For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A Miktam of David for instruction. When he fought Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab returned and struck down 12,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt.
The superscription presents the psalm as a Davidic miktam for instruction, tied to conflict with Aram and Edom and set to 'The Lily of the Covenant.'
This verse frames the psalm as a reflective war prayer arising from real military struggle.
1For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A Miktam of David for instruction. When he fought Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab returned and struck down 12,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 2You have shaken the land 3You have shown Your people hardship; 4You have raised a banner for those who fear You, 5Respond and save us with Your right hand, 6God has spoken from His sanctuary: 7Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; 8Moab is My washbasin; 9Who will bring me to the fortified city? 10Have You not rejected us, O God? 11Give us aid against the enemy, 12With God we will perform with valor,