Psalm 60:2

You have shaken the land and torn it open. Heal its fractures, for it is quaking.

Study Bible

You have shaken the land and torn it open.
This phrase reflects a time of national crisis or divine judgment. In the historical context, it may refer to military defeats or natural disasters that Israel experienced, possibly during King David's reign. The imagery of a land being shaken and torn open suggests a severe disruption, akin to an earthquake, which in biblical times was often seen as a sign of God's displeasure or a call to repentance. Theologically, this can be connected to the idea of God as sovereign over creation, who can use natural events to communicate with His people. The shaking of the land can also symbolize spiritual upheaval, where God is calling His people to recognize their dependence on Him. This imagery is echoed in other scriptures, such as Isaiah 24:19-20, where the earth is described as being violently shaken due to the weight of sin.

Heal its fractures, for it is quaking.
The plea for healing indicates a desire for restoration and divine intervention. The fractures symbolize the brokenness and vulnerability of the nation, whether due to internal strife, external threats, or spiritual decay. The request for healing implies faith in God's ability to restore and make whole what has been damaged. This reflects a common biblical theme where God is seen as the healer of both physical and spiritual ailments, as seen in passages like 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God promises to heal the land if His people humble themselves and pray. The quaking of the land can also be seen as a metaphor for the instability and fear that accompany times of crisis, pointing to the need for God's peace and stability. This can be connected to the New Testament, where Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate healer and restorer, bringing peace to a world in turmoil (John 14:27).

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of Psalm 60, David was the second king of Israel, known for his military conquests and deep relationship with God. This psalm is attributed to him during a time of national distress.

2. Israel
The nation experiencing turmoil and seeking God's intervention. The psalm reflects a period of military and political instability.

3. Edom
A neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel. The historical context of Psalm 60 involves battles against Edom and other adversaries.

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

5. Aram
Another adversarial nation mentioned in the superscription of the psalm, indicating the broader geopolitical struggles Israel faced.

Teaching Points

Acknowledging God's Sovereignty
Recognize that God allows challenges and upheavals for His purposes. Our response should be to seek His guidance and healing.

Prayer for Restoration
Just as David prayed for healing of the land's fractures, we should intercede for restoration in our personal lives and communities.

Trust Amidst Turmoil
Even when circumstances are unstable, trust in God's ability to heal and restore. He is our ultimate source of stability.

Repentance and Reflection
Times of shaking can be opportunities for self-examination and repentance, aligning ourselves more closely with God's will.

Community and National Intercession
Encourage prayer not only for personal issues but also for broader societal and national healing, recognizing our collective need for God's intervention.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the historical context of David's battles enhance our interpretation of Psalm 60:2?

2. In what ways can we apply the imagery of a "shaken land" to our personal lives today?

3. How do other scriptures that speak of the earth shaking (e.g., Isaiah 24, Psalm 46) deepen our understanding of God's power and presence?

4. What practical steps can we take to seek God's healing in areas of our lives that feel fractured or unstable?

5. How can we incorporate prayers for national and community healing into our regular spiritual practices, following David's example?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 24:19-20
This passage also speaks of the earth being violently shaken, drawing a parallel to the imagery in Psalm 60:2 of a land in turmoil.

2 Samuel 8:13-14
Provides historical context for David's victories over Edom, which is relevant to understanding the backdrop of Psalm 60.

Psalm 46:2-3
Offers a similar theme of the earth shaking, yet emphasizes God's presence as a refuge, complementing the plea for healing in Psalm 60:2.