Psalm 60:12

EXPOSITION

Verse 12. Through God we shall do valiantly. From God all power proceeds, and all we do well is done by divine operation; but still we, as soldiers of the great king, are to fight, and to fight valiantly too. Divine working is not an argument for human inaction, but rather is it the best excitement for courageous effort. Helped in the past, we shall also be helped in the future, and being assured of this we resolve to play the man.

For he it is that shall tread down our enemies. From him shall the might proceed, to him shall the honour be given. Like straw on the threshing floor beneath the feet of the oxen shall we tread upon our abject foes, but it shall rather be his foot which presses them down than ours; his hand shall go out against them so as to put them down and keep them in subjection. In the case of Christians there is much encouragement for a resolve similar to that of the first clause.

We shall do valiantly, we will not be ashamed of our colours, afraid of our foes, or fearful of our cause. The Lord is with us, omnipotence sustains us, and we will not hesitate, we dare not be cowards. O that our King, the true David, were come to claim the earth, for the kingdom is the Lord's, and he is the governor among the nations.

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 12. Through God we shall do, etc. In war these two must be joined, and indeed in all actions: HE, we; God and man.

1. "We shall do valiantly," for God helps not remiss, or cowardly, or negligent men.
2. And yet, that being done, the work is his: "He shall tread down;" the blow and the overthrow are not to be attributed to us, but to him. Adam Clarke.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 12. Divine operation a reason for human activity.