Psalms – Chapter 60

Old Testament • 9 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 60 of Psalms begins: "Unto the end, in hymns, for David." David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 9 verses, two threads run through the text: prayer and worship and praise. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1Unto the end, in hymns, for David.

2Hear, O God, my supplication: be attentive to my prayer.

3To thee have I cried from the ends of the earth: when my heart was in anguish, thou hast exalted me on a rock. Thou hast conducted me;

4For thou hast been my hope; a tower of strength against the face of the enemy.

5In thy tabernacle I shall dwell for ever: I shall be protected under the covert of thy wings.

6For thou, my God, hast heard my prayer: thou hast given an inheritance to them that fear thy name.

7Thou wilt add days to the days of the king: his years even to generation and generation.

8He abideth for ever in the sight of God: his mercy and truth who shall search?

9So will I sing a psalm to thy name for ever and ever: that I may pay my vows from day to day.

Important Verses in Psalms 60

“Hear, O God, my supplication: be attentive to my prayer.”

Psalms 60:2

“In thy tabernacle I shall dwell for ever: I shall be protected under the covert of thy wings.”

Psalms 60:5

“He abideth for ever in the sight of God: his mercy and truth who shall search?”

Psalms 60:8

Historical Context

Psalms addresses god's people at prayer in every age within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 60 of 150 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 9 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. David appear at the center of the events recorded here. The passage starts with these words: "Unto the end, in hymns, for David." It concludes: "So will I sing a psalm to thy name for ever and ever: that I may pay my vows from day to day. " Read against its original backdrop, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Psalms around Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the psalmist voices praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition before God. A pivotal line is verse 2: "Hear, O God, my supplication: be attentive to my prayer." The passage repeatedly touches on prayer and petition to God.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 26).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

The central section of Psalms—Chapter 60 of 150—opens a particular moment in the story of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

According to Catholic teaching, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). This chapter especially highlights the fear of the Lord as wisdom, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 854).

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 1265) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 60 about?

Psalms 60 contains 9 verses. It opens with "Unto the end, in hymns, for David." and closes with "So will I sing a psalm to thy name for ever and ever: that I may pay my vows from day to day. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 60?

One of the most significant verses is verse 2: "Hear, O God, my supplication: be attentive to my prayer." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 60?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

2 Chronicles 7Shares people and themes with this chapterIsaiah 16Shares people and themes with this chapterMark 11Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏The Our Father🙏Morning Offering🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises

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