Among everyday troubles, people often lose their fortitude, the ability to hear God and trust Him. To return the soul to a calm state, the holy fathers advise reading Psalm 60. This is a short poetic work written by King David, one of the chapters of the biblical book of Psalms. In it you can see the appeal of a fallen man to his Creator and see how the Lord encourages him.
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Text of prayer Psalm 60
In Church Slavonic
In the end, in songs, to David, Psalm 1 Hear, O God, my prayer, attend to my prayer. 2 From the ends of the earth I cried to You, when my heart was always depressed, You lifted me up on a rock, You taught me. 3 For you have been my hope, a pillar of strength from the face of the enemy. 4 I will dwell in Your village forever, I will be covered in the shelter of Your wings. 5 Because You, O God, have heard my prayers, You have given wealth to those who fear Your name. 6 You will add days upon the days of the king, his years until the day of his generation and generation. 7 Who will remain in the presence of God forever; who will seek His mercy and truth? 8 Thus I will sing praises to Your name forever; I will offer up my prayers day by day.
In Russian
To be performed, in the image of hymns. David. 1 Hear, O God, my prayer; give ear to my prayer. 2 From the ends of the earth I cried to You in the despondency of my heart; You raised me up on a rock, 3 you showed me the way, for you became my hope, a strong tower in the face of the enemy. 4 I will dwell in Your abode forever, I will hide under the shelter of Your wings. 5 For You, O God, have heard my prayers, and have given an inheritance to those who fear Your name. 6 You will add days to the days of the king, his years to the days of generation and generation; 7 He will remain forever before God; who can comprehend His mercy and truth? 8 Thus will I sing to Your name forever, to fulfill my vows day by day.
Interpretation of Psalm 60
The text can be studied in various translations, its meaning will not change. Only at Orthodox services it is impossible to hear it in Russian, since the Russian Orthodox Church uses exclusively Church Slavonic.
- Verses 2 through 4 illustrate turning to God in prayer during difficult times. Despair did not become a reason to turn away from the Lord; on the contrary, in difficult moments the righteous man began to pray even more fervently. He does not simply address the heavens, but “shouts” (that is, screams loudly), in his own words. David is persistent in his requests.
A person can be far from the temple and still have the opportunity to communicate with God. Yes, visiting church is very important, but you can offer prayers absolutely anywhere, even the most remote place. Even if there are only enemies around, a Christian always has his most reliable friend and protector nearby - the Creator.
David asks to be sheltered from trouble on the rock. This is a metaphor that refers to the omnipotence of God. Abiding in God gives the believer a sense of security. Only obedience to the Creator gives the soul serenity and peace, as stated in Psalm 61.
- Verse 5 talks about fulfilling duties to God.
It is not enough to simply declare yourself a Christian and believe “in your soul.” Making your faith alive is possible only through concrete deeds. Although temporary troubles caused David to be removed from the Temple, he was firmly confident that this would soon change.
- Verses 6 through 9 show the psalmist remembering the past. He seeks consolation in the fact that the Lord previously accepted his promises (vows).
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There are other similar examples in the Bible - for example, God remembered Jacob because of his promises (Genesis, chapter 31, verse 13). Not a single good intention can be hidden from the Creator; they are pleasing to Him. However, a person must be attentive to his life and not neglect the promises he makes to heaven.
Any promise is accompanied by prayer. During the Old Testament, there was only one chosen people, the custodians of faith in the One Living God. Today, anyone can join this dedicated tribe through faith in Jesus. Psalm 60 prophesies this, speaking of a people “fearing the name” of God.
- In verse 7 the author calls himself a king. Even before official recognition, the prophet Samuel anointed young David as king. He is well aware that this position is temporary, just like earthly life, of course. In order to remain forever in the sanctuary of God, it is necessary to worthily serve the King of Heaven. These are also prophetic lines in which one can see a mention of the coming Christ. David is a type of the Messiah.
- In the final verse, the author promises to chant the Name of God every day of his life. This vow may be especially difficult for modern people to keep because gratitude is not a core virtue. Life passes in a hurry and bustle, we consider all the blessings to be the norm of life and strive to acquire even more of them.
- Psalm 101 - text in Russian;
- See here Psalm 126 - text in Russian;
- Psalm 11 - text in Russian: .
In fact, everything that surrounds us - be it the stars in the sky, the air we breathe, a roof over our heads and a piece of bread - is not our merit, but the result of God's care. Life itself is a precious gift from Him. There are more than enough reasons for gratitude. Everyone can see them if they give up their egocentric worldview. Daily gratitude is a small thing that anyone can do.
