Psalms 108:7

KJV

God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.

KJV (with Strong's)

God {H430} hath spoken {H1696} in his holiness {H6944}; I will rejoice {H5937}, I will divide {H2505} Shechem {H7927}, and mete out {H4058} the valley {H6010} of Succoth {H5523}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God in his holiness spoke, and I took joy [in his promise]: "I will divide Sh'khem and determine the shares in the Sukkot Valley.

Berean Standard Bible

God has spoken from His sanctuary: “I will triumph! I will parcel out Shechem and apportion the Valley of Succoth.

American Standard Version

God hath spoken in his holiness: I will exult; I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 108:7 declares God's solemn and unwavering pronouncement, rooted in the very essence of His holy character. This divine utterance elicits a joyful and confident response from the psalmist, who then echoes God's sovereign intent to reclaim and apportion the key territories of Shechem and the valley of Succoth. The verse powerfully affirms God's absolute control over the promised inheritance and His faithfulness to His covenant people, even in times of distress, assuring a future of restoration and victory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 108 is a unique composite psalm, meticulously assembled from two earlier Davidic psalms. The first five verses are drawn directly from [Psalm 57:7-11](/psalms/57-7 "Psalm 57:7-11 - A Prayer for Deliverance and Praise"), a psalm of personal deliverance and praise, while verses 6-13 (which include our focus, verse 7) are taken from [Psalm 60:5-12](/psalms/60-5 "Psalm 60:5-12 - A Prayer for Victory in War"). This strategic compilation creates a unified prayer for national deliverance and divine assistance in battle. The psalm begins with a confident declaration of God's praise, transitions into a fervent appeal for help, and culminates in a renewed expression of faith in God's promises of victory and territorial restoration. Verse 7, therefore, serves as the pivotal divine oracle within this prayer, providing the unshakeable foundation for the psalmist's hope and the nation's expectation of triumph. It is God's direct voice, responding to the plea for help, reassuring His people of His sovereign plan for their land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Both Psalm 57 and Psalm 60 are attributed to David, suggesting a period of significant national upheaval and military engagement. The superscription of Psalm 60 specifically references a time of conflict with Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and a subsequent victory by Joab over Edom in the Valley of Salt. This indicates a period when Israel's borders were threatened, and the nation experienced military setbacks before God granted victory. In this context of national distress and territorial vulnerability, God's declaration in verse 7 regarding Shechem and Succoth carries immense weight. Shechem, located in the central hill country (Ephraim), was a historically significant city, a place of covenant renewal and tribal assembly ([Joshua 24:1](/joshua/24-1 "Joshua 24:1 - Joshua Renews the Covenant at Shechem")). Succoth, situated east of the Jordan River in the Transjordan region (Gilead), represented the eastern frontier of the promised land ([Genesis 33:17](/genesis/33-17 "Genesis 33:17 - Jacob's Journey to Succoth")). By naming these two geographically distinct but strategically important locations, God asserts His claim over the entirety of the promised land, from west to east, reinforcing His covenant commitment to Israel's inheritance despite current military challenges.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several core themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Authority and Holiness**, emphasizing that God's pronouncements are not mere words but are rooted in His perfect, set-apart, and unchanging nature. His word is therefore immutable and utterly trustworthy, serving as the ultimate guarantee for His covenant promises, as seen in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie"). Secondly, the psalmist's response, "I will rejoice," illustrates **Confident Faith and Joy in God's Promises**. This joy is not contingent on present circumstances but stems from an unwavering trust in the certainty of God's declared will and His divine plan for His people, even when facing dire situations. Lastly, the mention of Shechem and Succoth underscores **God's Sovereignty Over Territory and Inheritance**. This imagery signifies God's absolute control over the land He promised to Abraham and his descendants ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Covenant with Abraham")), and His commitment to restoring and securing that inheritance for His people, echoing the original [division of the land](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - The Division of the Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Holiness (Hebrew, _qodesh_):** The phrase "in his holiness" (בְּקָדְשׁוֹ, _beqodsho_) signifies that God's utterance proceeds from the very essence of His pure, righteous, and set-apart nature. It is not merely a declaration but an oath grounded in His intrinsic character, making His word inviolable and utterly reliable. This underscores the absolute certainty and immutability of His promises; what God declares from His holiness cannot be undone or fail.
* **Divide (Hebrew, _ḥalaq_):** The verb "divide" (אֲחַלֵּק, _aḥalleq_) is a term directly associated with the surveying, apportioning, and distribution of land, particularly in the context of inheritance (e.g., [Numbers 26:53](/numbers/26-53 "Numbers 26:53 - Division of the Land by Lot")). When God states, "I will divide Shechem," He asserts His sovereign right and power to re-establish the boundaries and distribute the territories of Israel, reinforcing His ultimate ownership and control over the promised land.
* **Mete out (Hebrew, _madad_):** The verb "mete out" (אֲמַדֵּד, _amadded_) means to measure, survey, or apportion. It reinforces the action of "dividing" by emphasizing the precise and deliberate nature of God's re-establishment of the land. This is not a haphazard reclamation but a divinely ordered and measured restoration, ensuring the rightful inheritance of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"God hath spoken in his holiness;":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and immutable nature of the declaration. The subject is God Himself, and the manner of His speaking is "in his holiness," meaning His word is an extension of His perfect, righteous, and truthful character. This makes the following pronouncements absolutely certain and trustworthy, as they are backed by the very being of God.
* **"I will rejoice, ":** This is the psalmist's immediate, personal response to God's holy utterance. It reflects a profound and confident faith, a declaration of joy and trust not based on current circumstances but on the unshakeable foundation of God's word. The psalmist's joy is a spiritual act of embracing God's certain promise.
* **"I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.":** This is God's direct declaration, continuing from "God hath spoken..." (the "I" here shifts from the psalmist to God, a common feature in prophetic oracles). God explicitly states His intention to reclaim and apportion these two significant territories. Shechem, in the west, and Succoth, in the east, represent the full breadth of the promised land. This signifies God's sovereign commitment to restoring Israel's inheritance and securing its borders, underscoring His power to fulfill His covenant promises despite any present challenges or enemy occupation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described as "speaking," attributing a human action to the divine to convey the reality and directness of His communication. The mention of "Shechem" and "the valley of Succoth" functions as a **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting or complementary parts represent a whole (west and east representing the entire promised land). This also serves as a form of **Synecdoche**, where specific parts (these two locations) stand for the larger whole (Israel's full inheritance). Furthermore, there is an implicit **Parallelism** between "divide" and "mete out," as both verbs convey the act of sovereign apportionment and control over the land, reinforcing the certainty of God's action through repetition of meaning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 108:7 powerfully articulates the theological truth that God's promises are not contingent on human circumstances or strength but are eternally grounded in His holy, unchanging character. His word, spoken "in his holiness," is an unbreakable covenant, providing an unshakeable foundation for faith and joy, even amidst national distress or personal trials. This verse assures believers that God remains sovereign over all creation, including the territories and destinies of nations, and that His purposes for His people will ultimately prevail. The specific mention of Shechem and Succoth highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant concerning the land, a promise that undergirds Israel's identity and future hope.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "God is not a man, that he should lie")
* [Joshua 1:3](/joshua/1-3 "Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Will Not Return Void")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 108:7 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating the complexities of life in a fallen world. When faced with personal struggles, societal turmoil, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, this verse calls us to anchor our hope in the immutable character of God. His promises are not fleeting suggestions but declarations from His very holiness, making them absolutely trustworthy. Our appropriate response, like the psalmist's, should be one of profound joy and confident expectation, not despair or anxiety. Just as God pledged to restore Israel's physical inheritance, He promises to fulfill His redemptive purposes in our individual lives and in the broader sweep of history. We are invited to rest in His absolute sovereignty, knowing that His plans for us are for good, even when circumstances appear bleak, and to find strength in the certainty of His unchanging word and His ultimate victory over all that opposes His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "holiness" as the foundation of His word deepen your trust in His promises for your life?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to cultivate a spirit of "rejoice" in God's certain word, despite challenging circumstances?**
* **How does God's sovereign control over the "land" (our spheres of influence, our future) encourage you to release control and rest in His divine plan?**

