Psalm 60:11

Psalm 60:11

Unholy alliances

Well, we move on from a verse that states that God has rejected His people to one that asks for help to fight the enemy. We know that David, his commanders, his army and his countrymen were equipped and prepared for warfare against any foe. It was a given that the internal forces were “up for the fight” and more often than not they had experienced remarkable success.  As the Psalm is speaking to the nation, who are the human helpers that are worthless? I think this verse is talking about alliances and about forming military pacts with surrounding nations. This was common enough in Bible times and many are the coalitions that came against Israel. But David realises that this is not the way forward. He is king of a nation that stands alone, that does not share its special status and that relies solely on the support and guidance of the Lord God. That is why he cries out for heavenly aid.

There is a lesson here for us. I have seen and been part of church alliances in the past, few of them have been successful. That is because they have been designed to counter falling attendances and incomes and in most cases the end result is a compromise of faith and convictions. “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6. We can by all means fight the enemy with those who are of one mind in Christ, any other kind of alliance is unholy and will not succeed. 

 

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