History of writing
The life of King David 1000 years before the birth of Christ was accompanied by many obstacles and adversities. He found a time of persecution of the Jews, he was persecuted by King Saul, and his own son Absalom rebelled against him. In moments of sorrow and despondency, the king was saved by faith and prayers. Psalm 60 refers to texts written after the rebellion of Absalom, which painfully wounded David's soul, but was, with God's help, suppressed.
Why read Psalm 60
This chant was written in a moment of spiritual decline and despondency. It is recommended to refer to the text if you are tormented by laziness and fear of the upcoming work. Prayer allows you to strengthen yourself internally and withstand external circumstances, no matter how serious they may be. Remember that sincerity plays an important role in reading a prayer. Without opening your own heart, the psalm remains just a text. He gains strength when you believe in him and in the power of God.
Use the Russian version of the psalm at home, read it strictly in front of the icon and preferably by the light of a candle or lamp. In Church Slavonic, the prayer is read only in church during services.
Interpretation
To better interpret Psalm 60, each verse of the text should be analyzed. Its content contains no references to specific historical events or dates. Rather, it can be attributed to songs of thanksgiving, which describe the miraculous salvation of the righteous by the Lord and praise of the power and beauty of God.
- Verse 2-3 – earth is contrasted with the purity and power of heaven. Earthly sorrows are caused by sin and corruption, and only the Lord can free us from them.
- Verse 4 – The Lord showed David his abode, in which he hoped to find shelter forever.
- Verse 6 – hope for longevity, preservation of the purity of the soul.
- Verse 8 is the promise of the righteous to eternally praise the Lord for the blessings and salvation given.
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Psalm 32 – listen and read the text. Interpretation.
Old Testament
Psalter
- Book of Genesis
- Book of Exodus
- Book of Leviticus
- Book of Numbers
- Book of Deuteronomy
- Book of Joshua
- Judges
- Book of Ruth
- 1st Book of Samuel
- 2 Samuel
- 1st Book of Kings
- 2nd Book of Kings
- 1 Chronicles
- 2 Chronicles
- Book of Ezra
- Book of Nehemiah
- Book of Esther
- Book of Job
- Psalter
- Book of Proverbs of Solomon
- Book of Ecclesiastes
- Book of Song of Songs
- Book of the Prophet Isaiah
- Book of the Prophet Jeremiah
- Book of Lamentations
- Book of the Prophet Ezekiel
- Book of the Prophet Daniel
- Book of the Prophet Hosea
- Book of the Prophet Joel
- Book of the Prophet Amos
- Book of the Prophet Obadiah
- Book of the Prophet Jonah
- Book of the Prophet Micah
- Book of the Prophet Nahum
- Book of the Prophet Habakkuk
- Book of the Prophet Zephaniah
- Book of the Prophet Haggai
- Book of the Prophet Zechariah
- Book of the Prophet Malachi
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Here you can listen and read the text of Psalm 32
Interpretation of Psalm 32
The psalmist calls on the righteous to praise the Lord and rejoice in Him, for His word can be trusted, and His deeds are just. Before us is a hymn of praise. It could have been written on the occasion of some kind of military victory, however, there is no specific indication of the reason for its writing. (Some theologians are inclined to consider Ps. 32 a continuation of the previous psalm.) The Hebrew text does not even indicate its author, but the Septuagint attributes Ps. 32-King David.
A. It is “befitting” for the righteous to praise the Lord (32:1-3)
Ps. 32:1-3
. It is fitting for those who are right to praise (the Lord). For the psalmist, “doxology” is the natural reaction of the righteous to God’s benefits; Here, obviously, is the idea that moral people who trust in the Lord, who, therefore, stand closer to Him than others, are worthy of glorifying Him. Their praise must flow from their hearts spontaneously and each time be new, in response to His new mercies (verse 3 compare with 39:4; 95:1; 97:1; 143:9; 149:1).
He should sing with all the skill that He gives (in Russian: harmonious), accompanying the song with exclamations of joy.
B. The word of the Lord is trustworthy and His works are righteous (32:4-19)
Ps. 32:4-5
. Here the psalmist “justifies” the need to praise and glorify the Lord: you can rely on His word, and all the deeds that He does are righteous and fair.
Ps. 32:6-11
. Verse 5 continues the idea expressed in verse 4 (“judgment” here implies “justice”).
