Psalms 60:2

KJV

Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou hast made the earth {H776} to tremble {H7493}{H8689)}; thou hast broken {H6480}{H8804)} it: heal {H7495}{H8798)} the breaches {H7667} thereof; for it shaketh {H4131}{H8804)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You made the land shake, split it apart; now repair the rifts, for it is collapsing.

Berean Standard Bible

You have shaken the land and torn it open. Heal its fractures, for it is quaking.

American Standard Version

Thou hast made the land to tremble; thou hast rent it: Heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 60:2 is a profound lament from a nation experiencing deep distress and instability, which the psalmist directly attributes to God's action. Through vivid imagery of the earth trembling, breaking, and shaking, the verse powerfully conveys a sense of national upheaval, whether due to military defeat, internal division, or divine judgment. Amidst this raw acknowledgment of crisis, the psalmist immediately transitions to an urgent and faithful plea for God to "heal the breaches thereof," demonstrating an unwavering belief in God's power and willingness to restore and mend what has been shattered.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 60:2 is an integral part of a communal lament, a genre of psalm where the community voices profound distress and appeals to God for deliverance. The psalm's superscription attributes it to David, specifying a period of conflict with Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab's subsequent victory over Edom in the Valley of Salt. This verse immediately follows a stark declaration of God's apparent displeasure and rejection of His people, "O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again" ([Psalms 60:1](/psalms/60-1 "Psalms 60:1 - God has cast us off")). The imagery of a trembling and broken earth in verse 2 serves as a powerful articulation of the devastating impact of this perceived divine disfavor, setting a desperate tone that undergirds the subsequent petitions for help and expressions of hope in God's ultimate victory, as seen in the psalm's concluding verses where confidence is placed in God's ability to "tread down our enemies" ([Psalms 60:12](/psalms/60-12 "Psalms 60:12 - Through God we shall do valiantly")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting, as indicated by the psalm's title, points to a period of significant military struggle during David's reign, crucial for establishing Israel's regional dominance and securing its borders. The conflicts with Aram (Syria) and Edom were strategic. The "Valley of Salt," possibly located south of the Dead Sea, was vital for controlling trade routes and access to the Red Sea. In ancient Near Eastern thought, a stable earth symbolized national prosperity and divine favor, while earthquakes or instability were frequently interpreted as signs of divine wrath or judgment. The concept of "breaches" (Hebrew: *sheber*) often referred to literal gaps in city walls, making a city vulnerable to attack, or to divisions within the community, signifying a breakdown of social or political order. Thus, the psalmist's language reflects a deep understanding of national vulnerability and the immediate threat of external enemies, coupled with the potential for internal strife or a sense of divine abandonment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book of Psalms and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, attributing the national calamity directly to God's action ("Thou hast made... thou hast broken"). This perspective acknowledges God's ultimate control over all circumstances, even those that bring suffering, implying that the nation's distress may be a form of divine discipline or a consequence of their actions, echoing the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **National Instability and Vulnerability**, depicted through the powerful metaphor of a "trembling," "broken," and "shaking" earth with "breaches." This imagery vividly portrays the nation's fractured state, whether due to military defeat, internal disunity, or spiritual decay, reminiscent of prophetic warnings about God shaking nations, as found in [Haggai 2:7](/haggai/2-7 "Haggai 2:7 - I will shake all nations"). Finally, the verse introduces the crucial theme of **Plea for Restoration and Healing**, as the psalmist immediately appeals to God to "heal the breaches thereof." This demonstrates an enduring faith in God's mercy and His capacity to mend what is broken, a hope often articulated in the prophetic books, such as God's promise to "restore health to you and heal your wounds" in [Jeremiah 30:17](/jeremiah/30-17 "Jeremiah 30:17 - God's Promise of Healing and Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tremble (Hebrew, _râʻash'_):** This primitive root (H7493) signifies to undulate, particularly through fear, or to quake and shake. Its use here describes the earth (representing the nation) experiencing a profound, unsettling disturbance, not merely a physical tremor but a deep-seated instability often associated with terror or divine judgment. It conveys the pervasive and profound nature of the national crisis.
* **Broken (Hebrew, _pâtsam'_):** This primitive root (H6480) means to rend, specifically by an earthquake, or to break. It denotes severe damage or destruction, suggesting that the nation's structure, unity, or strength has been shattered. This word conveys a sense of violent rupture and profound harm, painting a picture of a nation utterly fragmented and defeated.
* **Breaches (Hebrew, _sheber'_):** This noun (H7667) refers to a fracture, ruin, or breaking. It is often used in the context of a wall being broken down, making a city vulnerable to invasion, or a rupture in a relationship or community. Here, it symbolizes the internal divisions, wounds, or vulnerabilities within the nation, which have left it exposed and weakened. The plea to "heal the breaches" is a petition for the restoration of unity, security, and wholeness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast made the earth to tremble;"**: This opening clause directly attributes the national upheaval and instability to God's sovereign action. The "earth" here is a metaphor for the land of Israel, its people, and its established order. The "trembling" signifies profound instability, fear, and a sense that the very foundations of their existence have been shaken by divine intervention or permission, implying a state of pervasive anxiety and vulnerability.
* **"thou hast broken it:"**: This continues the direct address to God, further emphasizing His decisive role in the calamity. The "breaking" implies a shattering or fracturing of the nation's unity, strength, or well-being. It suggests that the nation is not merely unstable but has suffered significant, perhaps devastating, damage, leading to internal divisions, external defeats, or a profound loss of national cohesion.
* **"heal the breaches thereof;"**: This marks a pivotal shift from lament to urgent petition. Despite acknowledging God's hand in their suffering, the psalmist appeals to Him for restoration. "Breaches" refer to the cracks, divisions, or wounds within the nation, whether political, social, or spiritual. The plea to "heal" is a desperate cry for God to mend, restore, and unify His people, to repair the damage He has seemingly inflicted or allowed, demonstrating profound faith in His restorative power.
* **"for it shaketh."**: This concluding clause reinforces the initial description of instability, providing the urgent rationale for the plea for healing. The use of a distinct Hebrew word (H4131, *môwṭ*) for "shaketh" compared to "tremble" (H7493, *râʻash*) underscores the ongoing and persistent nature of the national crisis. The nation remains in a precarious, unsteady state, necessitating immediate and comprehensive divine intervention for its survival and restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 60:2 is rich with **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, where the "earth" serves as a powerful symbol for the nation of Israel itself. The physical instability of the ground—trembling, breaking, and shaking—metaphorically represents the profound political, social, and spiritual upheaval experienced by the people. The "breaches" are a specific **Metaphor** for the divisions, wounds, or vulnerabilities within the nation, reminiscent of broken city walls that leave a community exposed and defenseless. The psalmist employs **Personification** by attributing human-like actions and states (trembling, breaking, shaking) to the earth, intensifying the sense of a living entity in distress. The repetition of the theme of instability through distinct but related Hebrew words for "tremble" and "shaketh" creates a sense of **Emphasis** and **Reinforcement**, underscoring the pervasive and persistent nature of the national crisis. The verse also demonstrates a clear **Shift in Tone** from a declarative lament of divine judgment to an urgent, hopeful petition for divine restoration, characteristic of the lament psalms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 60:2 profoundly articulates the ancient Israelite understanding of God's sovereignty over all creation and human affairs, including national calamities. The psalmist attributes the nation's profound instability and brokenness directly to God, viewing it as either divine judgment for sin or a divinely permitted trial. This perspective, while stark, underscores a deep theological conviction that nothing happens outside of God's ultimate control. Yet, this acknowledgment of divine agency does not lead to despair but immediately pivots to a fervent plea for healing and restoration, revealing a resilient faith in God's mercy and His power to mend what He has broken. The "breaches" speak not only to military defeats but also to spiritual and social fragmentation, highlighting the holistic nature of national well-being in the biblical worldview, which is inextricably linked to God's favor. The hope for healing is fundamentally a hope for God's renewed presence and favor, leading to unity, security, and flourishing, demonstrating that even in judgment, God's ultimate desire is restoration.

