Psalms 60:9
Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?
Original Language Analysis
מִ֣י
H4310
מִ֣י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 8
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יֹ֭בִלֵנִי
Who will bring
H2986
יֹ֭בִלֵנִי
Who will bring
Strong's:
H2986
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, to flow; causatively, to bring (especially with pomp)
עִ֣יר
city
H5892
עִ֣יר
city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
3 of 8
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
מָצ֑וֹר
me into the strong
H4692
מָצ֑וֹר
me into the strong
Strong's:
H4692
Word #:
4 of 8
something hemming in, i.e., (objectively) a mound (of besiegers), (abstractly) a siege, (figuratively) distress; or (subjectively) a fastness
מִ֖י
H4310
מִ֖י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
5 of 8
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
נָחַ֣נִי
who will lead
H5148
נָחַ֣נִי
who will lead
Strong's:
H5148
Word #:
6 of 8
to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)
Historical Context
Petra, Edom's rock fortress, was virtually impregnable by ancient siege standards. David's confidence in conquering it rested not on military strategy but on God's promise and power, demonstrated when he eventually subdued Edom (2 Samuel 8:13-14).
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognition of your inability apart from God function in prayer?
- What 'strong cities' in your life require God's intervention beyond human capability?
Analysis & Commentary
The rhetorical questions about Edom's 'strong city' reveal David's need for divine enablement in conquest. Acknowledging that God alone can bring him into the fortified city demonstrates dependence. This principle that human effort requires divine empowerment anticipates Jesus's teaching: 'Without me ye can do nothing' (John 15:5).