Psalms 66:11
Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.
Original Language Analysis
הֲבֵאתָ֥נוּ
Thou broughtest
H935
הֲבֵאתָ֥נוּ
Thou broughtest
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 5
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
שַׂ֖מְתָּ
thou laidst
H7760
שַׂ֖מְתָּ
thou laidst
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
3 of 5
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
Historical Context
This likely references the Babylonian exile or similar national judgments where Israel experienced captivity and oppression due to their covenant unfaithfulness, yet God used this suffering to restore them to Himself.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when you recognize that God has permitted or ordained difficult circumstances in your life?
- What is the difference between accepting suffering as discipline versus viewing it as evidence of God's abandonment?
- How can recognizing God's sovereignty over your trials lead to worship rather than bitterness?
Analysis & Commentary
The metaphor shifts from refining to warfare—'brought us into the net' and 'affliction upon our loins' depict capture and burden-bearing. Yet even in these descriptions, God's sovereignty is clear: He permits these trials for redemptive purposes. The 'net' may reference Babylonian captivity or other national calamities. This verse honestly acknowledges that God ordains difficult circumstances, not as vindictive punishment but as means of correction and growth.