Psalms 60:6

Psalms 60:6 (KJV): "¶ God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth."

Context

Psalm 60 is a "Michtam of David," a psalm often associated with a period of significant national distress and military defeat, specifically mentioned in its superscription as being after a conflict with Syria and Edom. The psalm begins with a lament, acknowledging God's apparent rejection and the nation's struggle. However, verse 6 marks a powerful turning point. From a cry of despair, the psalmist shifts to an affirmation of faith and confidence, grounded in a divine oracle or promise received from God. This transition highlights David's unwavering trust in God's ultimate faithfulness, even amidst severe trials.

Key Themes

• The Authority and Reliability of God's Word: The opening phrase, "God hath spoken in his holiness," emphasizes that God's utterances are not mere words but are rooted in His unchanging, perfect, and set-apart nature. Because God is holy, His promises are absolutely trustworthy and cannot fail. This is a foundational truth for all biblical faith, reinforcing that God is not a man, that he should lie.
• Joy in Divine Assurance: In response to God's sure word, the psalmist declares, "I will rejoice." This joy is not based on current circumstances, which are dire, but on the certainty of God's promise. It illustrates a faith that finds delight and confidence in God's character and word, regardless of visible evidence. This echoes the sentiment of finding great treasure in God's decrees, as seen in Psalm 119:162.
• Restoration and Possession of the Land: The declaration, "I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth," signifies the re-establishment of Israelite control and dominion over the promised land.
  • Shechem: A significant city in central Israel, historically important for its connection to the Abrahamic covenant and later as a place of covenant renewal (see Joshua 24:1). Dividing Shechem implies taking full possession of the western, central part of the land.
  • Valley of Succoth: Located east of the Jordan River, this area represents the Transjordanian territories. "Meting out" (measuring and apportioning) implies establishing full ownership and administration over the eastern side.
  Together, these two locations symbolize complete victory and re-possession of the entire Promised Land, from west to east, fulfilling God's original grant to Israel.

Linguistic Insights

• The phrase "in his holiness" (Hebrew: b'qodsho) does not merely mean "holy," but rather "in His holy place" or "by His holy nature/being." It underscores that God's promises are intrinsically tied to His unchangeable, set-apart, and perfect character, making them utterly reliable.
• "Mete out" (Hebrew: amaded) means to measure or apportion, often used in the context of surveying land for inheritance or distribution. This term reinforces the idea of taking full, legal possession and establishing order.

Practical Application

Psalms 60:6 offers profound encouragement for believers facing their own "valleys of distress."

1. Trust in God's Unchanging Word: When circumstances are overwhelming, our hope is firmly anchored in God's character and His immutable promises. His holiness guarantees His faithfulness.
2. Cultivate Joy in Faith: Even before the visible manifestation of a promise, we can rejoice in the certainty of God's word. This anticipatory joy strengthens our resolve and testimony.
3. Claim God's Spiritual Promises: While the original context is about physical land, believers today can apply this principle to the spiritual "inheritance" God has promised through Christ. This includes victory over sin, peace, and the assurance of eternal life, all of which are "divided" and "meted out" to us through faith in Him.