* [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.")
* [Isaiah 58:12](/isaiah/58-12 "Isaiah 58:12 - And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.")
* [Jeremiah 30:17](/jeremiah/30-17 "Jeremiah 30:17 - For I will restore health to you and heal your wounds, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!’")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 60:2 offers a profound framework for understanding and responding to periods of deep personal, communal, or national crisis. It invites us to acknowledge God's sovereign hand even when circumstances feel chaotic, broken, and unstable. In moments where our "earth" trembles—whether it's the stability of our relationships, our health, our finances, or the very fabric of our society—this verse encourages us to move beyond mere complaint to a posture of honest lament before God. It reminds us that recognizing the "breaches" is the first step towards seeking healing. We are called to humbly bring our brokenness, our divisions, and our vulnerabilities before the One who has the power to both shake and to heal. The psalmist's plea is a model for our own prayers, urging us to ask God to mend what is broken, restore what is lost, and bring unity out of fragmentation, trusting that His healing power can transform even the most shattered landscapes of our lives. It challenges us to look beyond immediate causes to the ultimate divine authority, fostering both humility and hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or community do you feel the "earth to tremble" or perceive "breaches" that desperately need healing?**
* **How does acknowledging God's sovereignty, even in times of profound difficulty and suffering, shape your prayers and overall perspective?**
* **What practical steps can you take, empowered by faith, to participate in God's ongoing work of "healing the breaches" in your sphere of influence or in the wider world?**

