Psalms 60:6

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}{H8765)} in his holiness {H6944}; I will rejoice {H5937}{H8799)}, I will divide {H2505}{H8762)} Shechem {H7927}, and mete out {H4058}{H8762)} 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 60:6 marks a profound turning point within a psalm of national lament, shifting from expressions of despair to a declaration of unwavering confidence rooted in a divine oracle. This verse proclaims God's authoritative and holy utterance, which in turn prompts the psalmist's joyful resolve to reclaim and apportion the Promised Land, specifically mentioning the strategically significant locations of Shechem and the valley of Succoth. This declaration powerfully underscores God's absolute faithfulness to His covenant promises and the certainty of His ultimate victory and restoration for His people, even when they are in the midst of profound national distress and military setbacks.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 60 is a "Michtam of David," a term often associated with a "golden psalm" or a psalm of instruction, indicating its enduring significance. The superscription explicitly links it to a specific period of intense military conflict during David's reign, "when he strove with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, and when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand." The psalm begins with a raw and vivid lament, expressing the nation's profound sense of divine abandonment, military defeat, and suffering (verses 1-3). It describes God's apparent rejection of His people and the shaking of the land. Verse 4 introduces the first glimmer of hope, acknowledging God's provision of a "banner" for those who fear Him, a rallying point in battle. Verse 5 then transitions into a fervent prayer for deliverance, setting the stage for the dramatic and pivotal shift in verse 6. Here, the psalmist's voice transforms from supplication to confident declaration, grounded in a direct divine utterance. This transition from lament to faith-filled declaration, often spurred by a divine oracle, is a common and powerful pattern throughout the Psalter, demonstrating the transformative power of God's word to reshape human perspective and inspire hope amidst adversity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription places Psalm 60 within a specific historical period of David's reign, characterized by significant military campaigns against various Aramean kingdoms (Syria) and Edom. The mention of "the valley of salt," likely located south of the Dead Sea, and the defeat of Edom, highlights a time of intense warfare and national vulnerability, which eventually led to a decisive, though costly, victory. In ancient Israel, the possession and division of land were not merely economic or political acts but were deeply theological, intrinsically linked to their identity and God's covenant promises. The land was God's gift, the physical manifestation of His faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants (e.g., [God's covenant with Abram in Genesis 15](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abram")). The acts of "dividing" and "meting out" land, as described in the verse, were symbolic of establishing sovereignty, order, and legal claim, echoing the foundational act of Joshua's distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel (e.g., [Joshua's division of the land](/joshua/14 "Joshua 14 - Division of the Land")). This context illuminates the depth of the psalmist's confidence: it is a declaration of God's reassertion of His covenant promises over His people's inheritance.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **The Authority and Reliability of God's Word**. The phrase "God hath spoken in his holiness" emphasizes that God's utterances are not subject to human fallibility or change; they are rooted in His unchanging, perfect, and set-apart nature. Because God is holy, His promises are absolutely trustworthy and cannot fail, reinforcing the truth that [God is not a man, that he should lie](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie"). Secondly, it demonstrates **Joy in Divine Assurance**. The psalmist's immediate response, "I will rejoice," is not based on current dire circumstances but on the absolute certainty of God's promise. This illustrates a profound faith that finds delight and confidence in God's character and word, regardless of visible evidence, echoing the sentiment of finding great treasure in God's decrees, as seen in [Psalm 119:162](/psalms/119-162 "Psalm 119:162 - Rejoicing in God's Word"). Finally, the specific mention of Shechem and Succoth points to the theme of **Restoration and Possession of the Land**, symbolizing the comprehensive re-establishment of Israelite control and dominion over the entire Promised Land, from its central western regions to its eastern Transjordanian territories, fulfilling God's original covenant grant and bringing order out of chaos.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This word (H1696) comes from a primitive root meaning "to arrange," but used figuratively of words, it means "to speak." It conveys the idea of declaring, commanding, pronouncing, or telling. In this context, it signifies a definitive, authoritative utterance from God, not a mere suggestion or wish. It implies a word that arranges reality, bringing about what it declares.
* **holiness (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** The term (H6944) refers to a sacred place or thing, or abstractly, sanctity. The phrase "in his holiness" (בְּקָדְשׁוֹ, _bəqodshō_) signifies that God's declaration proceeds from the very essence of His unchangeable, set-apart, and perfect being. It means "by His holy nature," "from His holy sanctuary," or "by His holy oath." This underscores the absolute certainty and inviolability of the divine promise; what God declares from His holy character cannot fail.
* **divide (Hebrew, _châlaq'_):** This verb (H2505) means "to apportion or separate," often implying distribution. In the context of land, it refers to the act of surveying and assigning territory, signifying full possession, ownership, and the establishment of legal claims. This term evokes the original division of the land among the tribes of Israel under Joshua, emphasizing a reassertion of sovereign control and the fulfillment of the covenant promise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"God hath spoken in his holiness":** This foundational clause serves as the bedrock of the psalmist's subsequent confidence. It declares that God has issued a definitive, authoritative, and absolutely reliable word. The phrase "in his holiness" profoundly emphasizes that this utterance proceeds from God's very nature—His perfect, set-apart, and immutable character. It functions as an oath-like declaration, guaranteeing its truthfulness and certainty. This divine word is the pivotal turning point, transforming the preceding despair into an unshakeable hope.
* **"I will rejoice":** This is the psalmist's immediate, faith-filled response to God's sure word. Despite the ongoing national distress and military setbacks described earlier in the psalm, the psalmist chooses to rejoice. This joy is not contingent upon current, visible circumstances but is rooted in the absolute certainty and trustworthiness of God's spoken promise. It is an act of anticipatory faith, delighting in the future fulfillment that is guaranteed by God's unchanging character and His declared word.
* **"I will divide Shechem":** This declaration signifies the psalmist's (representing Israel's) confident reassertion of control over the Promised Land. Shechem was a strategically and historically vital city located in the central hill country of Ephraim, west of the Jordan River. It held immense covenantal significance, being the place where Abraham first built an altar upon entering Canaan ([Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6 "Genesis 12:6-7 - Abraham at Shechem")) and where Joshua renewed the covenant with Israel ([Joshua 24:1-28](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem")). The act of "dividing" Shechem implies taking full, undisputed possession and establishing sovereign control over the western heartland of Israel.
* **"and mete out the valley of Succoth":** This clause complements the previous one, extending the scope of re-possession to the eastern side of the Jordan River. The valley of Succoth (literally "booths" or "shelters") was located in the Transjordan region, in the tribal territory of Gad, near the Jabbok River ([Genesis 33:17](/genesis/33-17 "Genesis 33:17 - Jacob at Succoth")). "Meting out" signifies measuring and apportioning, reinforcing the idea of establishing full ownership and administrative authority over this territory. Together, Shechem (representing the west) and Succoth (representing the east) symbolize the complete and comprehensive re-establishment of Israelite dominion over the entire Promised Land, from its western heartland to its eastern frontiers, in fulfillment of God's covenant.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices that enhance its theological impact. The most prominent is the **Divine Oracle**, where the psalmist directly quotes or summarizes a word from God, which serves as the ultimate source of assurance and the catalyst for the dramatic shift from lament to confidence. This oracle is presented with absolute certainty: "God hath spoken." **Symbolism** is profoundly evident in the strategic choice of Shechem and the valley of Succoth. These specific geographical locations are not merely literal places but function as metonyms for the entire Promised Land, representing its western and eastern expanses respectively. Their mention evokes the rich historical and covenantal significance of Israel's inheritance and God's faithfulness to His promises. Furthermore, the psalmist's declaration "I will rejoice" demonstrates **Anticipatory Joy**, a powerful literary expression of faith where the emotional response to a future event (God's promised victory and restoration) is experienced and declared in the present, even before its physical manifestation. This highlights the transformative power of divine promise on human perspective and the nature of true biblical faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 60:6 profoundly articulates the theological principle that God's word, rooted in His unchangeable holiness, is the ultimate and most reliable ground for human hope and action. In a context of national defeat and despair, the divine oracle serves as a powerful reminder that God's covenant promises are immutable, regardless of present circumstances. This verse directly connects the reliability of God's character to the certainty of His future actions, demonstrating that true faith responds to God's declaration with confident joy and active participation in His purposes. The re-possession of the land, symbolized by Shechem and Succoth, is not merely a political or military victory but a deep theological affirmation of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, ensuring their inheritance and dominion as a testament to His sovereign power.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty")
* [Psalm 119:162](/psalms/119-162 "Psalm 119:162 - Rejoicing in God's Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 60:6 offers profound encouragement and a vital lesson for believers navigating their own "valleys of distress," periods of uncertainty, or moments of spiritual struggle. It teaches us that our hope is not anchored in fluctuating circumstances, the strength of our armies, or the stability of our economy, but in the immutable character and unfailing promises of God. When life feels chaotic, overwhelming, or when we face setbacks, the first and most crucial step is to quiet ourselves and listen for God's voice, trusting that His word, spoken "in his holiness," is absolutely reliable and will accomplish its purpose. This divine assurance should ignite a deep, anticipatory joy within us, a joy that transcends our present difficulties because it is grounded in the certainty of God's faithfulness, not in our fleeting feelings or visible evidence. Furthermore, like David, we are called to actively "divide" and "mete out" the spiritual inheritance God has promised us in Christ—claiming victory over sin, walking in peace that surpasses understanding, and living in the assurance of eternal life and God's presence. Our faith is not passive; it is an active appropriation of God's declared truth, leading to both internal rejoicing and outward action as we live into the realities of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's "holiness" impact your trust in His promises, especially when circumstances seem to contradict them or when you face personal setbacks?**
* **What does it truly mean for you to "rejoice" in God's word even before you see the full manifestation of His promises in your life or in the world around you?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to "divide" and "mete out" the spiritual inheritance God has given you through Christ (e.g., peace, joy, freedom from anxiety, victory over sin, assurance of identity)?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper listening ear to hear God's "spoken" word in your daily life, whether through diligent study of Scripture, consistent prayer, or through the wisdom of godly community?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God speaking "in his holiness"?**

