uW Translation Notes:

Psalm 60 Introduction

Structure and Formatting

Psalm 60 is a psalm of supplication or lament. It includes all the basic elements of that type of psalm except a vow of praise. (Some elements are repeated.) See the discussion of the types of psalms in the introduction to the book of Psalms. 1. Cry for help (1) 2. Description of troubles (2–3) 3. Statement of trust (4–5a) 4. Petition (5b) 5. Statement of trust (6–8) 6. Petition (9–11) 7. Statement of trust (12)The superscription to this psalm identifies it as a “miktam.” See the discussion of that term in the introduction to Psalms.As its superscription indicates, the background to this psalm consists of two episodes related in [2 Samuel 8:3–8](../2sa/08/03.md) and [2 Samuel 8:13–14](../2sa/08/13.md) in which David was leading the Israelite army to fight against Aramean armies northeast of Israel and his general Joab had to leave and fight against the Edomite army to the south of Israel. It may be helpful to read those episodes before translating this psalm.

Note 1 topic: translate-unknown

לַ֭⁠מְנַצֵּחַ

(Some words not found in UHB: to,choirmaster on/upon/above/on_account_of//he/it_went_in lily_of eduth miktam of,David to,teach when,struggled,he DOM ʼArām- -naharaim and=DOM ʼArām- -zobah and,he_turned_back Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) and,he_struck_down DOM ʼEdōm in_[the],Valley_of Salt two ten thousand )

See how you translated the term “chief musician” in the superscription to Psalm 4. Alternate translation: [For the leader of worship music] or [For the music director]

Note 2 topic: translate-names

עֵד֑וּת

eduth

The superscription to this psalm describes it as a testimony. This most likely means that the psalm is presenting the sufferings and defeats of the Israelites to Yahweh as a plea for him to help them on the basis that they are his covenant people. Alternate translation: [An appeal for help]

Note 3 topic: translate-names

מִכְתָּ֖ם

(Some words not found in UHB: to,choirmaster on/upon/above/on_account_of//he/it_went_in lily_of eduth miktam of,David to,teach when,struggled,he DOM ʼArām- -naharaim and=DOM ʼArām- -zobah and,he_turned_back Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) and,he_struck_down DOM ʼEdōm in_[the],Valley_of Salt two ten thousand )

The superscription to this psalm identifies it as a miktam. Since the meaning of this word is not certain, you may wish to represent it in its Hebrew form and spell it the way it sounds in your language. See the discussion of that term in the Introduction to Psalms.

Note 4 topic: translate-names

אֲרַ֣ם נַהֲרַיִם֮

ʼArām- -naharaim

The words Aram Naharaim are the name of a place.

Note 5 topic: translate-names

אֲרַ֪ם צ֫וֹבָ֥ה

ʼArām- -zobah

The words Aram Zobah are the name of a place.

Note 6 topic: translate-names

בְּ⁠גֵיא־מֶ֑לַח

(Some words not found in UHB: to,choirmaster on/upon/above/on_account_of//he/it_went_in lily_of eduth miktam of,David to,teach when,struggled,he DOM ʼArām- -naharaim and=DOM ʼArām- -zobah and,he_turned_back Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) and,he_struck_down DOM ʼEdōm in_[the],Valley_of Salt two ten thousand )

The phrase Valley of Salt is the name of a place.

Note 7 topic: translate-numbers

שְׁנֵ֖ים עָשָׂ֣ר אָֽלֶף

(Some words not found in UHB: to,choirmaster on/upon/above/on_account_of//he/it_went_in lily_of eduth miktam of,David to,teach when,struggled,he DOM ʼArām- -naharaim and=DOM ʼArām- -zobah and,he_turned_back Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) and,he_struck_down DOM ʼEdōm in_[the],Valley_of Salt two ten thousand )

The number 12,000 should be translated according to the conventions of your own language and culture. Alternate translation: [twelve thousand]

Note 8 topic: writing-background

בְּ⁠הַצּוֹת֨⁠וֹ ׀ אֶ֥ת אֲרַ֣ם נַהֲרַיִם֮

(Some words not found in UHB: to,choirmaster on/upon/above/on_account_of//he/it_went_in lily_of eduth miktam of,David to,teach when,struggled,he DOM ʼArām- -naharaim and=DOM ʼArām- -zobah and,he_turned_back Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) and,he_struck_down DOM ʼEdōm in_[the],Valley_of Salt two ten thousand )

Here the psalmist is providing background information about the historical circumstances in which David wrote this psalm. In your translation, introduce this information in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture.