King James Version

What Does Psalms 108:7 Mean?

Psalms 108:7 in the King James Version says “God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 108 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 108:7 · KJV


Context

5

Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;

6

That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me.

7

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

8

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

9

Moab is my washpot ; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; over Philistia will I triumph.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God hath spoken in his holiness (אֱלֹהִים דִּבֶּר בְּקָדְשׁוֹ, Elohim dibber bekodsho)—God's speech originates from His kodesh (holiness, set-apartness). This may mean 'in His sanctuary' (temple/heaven) or 'by His holiness' (swearing by His own character). Either way, God's word carries absolute authority and certainty.

I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth (אֶעְלֹזָה אֲחַלְּקָה שְׁכֶם, e'elozah achallekah Shekhem)—e'elozah (I will exult, rejoice triumphantly) precedes military language. Achallekah (I will divide, apportion) describes conquest and land distribution. Shechem (west of Jordan) and Succoth (east of Jordan) represent territories God promised Israel.

David grounds his confidence in battle not on military strength but on God's spoken promise. God said these lands belong to Israel—therefore David will rejoice even before victory is complete. Faith believes God's word more than present circumstances (Romans 4:17-21).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse quotes Psalm 60:6, written after defeats in battle (Psalm 60 title). Shechem was central Canaan's heartland; Succoth was Transjordan territory. God's ancient promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:7) undergirds David's confidence in reconquest.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's 'speaking in holiness' make His promises more certain than physical evidence?
  2. What territories in your life need to be claimed based on God's spoken word rather than current possession?
  3. Can you 'rejoice' in God's promises before seeing their fulfillment, like David rejoicing before dividing Shechem?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀1 of 9

God

H430

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

דִּבֶּ֥ר2 of 9

hath spoken

H1696

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

בְּקָדְשׁ֗וֹ3 of 9

in his holiness

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

אֶעְלֹ֥זָה4 of 9

I will rejoice

H5937

to jump for joy, i.e., exult

אֲחַלְּקָ֥ה5 of 9

I will divide

H2505

to be smooth (figuratively)

שְׁכֶ֑ם6 of 9

Shechem

H7927

shekem, a place in palestine

וְעֵ֖מֶק7 of 9

the valley

H6010

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

סֻכּ֣וֹת8 of 9

of Succoth

H5523

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

אