Psalms 66:10
For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 6
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בְחַנְתָּ֥נוּ
hast proved
H974
בְחַנְתָּ֥נוּ
hast proved
Strong's:
H974
Word #:
2 of 6
to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
For thou O God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
For thou O God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 6
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
כִּצְרָף
is tried
H6884
כִּצְרָף
is tried
Strong's:
H6884
Word #:
4 of 6
to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Isaiah 48:10Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.Psalms 17:3Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.Proverbs 17:3The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.Job 23:10But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.Zechariah 13:9And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.Deuteronomy 8:2And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.Deuteronomy 13:3Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
Historical Context
Israel's history of wilderness wanderings, exile, and persecution exemplified this refining process. Each trial tested their faith and obedience, purifying their devotion and dependence on Yahweh alone.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'refining' trials is God currently using to purify your faith and character?
- How can you distinguish between Satan's attacks meant to destroy you and God's testing meant to strengthen you?
- In what ways have past trials produced greater purity and deeper trust in God?
Analysis & Commentary
The imagery of refining silver illustrates how God uses trials to purify His people, removing impurities while preserving what is precious (Malachi 3:3). 'Thou hast proved us' indicates divine testing is intentional and purposeful, not random suffering. This refining process, though painful, demonstrates God's commitment to sanctification—He loves His people too much to leave them in their sinful state. The result is greater Christlikeness and deeper faith.