Psalms 60:8

Moab. A country extending east from the Dead Sea to the desert, north to the river Arnon, and south to Edom. Moab had planned to destroy Israel at the time of Israel’s entrance into Canaan (see Num. 22). Balaam prophesied the subjugation of Moab (see Num. 24:17). David fulfilled the prophecy (2 Sam. 8:2).

Washpot. Or, “washbasin.” A metaphor expressing extreme contempt, likening Moab to a basin in which a conqueror washes his feet.

Edom. A country in the region south of the Dead Sea. The Edomites were the descendants of Esau.

Cast out my shoe. Commentators have suggested the following meanings for this somewhat obscure figure: (1) Edom is a slave to whom the master throws his shoes to be cleaned or otherwise cared for. (2) Edom is a land which is taken possession of by the symbolic act of taking off the shoe and casting it over a piece of ground (see on Ruth 4:7, 8).

Philistia. The Philistines were traditional enemies of the Israelites. Their territories lay along the Mediterranean coast line to the west of Judah.

Triumph thou because of me. Or, “shout in triumph over me”—an expression obviously ironical. In Ps. 108:9, where this verse seems to be repeated with slight variation, the expression reads, “over Philistia will I triumph.” Some alter the text of Ps. 60:8 to make it agree with the reading of Ps. 108:9 (see RSV). Either reading can be fitted into the context. Like Israel’s other enemies, Philistia must not triumph, but be triumphed over.