Psalm 60:5

Respond and save us with Your right hand, that Your beloved may be delivered.

Study Bible

Respond and save us with Your right hand
The phrase "Respond and save us" is a plea for divine intervention and deliverance. In the biblical context, the right hand symbolizes power and authority. The right hand of God is often associated with His strength and ability to save (Exodus 15:6, Psalm 118:16). This imagery is used throughout Scripture to convey God's might and His active role in the salvation of His people. The request for God to "respond" indicates a desire for immediate action, reflecting the urgency and desperation of the situation faced by the psalmist. Historically, the Israelites often found themselves in dire circumstances, surrounded by enemies, and in need of God's powerful intervention.

that Your beloved may be delivered
The term "Your beloved" refers to those who are in a covenant relationship with God, often representing the nation of Israel or the faithful remnant within it. This phrase underscores the special relationship between God and His people, highlighting His love and commitment to them. The concept of being "delivered" is central to the biblical narrative, where God repeatedly rescues His people from physical and spiritual dangers. This deliverance is not only a historical reality but also a prophetic foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who is often seen as the fulfillment of God's promises to His beloved. The deliverance sought here is both immediate, in the context of the psalmist's situation, and eschatological, pointing to the ultimate salvation found in Christ.

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 deliverance in times of trouble.

2. Israel
The nation of God's chosen people, often in need of deliverance from their enemies and seeking God's intervention.

3. God's Right Hand
Symbolic of God's power and authority, often invoked in the Psalms as a source of salvation and strength.

4. The Beloved of God
Refers to those whom God loves and has chosen, often seen as the people of Israel in the Old Testament context.

5. Military Conflict
The backdrop of Psalm 60 is a time of military struggle for Israel, possibly during David's battles with surrounding nations.

Teaching Points

The Power of God's Right Hand
God's right hand symbolizes His ultimate power and authority. Believers can trust in His strength to deliver them from any situation.

The Assurance of God's Love
Those whom God loves are assured of His deliverance. This love is steadfast and unchanging, providing comfort and hope.

Prayer for Deliverance
Like David, believers are encouraged to pray earnestly for God's intervention in their lives, trusting in His ability to save.

God's Faithfulness in Times of Trouble
Even in the midst of conflict and struggle, God's faithfulness remains. Believers can rely on His promises and His timing.

Community of Believers
The plea for deliverance is not just individual but communal. The church, as the beloved of God, can unite in prayer for collective deliverance and support.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of God's right hand in Psalm 60:5 enhance your understanding of His power and authority in your life?

2. In what ways can you relate the plea for deliverance in Psalm 60:5 to your personal experiences or challenges?

3. How does the assurance of being among "those You love" impact your faith and trust in God's promises?

4. What other biblical examples can you find where God's right hand is depicted as a source of strength and deliverance?

5. How can the church today embody the communal aspect of seeking God's deliverance as seen in Psalm 60:5?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 108:6
This verse echoes the plea for deliverance and highlights the theme of God's love for His people.

Isaiah 41:10
This passage reassures believers of God's presence and strength, similar to the invocation of God's right hand in Psalm 60:5.

Exodus 15:6
The song of Moses celebrates God's right hand as a symbol of His power and victory over the Egyptians.

Romans 8:31-39
Paul speaks of God's love and the assurance of victory for those He loves, resonating with the plea for deliverance in Psalm 60:5.