What does Psalm 60:12 mean?

In this closing verse David expresses full confidence in God. He is assured the Lord will enable Israel to win their unexpectedly difficult battle (Psalm 60:1–5). He pictures God as trampling over Israel's foes: the Edomites who had attacked from the south while the main army was engaged to the north (2 Samuel 8:3; 1 Chronicles 18:3). This would follow with God's other promises that Edom would not overcome Israel (Numbers 24:18), including one in this very psalm (Psalm 60:6–8). David may have wondered how God would make this happen (Psalm 60:9–10), yet has no doubt that God would make good on His promise (Psalm 60:11).

The imagery of God "treading" or "trampling" on an enemy suggests more than physical defeat. It implies both complete dominance and divine judgment. The writer of Hebrews refers to God as subjecting everything under Jesus' feet (Hebrews 2:7–8). At the end of the tribulation, Jesus will return to earth and "tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty" (Revelation 19:15). He will reveal Himself as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). In that end-times battle, it will be the Lord God, not human armies, who attain victory. David is confident that with God on their side, Israel will see victory in this conflict.

This psalm is labelled "for instruction." Most likely, that refers to what happened after the words were written. David sent some of his men south, where they crushed the Edomite invaders in spectacular fashion (1 Chronicles 11:6; 18:12).