Psalm 60 7

Psalm 60:7 kjv

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

Psalm 60:7 nkjv

Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the helmet for My head; Judah is My lawgiver.

Psalm 60:7 niv

Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah is my scepter.

Psalm 60:7 esv

Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet; Judah is my scepter.

Psalm 60:7 nlt

Gilead is mine,
and Manasseh, too.
Ephraim, my helmet, will produce my warriors,
and Judah, my scepter, will produce my kings.

Psalm 60 verses

Psalm 60 7 Meaning

Psalm 60:7 is a profound declaration by God asserting His divine sovereignty and proprietorship over all the land and tribes of Israel, even in times of national crisis and perceived defeat. It details specific tribal entities—Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Judah—each representing distinct facets of God's dominion. Gilead and Manasseh signify His comprehensive ownership of the land east and west of the Jordan River. Ephraim symbolizes His chosen defensive and protective strength, serving as His helmet. Judah, the royal tribe, signifies the seat of His ultimate kingly authority and governance, affirming the permanence of His rule and the Messianic promise. This verse unequivocally states that despite current turmoil, Israel's very existence, defense, and leadership remain firmly under God's control.

Psalm 60 7 Context

Psalm 60 is designated "A Michtam of David; for teaching. When he strove with Aram Naharaim and with Aram Zobah, and Joab returned and struck Edom in the Valley of Salt, twelve thousand." This superscription sets the immediate historical context: a period of intense military conflict and initial setbacks for Israel (specifically mentioned in verse 1-3 as God abandoning them and scattering them), followed by a turning point where God grants victory (verse 6 onwards). The psalm shifts from lament and complaint to an affirmation of trust in God's promises and a declaration of impending triumph. Verse 7, in particular, comes after a divine oracle (verses 6-8), where God Himself speaks, reaffirming His covenant ownership and designated roles for the key tribes of Israel despite the recent defeat. This declaration reassures the people that their setbacks are temporary, as God's plan and promises concerning their land and leadership remain unshaken. The historical backdrop shows a moment when Israel's dominion over these territories was being challenged, making God's explicit declaration of ownership profoundly significant and encouraging.

Psalm 60 7 Word analysis

• Gilead (גִּלְעָד, Gil‘ad): A mountainous region east of the Jordan River. It was allotted primarily to the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Its inclusion here signifies God's complete territorial claim over Israel, extending beyond the traditionally dominant western areas. Historically known for its rich pastures and strategic importance, "Gilead is Mine" affirms divine ownership of Israel's trans-Jordanian regions.

• is Mine: A powerful, absolute declaration of possession and sovereignty. The possessive pronoun directly attached to the Hebrew name (Gil‘ad-li) leaves no ambiguity; these territories and, by extension, the people residing within them, are Yahweh's exclusive property. This direct divine utterance carries immense theological weight.

• and Manasseh (מְנַשֶּׁה, Mᵉnaššeh): One of the largest tribes, settled on both sides of the Jordan River. Manasseh's dual settlement makes it a symbol of comprehensive control over the entire promised land, west and east. Including it after Gilead further emphasizes that God's ownership is holistic and geographically encompassing.

• Ephraim (אֶפְרַיִם, ’Efrayim): A prominent and populous northern tribe, often representing the entire Northern Kingdom. Jacob had prophesied his preeminence over his older brother Manasseh (Gen 48:19).

• also is the helmet for My head: The Hebrew ma'oz ro'shi (מָעוֹז רֹאשִׁי) can literally mean "stronghold/refuge of my head" or "protection for my head." The Septuagint renders it as antílēmpsis, implying "succor" or "help." This phrase indicates that Ephraim, with its strength and military prowess, serves as God's protective defense. It portrays God utilizing Ephraim as a critical instrument for His purposes of defending and protecting the nation of Israel. This is not to suggest God needs defense, but that Ephraim functions as a formidable line of defense under His direction, vital for national security.

• Judah (יְהוּדָה, Yᵉhudah): The powerful southern tribe, from which the royal line of David originated, and ultimately the Messiah. It represents the spiritual and political heart of Israel, containing Jerusalem and the Temple.

• is My scepter (שְׁבַטִּי, shᵉvatti): A scepter is an ancient symbol of royal authority, sovereignty, and rightful rule. This declaration confirms Judah's ordained role as the tribe through which God's kingly dominion would be exercised on earth. It points directly to the Davidic covenant (2 Sam 7) and the messianic prophecies (Gen 49:10), asserting that God's legitimate reign is channeled through Judah.

• Words-group by words-group analysis

  • "Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine": This couplet establishes God's indisputable and expansive ownership over the entire territorial expanse of Israel, encompassing both sides of the Jordan, East and West. It affirms His claim over all the land of the covenant.
  • "Ephraim also is the helmet for My head": This phrase highlights Ephraim's role as a vital defensive force under God's command. It signifies military strength and strategic importance employed by God for the protection of His people and plans, portraying a dynamic use of a tribal entity as a protective element.
  • "Judah is My scepter": This final statement asserts the ultimate source of royal authority. Judah is the chosen instrument through which God exercises His divine kingship, signifying enduring governmental legitimacy and pointing to the promised eternal king who would rise from this tribe.

Psalm 60 7 Bonus section

The divine oracle in Psalm 60:6-8 stands as a central pillar, providing assurance in a time of deep national crisis. This segment shifts the entire psalm from lament to renewed confidence and a declaration of God's victory. The careful selection of tribes (Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, Judah) is not random but highlights God's strategic perspective across the breadth and varied functions within Israel:

• Gilead: often linked with wilderness and hardy frontiersmen (Judges 12).
• Manasseh: known for its wide territory, bridging east and west.
• Ephraim: representing military strength and political influence in the North.
• Judah: signifying kingship, prophecy, and religious heritage in the South.

Together, these names affirm God’s comprehensive control over all aspects of His people and their inheritance: their land, their military strength, and their governing authority. This verse directly counters any perception that God had truly abandoned them or that their enemies had the upper hand, solidifying His unbreakable covenant bond. It sets the stage for future victories, including the one against Edom mentioned in the psalm's title.

Psalm 60 7 Commentary

Psalm 60:7 encapsulates a pivotal truth: despite present adversity, God’s dominion over His covenant people and their land remains absolute and unshaken. It reveals God's unyielding control, even when Israel faced military defeat. He reiterates His ownership over all the land, specifically mentioning Gilead and Manasseh to include the eastern territories, demonstrating the comprehensiveness of His claim. He then assigns distinct, crucial roles to the two most dominant western tribes: Ephraim, representing military might, is designated as His "helmet," indicating God uses their strength for defense and protection. Judah, symbolizing the seat of royal authority, is declared His "scepter," affirming the enduring legitimacy of the Davidic line and the promise of a sovereign ruler who would embody God's reign. This verse provides reassurance that divine providence ensures Israel's land, defense, and leadership remain within God's eternal plan. It offers a powerful message of hope and reaffirmation that God, not human weakness or external threats, holds the ultimate authority and direction for His chosen nation, foreshadowing the reign of the Messiah who fully embodies the "Scepter" from Judah and offers true "Protection" to His people.