Psalms 60:7

Gilead [is] mine, and Manasseh [is] mine; Ephraim also [is] the strength of mine head; Judah [is] my lawgiver;

Gilead {H1568} is mine, and Manasseh {H4519} is mine; Ephraim {H669} also is the strength {H4581} of mine head {H7218}; Judah {H3063} is my lawgiver {H2710}{H8781)};

Gil'ad is mine and M'nasheh mine, Efrayim my helmet, Y'hudah my scepter.

Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim is My helmet, Judah is My scepter.

Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the defence of my head; Judah is my sceptre.

Context of Psalms 60:7

Psalm 60 is a poignant lament from David, composed during a period of national distress and military setback, specifically after a defeat by Aramnaharaim and Aramzobah, and before Joab's decisive victory over Edom in the Valley of Salt (as indicated in the psalm's superscription). The opening verses (Psalm 60:1-3) vividly describe the feeling of God's rejection and the nation's struggle. Amidst this turmoil, David turns to God, acknowledging His ultimate sovereignty and claiming His promises. Verse 7 shifts from lament to a declaration of divine ownership and a confident assertion of God's control over the land and its tribes, serving as a foundation for the ensuing prayer for victory.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Ownership: The repeated phrase "is mine" underscores God's absolute claim over the land and its inhabitants. Despite present difficulties or military losses, God retains ultimate possession and authority over Israel's territories. This declaration serves as a reminder that the land is not merely conquered territory but God's covenant inheritance.
  • Unity and Strength of Israel: The verse lists key tribal territories:
    • Gilead and Manasseh: Representing the tribes on the east side of the Jordan River, significant for their pasturelands and strategic location. Their inclusion emphasizes God's claim over the entire land.
    • Ephraim: Described as "the strength of mine head," signifying its military might and prominence among the northern tribes. Ephraim often symbolized the collective power of the northern kingdom.
    • Judah: Declared as "my lawgiver," pointing to its prophetic destiny as the royal tribe from which kings would come, and ultimately, the Messiah. This aligns with the ancient promise that the scepter would not depart from Judah.
    Together, these tribes signify the whole of Israel, unified under God's sovereign rule, with each part contributing uniquely to the nation's identity and purpose.
  • Covenant Assurance: Even in a time of perceived divine abandonment, this verse reaffirms God's enduring covenant with Israel. It’s a powerful declaration that God has not forgotten His people or His promises concerning their land and future.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "mine" (לִי - li) emphasizes direct, personal possession, highlighting God's intimate relationship with the land and its people. "Strength of mine head" (מָעוֹז רֹאשִׁי - ma'oz ro'shi) metaphorically speaks of Ephraim as a strong defense or support, like a helmet or crown protecting the head. "Lawgiver" (מְחֹקְקִי - mechoqeqi) refers to one who issues decrees, holds authority, or wields the scepter of rule, reinforcing Judah's unique role in leadership and governance, tracing back to the patriarchal blessings.

Practical Application

Psalms 60:7 offers profound comfort and reassurance. In our own lives, when we face setbacks, feel defeated, or question God's presence, this verse reminds us that God remains sovereign. He is the ultimate owner of all things, and His promises are steadfast. It encourages us to remember that God has a specific purpose for each 'part' of His people, and that even in times of weakness, He can use our collective strengths and unique roles for His glory. Trusting in God's unwavering control, even when circumstances seem to contradict it, is a vital aspect of faith.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Genesis 49:10

    The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].

  • Deuteronomy 33:17

    His glory [is like] the firstling of his bullock, and his horns [are like] the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they [are] the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they [are] the thousands of Manasseh.

  • Joshua 13:31

    And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, [were pertaining] unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, [even] to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.

  • Joshua 17:1

    ¶ There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he [was] the firstborn of Joseph; [to wit], for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.

  • 1 Chronicles 12:19

    And there fell [some] of Manasseh to David, when he came with the Philistines against Saul to battle: but they helped them not: for the lords of the Philistines upon advisement sent him away, saying, He will fall to his master Saul to [the jeopardy of] our heads.

  • 1 Chronicles 12:37

    And on the other side of Jordan, of the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and of the half tribe of Manasseh, with all manner of instruments of war for the battle, an hundred and twenty thousand.

  • 1 Samuel 28:2

    And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.

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