Psalms 60:6
God hath spoken in his holinesse, I wil reioyce: I will diuide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth. Psalms 60:6 (KJV)
Psalm 60 is attributed to David and is commonly classified as a lament. Scholars suggest it was likely composed during a period of national distress, perhaps when David faced military conflicts and setbacks. The psalm expresses a heartfelt plea for God’s assistance and acknowledges His sovereignty over the nations.
It is important to note that the wording quoted above is not found in the King James Version of Psalm 60:6; the verse reads differently in that translation. While some modern paraphrases convey a similar sense of divine proclamation, the specific phrasing should be treated as a non‑literal rendering rather than a direct quotation.
The phrase “God hath spoken in his holiness” emphasizes divine authority and purity. It signifies that God has communicated His will in a manner consistent with His holiness, and the psalmist affirms that God’s word is trustworthy and reliable.
“I will rejoice” reflects a declaration of joy and victory that follows God’s promised intervention. The psalmist reports God’s words, affirming that the divine response will bring rejoicing for His people.
Shechem and Succoth were places of historical significance in Israel. Shechem lay in the central region of the land, while Succoth was situated in the eastern area. These names symbolize the territories and possessions that God’s people were entitled to inherit. The declaration to “divide Shechem and mete out the valley of Succoth,” understood as a paraphrase, can be seen as a proclamation of God’s authority to establish boundaries and grant possession of the promised land to Israel.
Overall, Psalm 60:6 highlights God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and commitment to His people’s inheritance. The passage encourages believers to find joy in God’s faithfulness even amid challenging circumstances, reminding them of the certainty of God’s promises and His power to secure the inheritance He has assigned to His people.