Answer: The phrase "in his holiness" (Hebrew: _bəqodshō_) is profoundly significant. It signifies that God's utterance is not a casual remark or a fleeting thought, but a solemn, binding declaration made from the very core of His being. It implies an oath or a promise rooted in His perfect, unchangeable, and set-apart nature. Because God is holy, His word is absolutely trustworthy and cannot fail. It's a divine guarantee, assuring the psalmist and us that what God has said, He will certainly do. This concept reinforces God's immutability and the absolute reliability of His covenant promises, serving as the ultimate foundation for faith and hope, as seen in passages like [Malachi 3:6, where God declares, "For I am the Lord, I change not"](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God Does Not Change").

**Why are Shechem and the valley of Succoth specifically mentioned?**

Answer: Shechem and the valley of Succoth are not arbitrary locations; they hold immense symbolic and geographical importance within the biblical narrative. Shechem was a vital city in the central hill country, west of the Jordan River, deeply connected to Israel's covenant history (e.g., [Abraham's first altar upon entering Canaan](/genesis/12-6-7 "Genesis 12:6-7 - Abraham at Shechem") and [Joshua's covenant renewal with Israel](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem")). It represents the heartland of the Promised Land. The valley of Succoth, located east of the Jordan River in Transjordan, symbolizes the eastern territories. By naming these two specific locations, the psalmist is declaring the comprehensive re-possession and re-establishment of Israelite dominion over the entire Promised Land, from west to east. It signifies a complete fulfillment of God's promise of inheritance and a restoration of national sovereignty after a period of defeat.

**How does this verse, rooted in a historical military context, apply to believers today?**

Answer: While the immediate context is a military victory and territorial re-possession for ancient Israel, the underlying theological principles are profoundly applicable to believers today. The verse teaches us to anchor our hope in God's unchanging word, even when our personal or spiritual circumstances are dire. Just as God promised a physical land to Israel, He has promised a spiritual inheritance to us through Christ—victory over sin, peace that surpasses understanding, and eternal life. We are called to "rejoice" in these spiritual realities by faith, actively claiming and living out the promises of God's Word. This involves trusting in the finished work of Christ and allowing His truth to "divide" and "mete out" every area of our lives, bringing them under His righteous dominion and authority. This spiritual "conquest" is described in passages like [2 Corinthians 10:4-5, which speaks of demolishing strongholds and taking every thought captive to Christ](/2_corinthians/10-4-5 "2 Corinthians 10:4-5 - Spiritual Warfare").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 60:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "holiness" of God, from which His sure and immutable word proceeds, is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is explicitly called [the Holy One of God](/mark/1-24 "Mark 1:24 - Jesus, the Holy One of God") and is Himself [the Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). God's covenant promise of an inheritance, initially tied to the physical land of Israel, is expanded and spiritualized in the New Covenant through Christ. Believers, through faith in Him, become heirs to an [eternal inheritance](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of the New Covenant") that transcends earthly boundaries and is secured by His blood. The psalmist's declaration, "I will rejoice," becomes the joyous and confident response of all who believe in Christ, for in Him, [all of God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen"](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ"), fully guaranteed by His resurrection. The symbolic "dividing of Shechem" and "meting out the valley of Succoth" foreshadow the spiritual dominion and comprehensive victory that Christ secures for His people. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Jesus has conquered sin, death, and the powers of darkness, establishing His [kingdom that will have no end](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Have No End") and extending His reign over all creation. Believers are now called to "possess" this spiritual inheritance, not through physical conquest, but by living out the reality of Christ's victory in their lives, bringing every thought captive to Him and experiencing the [peace of God that surpasses all understanding](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"). Thus, the confidence, assurance, and joy expressed in Psalms 60:6 are fully realized in the person and redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfiller of God's holy and unfailing word.

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

Joshua 13:27

And in the valley, Betharam, and Bethnimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan and [his] border, [even] unto the edge of the sea of Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward.

Genesis 12:6

¶ And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite [was] then in the land.

Psalms 89:35

Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.

Joshua 1:6

Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

Psalms 56:4

In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

Psalms 119:162

¶ I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

Amos 4:2

The Lord GOD hath sworn by his holiness, that, lo, the days shall come upon you, that he will take you away with hooks, and your posterity with fishhooks.