### FAQ

**What is the historical context of Psalm 60?**

Answer: The superscription of Psalm 60 attributes it to David and provides specific historical details: "When he fought with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, and Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand." This indicates a period of significant military conflict during David's reign, likely early in his consolidation of power and expansion of the kingdom. Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah refer to Aramean kingdoms in Syria, while Edom was a rival nation to the south. The psalm reflects a moment of national distress and defeat, possibly an initial setback or a prolonged struggle that led to widespread suffering before eventual victory, as suggested by the psalm's final verses which express confidence in God's help against the enemy (e.g., [Psalms 60:12](/psalms/60-12 "Psalms 60:12 - Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is He who will tread down our foes.")).

**Does "Thou hast made the earth to tremble" imply God causes all suffering?**

Answer: From the psalmist's perspective, this phrase reflects a deep theological conviction that God is sovereign over all things, including national calamities and periods of distress. In the Old Testament, suffering, especially national defeat or natural disaster, was often interpreted as a consequence of divine judgment or discipline for the people's sin (e.g., the curses for disobedience outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience")). While this does not mean God directly "causes" every individual instance of suffering or evil in a simplistic sense, it does affirm His ultimate control and His ability to use even difficult circumstances to humble His people, call them to repentance, or achieve His broader purposes. The psalmist's cry is not one of accusation but rather a recognition of God's active involvement in their history, even in their pain, which then provides the basis for an appeal for His restorative intervention.

**What does "heal the breaches thereof" mean practically?**

Answer: "Heal the breaches thereof" is a multifaceted plea for comprehensive restoration. Practically, it means:
* **Military Victory and Security:** Repairing the "breaches" in the nation's defenses, leading to triumph over enemies and secure borders, symbolized by the restoration of city walls.
* **National Unity:** Mending internal divisions, factions, or strife among the people, restoring social cohesion and harmony within the community.
* **Spiritual Renewal:** Healing the spiritual brokenness that may have led to God's displeasure, bringing about repentance and renewed covenant faithfulness, and a return to God's favor.
* **Prosperity and Stability:** Restoring the land's fruitfulness and the people's well-being, replacing instability with peace and flourishing, both materially and spiritually.
It's a prayer for God to intervene supernaturally to reverse the destructive effects of judgment or crisis and bring about holistic restoration for the nation, as promised in passages like [Isaiah 58:12](/isaiah/58-12 "Isaiah 58:12 - Repairers of the Breach").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 60:2, with its vivid imagery of a trembling, broken earth and a plea to "heal the breaches," finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The brokenness lamented by the psalmist—national division, vulnerability, and the consequences of sin—is a microcosm of the deeper, universal brokenness of humanity and creation due to the Fall (cf. [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.")). Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God, came precisely to "heal the breaches" that sin had created: the fundamental breach between God and humanity, the divisions between people, and the internal brokenness within the human heart. His crucifixion was the ultimate act of mending, as He became the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He broke down the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ our peace, who has made us one")), reconciling all things to God, "making peace by the blood of his cross" ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciling all things through Him")). The stability and peace that the psalmist longed for in a national context are fully realized in Christ's spiritual kingdom, which is eternal and "cannot be shaken" ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken")). Ultimately, in the new heavens and new earth, Christ will bring complete healing, where there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain, for the former things will have passed away, and God will "make all things new" ([Revelation 21:4-5](/revelation/21-4-5 "Revelation 21:4-5 - No more death, sorrow, crying, pain; God makes all things new")). He is the divine Physician who truly heals all breaches.

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 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Isaiah 30:26

Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound.

Hosea 6:1

¶ Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

Jeremiah 4:24

I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly.

Jeremiah 48:38

[There shall be] lamentation generally upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein [is] no pleasure, saith the LORD.

Psalms 18:7

Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.

Isaiah 5:25

Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases [were] torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.