Psalm 60:3

You have shown Your people hardship; we are staggered from the wine You made us drink.

Study Bible

You have shown Your people hardship;
This phrase reflects a period of divine discipline or judgment upon the people of Israel. Throughout the Old Testament, God often allowed His people to experience hardship as a means of correction and to draw them back to Himself. This is seen in the cycles of sin, judgment, repentance, and deliverance in the Book of Judges. The hardships could be due to military defeat, famine, or other calamities. In the context of Psalm 60, it is likely referring to military struggles during King David's reign, possibly against the Edomites or Arameans. This phrase underscores the belief that God is sovereign over the circumstances of His people, using even difficult situations to fulfill His purposes.

we are staggered from the wine You made us drink.
The imagery of staggering from wine suggests a state of confusion or disorientation, often used metaphorically in the Bible to describe the effects of God's judgment. In Isaiah 51:17, Jerusalem is described as having drunk from the cup of God's wrath, leading to a similar state of staggering. The "wine" here symbolizes the overwhelming nature of the trials faced by the people, which God has allowed or caused. This metaphor can also be seen as a type of Christ, who in the New Testament, drinks the cup of God's wrath on behalf of humanity (Matthew 26:39), taking upon Himself the judgment deserved by sinners. The use of wine as a symbol of judgment contrasts with its use as a symbol of blessing and joy in other parts of Scripture, highlighting the dual nature of God's dealings with humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of Psalm 60, David is expressing a lament over Israel's struggles and seeking God's intervention.

2. Israel
The people of God who are experiencing hardship and divine discipline, as described in this verse.

3. God
The one who has allowed His people to experience hardship, symbolized by the staggering from wine.

4. Edom
The backdrop of the psalm, where David fought against Edom and sought God's help in battle.

5. Joab
David's military commander, who played a significant role in the battles referenced in the context of this psalm.

Teaching Points

Understanding Divine Discipline
Recognize that hardships can be a form of God's discipline, intended to bring His people back to righteousness.

The Symbolism of Wine
The imagery of staggering from wine represents confusion and disorientation, which can occur when we face God's judgment or correction.

Seeking God's Help
In times of hardship, like David, we should turn to God in prayer and seek His guidance and deliverance.

The Purpose of Trials
Trials and hardships can refine our faith and strengthen our reliance on God, as seen throughout Scripture.

God's Sovereignty in Hardship
Trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He allows hardships for a purpose and will ultimately bring about His good plans.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the historical context of David's battles help us interpret Psalm 60:3?

2. In what ways can the imagery of staggering from wine be applied to our personal experiences of hardship?

3. How can we discern when our hardships are a form of divine discipline, and how should we respond?

4. What other biblical examples illustrate the concept of God using trials to refine His people?

5. How can we find comfort in God's sovereignty during times of confusion and disorientation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 51:17
This verse also uses the imagery of staggering from wine to describe God's judgment and discipline upon His people.

Jeremiah 25:15-16
The cup of God's wrath is a recurring theme, symbolizing divine judgment and the resulting disorientation.

Hebrews 12:5-11
This passage discusses God's discipline as a sign of His love, which can be related to the hardships described in Psalm 60:3.

Psalm 75:8
Another reference to the cup of God's wrath, emphasizing the theme of divine judgment.