If in verse 4 “His word” is characterized as reliable and consistent with His works, then in verses 6 and 9 it appears as His creative power: by Him the heavens and stars (all the heavenly host) were created; He said, and it was done; He commanded, and it appeared. The “fear” and “tremble” in verse 8 refer to reverent worship of the Lord. By repositories in verse 7 we must understand the seas and oceans limited by their shores, into which sea waters are collected like heaps - all by the same word of the Lord, personifying His power and omnipotence.
No plans and councils (coordinated plans) of the pagans (meaning nations hostile to Israel) can come true, contrary to the will of the Lord (verse 10). The counsel of... the Lord (i.e., His purposes, plans and purposes) cannot be undermined by anyone: what the Lord has planned is carried out throughout the centuries, from generation to generation (verse 11).
Ps. 32:12-19
. The psalmist rejoices that he is part of a people whose Lord is God, who has chosen them as His inheritance. He glorifies the all-seeing Lord, who created people and from the height of His greatness not only condescends to them, but also delves into the intentions of their hearts and into their deeds (verses 13-15).
God does not come to the aid of the arrogant and proud, and therefore neither the cavalry nor their mighty armies will save them (verses 16-17). His love and mercy are with those who trust in Him: the eye of the Lord is upon them. He comes to them in times of need and distress to help: He saves their soul... from death and feeds them... in time of famine (verses 18-19).
We advise you to study the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God
C. God's people trust in the Lord (32:20-22)
Ps. 32:20-22
. The psalm ends with the assurances of the Lord that Israel trusts in Him, seeing in Him a source of help for themselves and their protection: they rejoice in Him and hope in His mercy.
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Publication by the successors of A.P. Lopukhin. Explanatory Bible. Interpretation of the Psalter
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Psalm 60
The psalm was written by David during the persecution from Absalom, when he fled from Jerusalem. This is indicated both by the very appeal to God - “Hear, O God, my cry,” testifying to the difficult situation of the writer, and by calling himself a king (Art. 7), who at the indicated time was not in Jerusalem, but far from it (3) . David, as a king, was persecuted only once, and it was from Absalom.
Hear, Lord, my prayer and save me, since I only find refuge in You. Let me live forever under Your protection (2-5). You will hear my prayer and return my inheritance to me. May the Lord multiply the days of the king; May he enjoy the eternal mercy of God and then he will thank the Lord with prayers and vows (6-9).
1 To the director of the choir. On a string instrument. Psalm of David. 2 Hear, O God, my cry, listen to my prayer! 3 From the ends of the earth I cry to You in the despondency of my heart; take me to a rock out of reach for me,
3. By “the end of the earth”, where David was, we can understand, perhaps, Mahanaim. The writer calls this area “the end of the earth,” or the border of Palestine in order to show the distance of his present location from Jerusalem and the temple, which for the pious king was an item of prime necessity: there he could be closer to the Lord and devote himself to prayers before Him. David often calls the Lord “Rock.” To erect on a rock - to give firm protection.
4 For You are my refuge, You are a strong defense from the enemy. 5 May I live forever in Your habitation and rest under the shelter of Your wings,
5. “Living forever in the habitation” of God - may most closely mean David’s hope to remain at the tabernacle until the end of his days, to live in Jerusalem, as well as the desire to enjoy the “eternal”, beyond the grave, “closeness to God.”
6 for You, O God, have heard my vows and have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name.
6. “Heard”, “gave” past tenses instead of future ones (past prophetic). - “The inheritance of those who fear Your name” - The Lord preserved for David the inheritance that He promised for those who fear Him. This legacy is the return to him of the unjustly taken away throne. In accordance with Art. 5 can also be understood as the granting of eternal life beyond the grave, as a destiny generally designated for the righteous.
7 Add the days to the days of the king, extend his years for generations and generations,
7. “Add days to days” - lengthen life, “extend his years for generations and generations” - throughout the existence of human generations. Let the name of David be preserved in posterity, not in the sense of simply remembering him as only a historical figure, but in the posterity that descended from him. Such a descendant was the promised Messiah, the eternal King.
8 may he abide forever before God; command mercy and truth to protect him.
8. “To remain forever before God” - to enjoy eternal mercy, closeness to Him after death.
9 And I will sing to Your name forever, fulfilling my vows every day.
9. David's request for mercy from God was accompanied by a promise on his part to “fulfill his vows every day.” Among these vows is the daily glorification of His name.
