Psalms 60:6

God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

דִּבֶּ֥ר

H1696

hath spoken

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בְּקָדְשׁ֗וֹ

H6944

in his holiness

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

אֶ֫עְלֹ֥זָה

H5937

I will rejoice

to jump for joy, i.e., exult

אֲחַלְּקָ֥ה

H2505

I will divide

to be smooth (figuratively)

שְׁכֶ֑ם

H7927

Shechem

shekem, a place in palestine

וְעֵ֖מֶק

H6010

the valley

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

סֻכּ֣וֹת

H5523

of Succoth

succoth, the name of a place in egypt and of three in palestine

אֲמַדֵּֽד׃

H4058

and mete out

properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of holiness reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 60 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on holiness address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?