What does Psalm 60:2 mean?

When David's army was fighting the Ammonites and Arameans to the north, Edomites invaded the southern territory of Israel. This psalm presents David's initial response. He recognizes the attack as a dire threat. Yet, David speaks only in terms of God's actions (Psalm 60:1, 3–5). This reflects his faith that the Lord, not imperfect man, is ultimately in control of the results of a battle.

The invasion by the nation of Edom seemed to strike Israel like a devastating earthquake. A strong earthquake splits the land and causes buildings to sway and collapse. Similarly, Israel's military resources were not sufficient to counter Edom's sudden invasion—at least not while fighting a large war to the north. The invasion divided the army's ranks and caused Israel to totter on the brink of collapse. However, history shows that the defeat of the Edomites was decisive. After this psalm was composed, David and his forces routed Edom (2 Samuel 8:13–14). That victory, in response to humble prayer, may be why this song is labeled "for instruction." Edom never regained the strength it had before invading southern Israel and losing a staggering number of troops (1 Chronicles 18:12–13).

At Jesus' return to earth, an international force will devastate Jerusalem, but the Lord will fight against the aggressors (Zechariah 14:1–3). Verse 4 prophesies: "On that day [the Lord Jesus'] feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward."