Sober Victory – Psalm 60

What this episode covers

Psalm 60 opens with the longest title of the Psalter and provides us with insightful and surprising historical background information. It seems clear from this paragraph that Psalm 60 was written as the anthem to commemorate the summarily victorious warfare campaigns of Israel’s greatest general: David. Given this context, we find this warrior's song dramatically unique. It is not the self-exalting impulse of festal parades or the nationalistic patriotism of a great empire that is featured here. It is nothing like the brash promises, boast, bluffs, or accounts of any of the neighboring kings and conquests we find in the archeological record. Instead – it is the sober, humble, and even alarming words of caution to the people of a favored nation as well as praise to God. Psalm 60 instructs godly leaders on how to memorialize victories. What ought the spirit of a 4th of July or independence day celebration contain as a people acknowledges the sovereignty of God and their utter dependence on Him? This Psalm provides valuable instruction and a model for sober celebration.

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