Psalm 60 12

Psalm 60:12 kjv

Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

Psalm 60:12 nkjv

Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.

Psalm 60:12 niv

With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.

Psalm 60:12 esv

With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.

Psalm 60:12 nlt

With God's help we will do mighty things,
for he will trample down our foes.

Psalm 60 verses

Psalm 60 12 Meaning

Psalm 60:12 declares a confident belief that true strength and victory come solely from God. It proclaims that through His divine enablement, His people will achieve mighty feats and decisively overcome all their adversaries. The verse shifts from a lament to an assertion of faith, trusting that God Himself will trample their enemies underfoot, ensuring complete triumph.

Psalm 60 12 Context

Psalm 60 is a communal lament (miktam) that expresses the pain and disorientation of Israel after a significant military defeat, described as God casting them off, breaking them, and sending reeling. While not explicitly detailed, the superscription points to a period following David's victory over Edom in the Valley of Salt, suggesting an initial setback or continued skirmishes that tested Israel. This verse (60:12) marks a pivot from desperate cries and questions about God's absence to a profound declaration of faith and trust in God for future victory. Despite current suffering, the psalmist expresses absolute conviction that it is God who will provide the strength to conquer and ultimately subdue their foes. The overall psalm outlines national distress (vv. 1-3), a remembered promise from God (vv. 6-7), and a renewed cry for help based on that promise (vv. 9-11), culminating in this bold declaration of faith in God’s intervention.

Psalm 60 12 Word analysis

• Through God (בֵּאלֹהִים - bĕ’ĕlōhîm):

  • Word Level: The prefix be- means "in, with, through, by." Elohim is the generic, majestic name for God, emphasizing His power, creatorship, and sovereignty.
  • Significance: This phrase attributes all ability and future success directly and exclusively to God. It highlights divine enablement as the sole source of effective action. It is not with human strength augmented by God, but through or by means of God Himself. This counters any self-reliance.

• we shall do valiantly (נַעֲשֶׂה חָיִל - na‘aseh ḥayil):

  • Word Level: Na‘aseh is the first person plural imperfect of ‘asah, meaning "we will do, act, make, achieve." Chayil (חיל) is a rich Hebrew term, denoting strength, might, efficiency, wealth, valor, or an army. It implies not just effort, but effective, powerful accomplishment.
  • Significance: The combination expresses active and successful exertion. "Doing valiantly" implies achieving mighty deeds, gaining victory, showing prowess, or even securing prosperity. It speaks to a manifestation of divine power through human agency. It moves from passive reception of blessing to active engagement in God’s strength.

• for he it is that shall tread down (וְהוּא יִרְמָס - wĕhû’ yirmās):

  • Word Level: Wĕhû’ means "and He," emphatically pointing to God as the sole actor. Yirmās (ירמס) is the third person singular imperfect of ramas, meaning "to tread down, trample, crush, subjugate." It implies complete, irreversible defeat and humiliation.
  • Significance: This signifies that the ultimate act of defeat against the enemy is not merely assisted by God, but performed by God Himself. It’s a direct, forceful act of divine judgment. The imagery of "treading down" evokes crushing submission, often associated with a victor putting his foot on the neck of a defeated foe (e.g., Josh 10:24). This ensures that the glory of victory belongs entirely to God.

• our enemies (צָרֵינוּ - tsarê-nû):

  • Word Level: Tsareynu comes from tsar, meaning "adversary, foe, oppressor, rival." The suffix -nû means "our."
  • Significance: While specifically referring to national enemies in the psalm’s historical context (like Edom), it encompasses any adversary, whether military, spiritual, or circumstantial. The comprehensive nature of "our enemies" highlights the broad scope of God's conquering power.

Psalm 60 12 Bonus section

• The identical phrase found in Psalm 108:13 emphasizes its importance and recurring theological weight in the Psalter, signaling a foundational principle of God's people relying solely on Him for victory. Psalm 108 is itself a composite of sections from Psalm 57 and Psalm 60, affirming the enduring nature of this declaration of faith.
• This verse embodies a faith statement where past disillusionment gives way to present confidence in God's future action. It is a declaration made before the visible victory, rooted in God's character and past promises, rather than a reflection after the fact. This teaches spiritual foresight and trust.
• The military context points to God as the Divine Warrior, who not only leads His people but actively fights their battles, demonstrating His jealous protection and formidable power against any force that opposes His covenant people.

Psalm 60 12 Commentary

Psalm 60:12 encapsulates a profound theological truth: ultimate victory and true strength do not originate from human might or strategic planning but from the omnipotent God. Following a devastating defeat, the psalmist shifts from questioning God's presence to declaring an unshakeable faith in His unfailing power. "Through God we shall do valiantly" signifies an enablement by divine agency, transforming human weakness into extraordinary capacity for success. The valor displayed is not an inherent quality but a God-given ability to overcome insurmountable odds and achieve mighty feats. The second part, "for He it is that shall tread down our enemies," is crucial. It underscores that God is not just an enabler but the primary actor in the battle. The imagery of "treading down" conveys complete and decisive subjugation, removing any doubt about the enemy's utter defeat. This assures the believing heart that even in dire circumstances, God’s decisive intervention guarantees the vanquishing of all opposition, leaving no room for human boast. It serves as a timeless assurance that divine sovereignty assures victory over all adversaries, whether physical or spiritual.