Psalms 60:5
That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The concept of Israel as God's beloved pervades Old Testament theology. God declared to Israel: 'I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee' (Jeremiah 31:3). This love wasn't based on Israel's superiority or worthiness but on God's sovereign choice and covenant commitment. Deuteronomy 7:7-8 explains: 'The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people... But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers.'
The appeal to God's 'right hand' echoes exodus traditions. When Israel crossed the Red Sea, Moses sang: 'Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy' (Exodus 15:6). Throughout Israel's history, appeals to God's right hand recalled this foundational deliverance. If God's right hand could part seas and drown Pharaoh's army, it could certainly deliver from Edom and Aram.
Historically, this psalm emerges from the period when David consolidated his kingdom and extended Israel's borders through military campaigns. These weren't wars of aggression but defensive actions against surrounding nations who threatened Israel. David understood these conflicts in theological terms—not merely political or military ventures but occasions for demonstrating Yahweh's power and faithfulness to His covenant people.
The shift from corporate to individual prayer reflects David's role as king and representative of his people. In ancient Near Eastern thought, the king embodied the nation. His victory was their victory; his defeat, theirs. When David prayed 'hear me,' he prayed as representative of Israel, not merely as private individual. This prefigures Christ's representative role as King who stands in place of His people.
For New Testament believers, being God's beloved finds ultimate expression in Christ. Ephesians 1:6 declares believers are 'accepted in the beloved'—referring to Christ as God's beloved Son (Matthew 3:17) and believers as beloved in Him through union with Christ. The Father's love for the Son extends to all who are 'in Christ,' making them beloved children adopted into God's family.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to be God's 'beloved' (not just generically loved but specifically chosen in covenant love), and how does this identity shape confidence in prayer?
- How does recognizing that deliverance is passive (being delivered by another) rather than active (delivering oneself) humble us and direct us to dependence on God?
- Why does the psalmist appeal to God's 'right hand' (power, strength), and how does remembering God's mighty acts in the past strengthen faith for present needs?
- What is the relationship between corporate prayer ('thy beloved may be delivered') and personal prayer ('hear me'), and why are both necessary?
- How can believers today experience being 'beloved' of God in deeply personal ways, and how does this belovedness provide security during times of threat or defeat?
Analysis & Commentary
That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me. This verse shifts from corporate observation about God's banner (v.4) to personal and corporate prayer for deliverance. It expresses the purpose for which the banner is given and appeals to God's saving power to accomplish that purpose. The verse connects God's truth (v.4) with His people's need for deliverance.
"That thy beloved may be delivered" (lema'an yechaltezun yedidekha, לְמַעַן יֵחָלְצוּן יְדִידֶיךָ) states the purpose. "That" (lema'an) indicates purpose, aim, result—everything previously stated serves this goal. "Thy beloved" (yedidekha, יְדִידֶיךָ) is plural, referring to God's beloved people collectively. Yedid means beloved, loved one, darling—a term of intimate affection. Israel is God's beloved, not because of merit but because of divine election and covenant love.
This word yedid has special significance. Solomon was called Jedidiah ("beloved of Yahweh," 2 Samuel 12:25). The term emphasizes not merely God's general love for humanity but His particular covenant love for His chosen people. Being God's beloved isn't sentimental feeling but covenantal relationship—God has bound Himself in love to His people despite their unfaithfulness.
"May be delivered" (yechaltezun, יֵחָלְצוּן) means to be rescued, saved, pulled out of danger, delivered from enemies. The verb form indicates passive—being acted upon by another. God's beloved don't deliver themselves but receive deliverance. This acknowledges human inability and divine capability—only God can rescue His people from the overwhelming opposition they face.
"Save with thy right hand" (hoshi'ah yeminekha, הוֹשִׁיעָה יְמִינֶךָ) appeals to God's powerful intervention. The "right hand" throughout Scripture symbolizes power, authority, strength. Exodus 15:6 celebrates: "Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy." Appealing to God's right hand is appealing to His mighty power to save.
"And hear me" (va'aneni, וַעֲנֵנִי) shifts to individual, personal plea. After corporate prayer ("thy beloved... may be delivered"), David personalizes: "hear ME." This movement from corporate to individual reflects Hebrew thought where individual and community are deeply interconnected. David as king represents his people; their deliverance and his are bound together. The personal plea grounds corporate prayer in individual relationship with God.