### FAQ

**Is Psalm 108:7 identical to Psalm 60:6?**

Answer: Psalm 108:7 is indeed nearly identical to [Psalm 60:6](/psalms/60-6 "Psalm 60:6 - God's Promise of Victory"). Psalm 108 is a composite psalm, with its latter half (verses 6-13) being directly drawn from [Psalm 60:5-12](/psalms/60-5 "Psalm 60:5-12 - A Prayer for Victory"). The slight variations between the two passages are minor textual differences that do not alter the core message. Both verses convey God's solemn declaration, rooted in His holiness, and His intention to sovereignly reclaim and distribute the promised land to His people. Crucially, the "I" who speaks the promise "I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth" is God Himself, not the psalmist, even though the psalmist expresses his own joy beforehand.

**Why are Shechem and Succoth specifically mentioned, rather than other cities?**

Answer: Shechem and Succoth are mentioned because they represent key geographical and historical points within the promised land, symbolizing its full breadth and God's comprehensive claim over it. Shechem was a significant city in the central hill country, west of the Jordan River, associated with Abraham's initial arrival in Canaan ([Genesis 12:6](/genesis/12-6 "Genesis 12:6 - Abraham's Journey to Shechem")) and later with covenant renewal for Israel ([Joshua 24:1](/joshua/24-1 "Joshua 24:1 - Joshua Renews the Covenant at Shechem")). Succoth, on the other hand, was located east of the Jordan River in the Transjordan region ([Genesis 33:17](/genesis/33-17 "Genesis 33:17 - Jacob's Journey to Succoth")). By naming these two distinct locations – one in the west and one in the east – the verse employs a literary device called merism, signifying God's intention to reclaim and secure the entire promised territory, from its western heartland to its eastern frontier, affirming His complete sovereignty over Israel's inheritance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 108:7 speaks of God's promise to restore a physical land to Israel, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper spiritual significance are found in Jesus Christ. The "holiness" in which God speaks finds its perfect embodiment in Christ, who is the [Holy One of God](/mark/1-24 "Mark 1:24 - Jesus, the Holy One of God") and through whom all of God's promises are affirmed as "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). The psalmist's "rejoice" becomes the believer's joy in Christ, who has secured a far greater and eternal inheritance for us, not merely a parcel of land, but [every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"). The "dividing" and "meting out" of Shechem and Succoth foreshadow God's sovereign work in Christ to establish His spiritual kingdom, gathering His people from every tribe and nation, and granting them an eternal inheritance that transcends earthly boundaries ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ"); [Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Inheritance of the Saints in Light")). Through Christ's atoning work and resurrection, believers are given a secure dwelling place in God's presence, anticipating the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells, a spiritual reality far surpassing any earthly territory ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, the confidence and joy expressed in Psalms 108:7 find their ultimate and eternal ground in the finished work and ongoing reign of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Peter 1:3

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

2 Peter 1:4

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

1 Peter 1:8

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

2 Samuel 7:20

And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant.

2 Samuel 7:29

Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken [it]: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.

Judges 8:5

And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they [be] faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.

Judges 8:6

And the princes of Succoth said, [Are] the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thine army?