Psalms 60:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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)};

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 60:7 serves as a powerful declaration of God's unwavering sovereignty and ownership over the land of Israel and its people, even amidst national defeat and distress. In a psalm that begins with a lament over perceived divine abandonment and military setbacks, this verse pivots to a confident assertion that key tribal territories—Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Judah—remain unequivocally "mine," belonging to God. It highlights the diverse yet unified identity of Israel under divine rule, with each tribe representing a unique aspect of the nation's strength and destiny, ultimately affirming God's enduring covenant promises despite present circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 60 opens with a profound lament, expressing the nation's deep distress and sense of God's rejection following a military defeat. Verses [60:1-3](/psalms/60-1 "Psalm 60:1-3 - God's Rejection and National Distress") vividly depict a shattered nation, reeling from divine displeasure and military failure. However, a significant shift occurs from verse 4 onward, as the psalmist recalls God's past victories and promises, particularly those related to the land. Verse 7, therefore, functions as a foundational declaration within this shift, moving from a plea for help to a confident assertion of God's ultimate ownership and control over the very territories that seem to be slipping away. This declaration undergirds the subsequent prayer for victory and the confident expectation of divine intervention in [Psalm 60:8-12](/psalms/60-8 "Psalm 60:8-12 - God's Promises and Prayer for Victory"), transforming the psalm from mere lament to a prayer of faith rooted in God's covenant faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription of Psalm 60 explicitly links its composition to a specific historical period: "When he fought with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, and Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand." This refers to David's military campaigns, likely early in his reign, where Israel faced significant challenges from northern Aramaean kingdoms and later secured a decisive victory over Edom. The initial defeat mentioned in the superscription, prior to Joab's victory, would have been a moment of national crisis, testing Israel's faith and trust in God's covenant promises regarding the land. Culturally, land ownership was deeply tied to identity and divine blessing in ancient Israel. The listing of specific tribal territories—Gilead and Manasseh (east of Jordan), Ephraim (prominent northern tribe), and Judah (royal tribe in the south)—underscores the geographical and political scope of God's claim over the entire promised land, emphasizing its sacred status as a divine inheritance, not merely conquered territory.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 60 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty and Ownership**, reiterating that despite human failures or military setbacks, God's ultimate claim over the land and its people remains unchallenged. This theme is foundational to understanding Israel's relationship with the land as a gift and a trust, not an earned possession, as seen in [Deuteronomy 32:8](/deuteronomy/32-8 "Deuteronomy 32:8 - God's Apportionment of Nations"). Secondly, it highlights the **Unity and Strength of Israel** under God's rule. By naming tribes from across the geographical and political spectrum—east, north, and south—the verse symbolizes the entire nation as a cohesive entity, each part contributing uniquely to the whole, yet all subject to God's dominion. Finally, it reinforces **Covenant Assurance**. Even in a moment of perceived divine abandonment, the declaration "is mine" serves as a profound reminder of God's enduring covenant with His people and His unwavering commitment to His promises concerning their land and future, echoing the promises made to Abraham regarding his descendants and the land in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mine (Hebrew, _lî_):** This simple possessive pronoun, repeated for Gilead and Manasseh, carries immense theological weight. It signifies direct, personal, and absolute ownership by God. In the context of a nation facing military defeat and questioning God's presence, this declaration of "mine" reasserts God's indisputable claim over His covenant people and their promised land. It is a statement of divine prerogative that transcends human circumstances and military outcomes, grounding the nation's hope in God's unchanging character and promises.
* **Strength of mine head (Hebrew, _ma'oz ro'shî_):** This phrase, applied to Ephraim, is a powerful metaphor. _Ma'oz_ (מָעוֹז) means "fortress," "stronghold," or "refuge," while _ro'shî_ (רֹאשִׁי) means "my head." Together, it portrays Ephraim as a vital source of military power, a protective helmet, or a crown of strength for the nation, particularly for the northern tribes. It signifies Ephraim's historical prominence and military prowess, symbolizing the protective and offensive capabilities of Israel's forces, all of which ultimately belong to and are empowered by God.
* **Lawgiver (Hebrew, _meḥoqeqî_):** Attributed to Judah, _meḥoqeq_ (מְחֹקֵק) denotes one who engraves or inscribes, thus a "decree-giver," "statute-setter," or "ruler." It refers to the one who wields the scepter of authority and issues laws. This term highlights Judah's unique role as the royal tribe from which kings would come, and ultimately, the Messiah. It underscores Judah's destiny as the tribe of leadership, governance, and the source of divine instruction and righteous rule for the nation, a role divinely ordained and belonging to God's greater plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Gilead [is] mine, and Manasseh [is] mine":** This opening clause immediately establishes God's direct ownership over the trans-Jordanian territories. Gilead, known for its rich pasturelands, and Manasseh, a large and influential tribe with territory on both sides of the Jordan, represent the eastern frontier of Israel. By declaring them "mine," God asserts His dominion over the entirety of the promised land, including areas often exposed to external threats, reaffirming His covenant claim over all the land He had given to Israel, regardless of current political or military control.
* **"Ephraim also [is] the strength of mine head":** This clause shifts focus to the powerful northern tribe of Ephraim, which often symbolized the collective strength and military might of the northern kingdom. Describing Ephraim as the "strength of mine head" metaphorically portrays it as a protective helmet or a source of vital power, indicating its crucial role in Israel's defense and national identity. It implies that Israel's military might, centered in Ephraim, is not merely human power but a divinely ordained and empowered force, belonging to God for His purposes.
* **"Judah [is] my lawgiver":** The final clause points to Judah, the southern tribe destined for royal leadership and the lineage of the Messiah. "Lawgiver" signifies Judah's unique role as the tribe from which kings would arise, establishing laws and governing the nation. This aligns with the patriarchal blessing in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter Shall Not Depart from Judah"), which prophesied the scepter not departing from Judah. It emphasizes Judah's divinely appointed role in leadership, governance, and the preservation of God's covenant and statutes, a role that ultimately finds its fulfillment in the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 60:7 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Personification**, where the abstract concept of tribal identity is given human-like qualities of possession and function ("Gilead is mine," "Ephraim is strength," "Judah is lawgiver"). This allows for a more vivid and direct declaration of God's relationship with each part of the nation. **Metaphor** is central to understanding Ephraim as "the strength of mine head," likening the tribe's military prowess to a protective and powerful part of the body, and Judah as "my lawgiver," symbolizing its role in governance and the establishment of divine order. The repetitive structure of "is mine" also creates a subtle **Anaphora** or emphasis, underscoring the absolute and non-negotiable nature of God's ownership. The verse also exhibits a form of **Merism** by listing key tribes from different geographical and political regions (east, north, south), thereby representing the totality of Israel and the comprehensive scope of God's dominion over His entire people and their land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 60:7 is a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty, covenant faithfulness, and the enduring identity of God's people. It asserts that God's ownership of Israel and its land is not contingent upon their military success or current political fortunes, but is rooted in His eternal covenant. Even when the nation feels shattered and abandoned, God's declaration "is mine" serves as a powerful reminder that His promises and claims remain steadfast. This verse underscores that Israel's strength, leadership, and very existence are divinely ordained and sustained, each tribal identity contributing to the unified purpose of a nation under God's rule. It teaches that true security and hope are found not in human might or territorial control, but in God's unwavering possession of His people and His land.

* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter Shall Not Depart from Judah")
* [Deuteronomy 32:8](/deuteronomy/32-8 "Deuteronomy 32:8 - God's Apportionment of Nations")
* [Isaiah 43:1](/isaiah/43-1 "Isaiah 43:1 - God's Redemption and Ownership")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In our lives, just as in ancient Israel, there are moments of profound distress, perceived setbacks, and feelings of abandonment. We may question God's presence or His promises when circumstances seem to contradict His character. Psalm 60:7 offers a timeless antidote to such despair: a resounding declaration of God's unwavering sovereignty and ownership. It reminds us that even when our "territories" (our careers, relationships, health, or sense of security) feel threatened or lost, God's ultimate claim over us remains. He is the ultimate owner of all things, and His purposes for us are steadfast. This verse 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, calling us to anchor our hope not in what we possess or achieve, but in who possesses us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to reaffirm God's ownership and sovereignty, especially when circumstances feel out of control?**
* **How does the idea of God claiming different "parts" of Israel (Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, Judah) speak to the unique roles and gifts within the body of Christ today?**
* **What does it mean for God to be your "strength of my head" or your "lawgiver" in your daily walk?**
* **How can remembering God's covenant promises, even in times of personal or collective distress, strengthen your faith and hope?**

### FAQ

**Why are these specific tribes mentioned in Psalm 60:7?**

Answer: The mention of Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Judah is highly significant because they represent the geographical and political breadth of Israel, symbolizing the totality of the promised land and its people. Gilead and Manasseh (specifically the half-tribe) were located east of the Jordan River, representing the frontier and the whole of Transjordanian Israel. Ephraim was a dominant tribe in the central and northern regions, often symbolizing the military strength and collective power of the northern kingdom. Judah, located in the south, was the royal tribe, from which David himself hailed, and was destined to produce the line of kings and ultimately the Messiah. By naming these key tribes, the psalm asserts God's comprehensive ownership and control over all of Israel, from its eastern borders to its central heartland and its royal southern seat, reinforcing His covenant claim over the entire nation.

**What does "Ephraim also is the strength of mine head" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase uses a powerful metaphor to describe Ephraim's role within Israel. "Strength of mine head" (Hebrew: *ma'oz ro'shî*) literally means "fortress of my head" or "stronghold of my head." It signifies Ephraim's prominence as a military power and a source of national defense. Just as a helmet protects the head, or a crown adorns it, Ephraim was seen as a vital protective and leading force among the tribes, particularly in the northern kingdom. The phrase implies that the military might and strategic importance of Ephraim are not independent but are divinely given and ultimately belong to God, serving as His instrument for the protection and advancement of His people. It highlights that Israel's true strength derives from God's empowerment and ownership.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 60:7, with its declaration of divine ownership over the diverse tribes of Israel, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The assertion that "Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver" points forward to the universal and spiritual dominion of Christ. The "lawgiver" role attributed to Judah is perfectly realized in Jesus, who is not only the descendant of Judah, the [Lion of the tribe of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - Lion of the Tribe of Judah"), but also the ultimate Lawgiver of the New Covenant, whose teachings and commands supersede and fulfill the Mosaic Law (see [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law") and [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")). As the Head of the Church, Christ embodies the "strength" that Ephraim symbolized, providing all power and protection for His body, the new spiritual Israel (see [Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")). Furthermore, the inclusion of all tribal territories—east, north, and south—foreshadows Christ's universal reign, where His "mine" extends not just to a physical land but to a people "from every tribe and language and people and nation" (as prophesied in [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe and Nation")). In Christ, God's ownership is no longer limited by geographical boundaries or tribal distinctions but embraces all who are called into His kingdom, forming a unified body under His sovereign and loving rule.

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

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.