individual contends with nature and time through reason and contemplation. Alternatively, in such individuals, the lofty nature of their virtues and knowledge prevents the unreasonable desires of the soul from being enslaved by the laws of nature and time. The significance of the number twelve embodies these natures and times, with the natures being pentateuchal due to the senses, and the times being sevenfold, evident to all. The sum of five and seven results in twelve. It is also conceivable that the number involves the dead.

He who aids the spiritual David in the quest for truth, entering into invisible conflicts as a leader, well-prepared to confront malevolent forces, will be overcome valiantly. Every faculty of the soul, when moved contrary to nature, becomes intricately linked with the sensual components. Hence, when the rational, passionate, and desirable elements—representing the three foundational powers of the soul—are yielded to the four sensual elements, the number twelve emerges. This occurs as four combined with three, added to five, cumulating in this total. He who approaches the Lord with faith and exhibits bravery in the battle against all invisible and hostile spirits will triumph over them.

Nevertheless, details concerning the Syrian territory, particularly Syria Sobal and the valley of salt, are not clearly documented in sacred scriptures, apart from mention in 2 Samuel, where references are vague. While there were certainly events, they were not recorded by the inspired authors, as illustrated by the book of Chronicles. The valley of salt denotes a location but also symbolizes its inhabitants, alongside a count of those who perished there. Basil the Great refers to 'those changed' primarily as Christians who, through holy baptism, are transformed from being children of the flesh to being children of God. This freedom marks their liberation from demonic bondage, and we will address the implications of this transformation towards the conclusion of the psalm, linking it to the captives of Babylon.

Concerning this last aspect, we will now unpack it. The Divine Maximus interprets this inscription allegorically, conveying that for our edification, as those who have embraced and undergone a commendable divine transformation, this psalm is attributed to the mind of David, which signifies Christ. He is uniquely the true King of Israel who has consumed the realm of wickedness through His incarnation, vanquishing the shackles of evil and the forces of Syria-Sobal, representing those bound by time. Indeed, 'Sobal' implies shadow, reflecting the temporality associated with the devil, who often employs nature and time as allies against virtue and wisdom, in addition to unseen adversaries like Adraazar, which denotes 'destroying strength' or a weakening of the stronghold, akin to the tactics of the devil who unites various forces against David.

Without succumbing to the dominance of nature and time, one cannot contend with humanity. Yet, anyone who engages in battle under the banner of the mental King Christ, as Joab did alongside David against opposing forces, can strike down twelve thousand in the wilderness of salts. This valley of salts symbolizes the flesh, where every devout and God-fearing individual, through reason and meditation, conquers the constraints of nature and time. The number twelve signifies both nature and time; nature is represented by the number five, corresponding to the senses, and time by seven. The sum of five and seven yields the number twelve. Furthermore, Divinely inspired Gregory offers an allegorical interpretation of this inscription. It is noteworthy that the sentiments expressed in the present psalm, starting with 'that thy beloved ones may be delivered,' and extending to the end, are echoed in Psalm 107. Great Athanasius observes that David's countenance relates to the face of the Lord, affirming that in later times, He transformed circumstances and established a new order, overcoming foreign nations that reflect mental adversities; thus, the inscription reminds us that it is 'in teaching.'

The psalm attributes the victory over the Idumeans to Joab in the title, to David in 2 Samuel 8, and to Abishai in 1 Chronicles 18:12, yet this is not contradictory; David, as king, could claim this victory as his own through his army's success. Joab commanded the entire army, while Abishai led the contingent that defeated the Idumeans, allowing each to be acknowledged as victors. The region of Syria, often referred to as “Mesopotamia of the two rivers,” had kings who likely served as vassals to the kings of Sobal, thus making the conflict with Sobal also a war against the Syrians.

While 2 Samuel 8:13 mentions 1800 Idumeans defeated rather than 12000, this discrepancy does not diminish the divine inspiration of Sacred History and can be understood as an original account. It can be interpreted as David’s supplication for success in the military endeavor against Idumea (vv. 11-14), bolstered by the faith inspired by God’s recent aid against the Syrians (vv. 3-7) and the ancient Divine promise (vv. 8-10). Hence, it is reasonable to conclude that this psalm was composed before the victory in the Salt Valley (2 Samuel 8:13) and should be viewed as a petition for that triumph.

Ephraim symbolizes fruitfulness—Christ embodies the abundance of salvation stemming from Adam. Judah represents the king—Christ, the King of the Jews, arises from the tribe of Judah. Gilead descends from Manasseh (refer to 1 Chron. 7:17). This illustrates the lineage of patriarchs stemming from God, leading to Christ in the flesh (Rom. 9:5). By mentioning Gilead and Manasseh, He indicates that His advent will bring grace to the Jews first. However, Ephraim and Judah, the two prominent tribes of Israel, will also receive grace. It is stated, "The fortress of my head"—rather than "The fortress of my dominion"—because Ephraim was the strength of Israel; it was from Ephraim that the kingdom of Israel emerged. Judah is the king; from this tribe, Christ is the King of the Jews. Thus, the divided tribes are brought together in harmony (Basil the Great, Athanasius).