Psalm 60:11

Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless.

Study Bible

Give us aid against the enemy
This phrase begins with a plea for divine assistance, emphasizing the necessity of God's intervention in the face of adversaries. The Hebrew root for "give" is "נָתַן" (natan), which implies a bestowal or granting of something that is needed. This reflects a deep reliance on God, acknowledging that human efforts alone are insufficient. The term "aid" in Hebrew is "עֶזְרָה" (ezrah), which denotes help or support, often used in the context of military assistance. Historically, Israel frequently found itself surrounded by hostile nations, and this plea underscores the reality of their dependence on God for victory. The "enemy" here, "צָר" (tsar), can refer to any adversary or oppressor, not just in a military sense but also in spiritual or moral struggles. This highlights the broader application of the verse, reminding believers that God is a source of help against all forms of opposition.

for the help of man is worthless
This phrase contrasts divine aid with human assistance, emphasizing the futility of relying solely on human strength. The Hebrew word for "help" here is "תְּשׁוּעָה" (teshuah), which can mean deliverance or salvation. The term "worthless" is translated from "שָׁוְא" (shav), meaning vain or empty. This stark declaration serves as a reminder of the limitations of human power and wisdom. In the historical context of ancient Israel, alliances with other nations often proved unreliable, reinforcing the message that true security and victory come from God alone. This verse encourages believers to place their trust in God rather than in human institutions or abilities, aligning with the broader biblical theme of faith in divine providence over worldly resources.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of Psalm 60, David was the king of Israel and a man after God's own heart. He often sought God's guidance and strength in times of trouble.

2. Israel
The nation of God's chosen people, often facing battles and needing divine intervention for victory.

3. Edom
A nation often in conflict with Israel, representing the enemies that David refers to in this Psalm.

4. Joab
David's military commander, who played a significant role in the battles against Edom and other enemies.

5. The Battle
The context of Psalm 60 is a time of military struggle, where Israel faced formidable enemies and needed God's intervention for success.

Teaching Points

Dependence on God
True victory and aid come from God, not from human efforts or alliances. We must prioritize seeking God's help in our battles, whether they are physical, spiritual, or emotional.

The Futility of Human Help
Human strength and wisdom are limited and often fail. Recognizing this helps us to place our trust in God's infinite power and wisdom.

Prayer as a First Response
Like David, we should make prayer our first response in times of trouble, acknowledging our need for God's intervention.

God's Sovereignty in Battles
Understanding that God is sovereign over all situations encourages us to trust His plans and timing, even when circumstances seem dire.

Faith in Action
While we trust in God, we are also called to act in faith, preparing and doing our part while relying on His ultimate guidance and strength.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's plea for divine aid in Psalm 60:11 reflect his understanding of God's role in his life and leadership?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of seeking God's help first in our personal battles today?

3. How do other scriptures, like Isaiah 31:1 and Proverbs 21:31, reinforce the message of Psalm 60:11 about the limitations of human help?

4. Reflect on a time when you relied on human strength instead of God's. What was the outcome, and how might it have been different if you had sought God's aid first?

5. How can we cultivate a habit of turning to prayer as our first response in times of trouble, following David's example in this Psalm?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 108:12
This verse echoes the sentiment of Psalm 60:11, emphasizing reliance on God rather than human strength.

2 Chronicles 20:12
Jehoshaphat's prayer reflects a similar dependence on God when facing overwhelming odds.

Isaiah 31:1
Warns against relying on human strength and alliances instead of seeking God's help.

Proverbs 21:31
Highlights that while preparation is necessary, victory ultimately comes from the Lord.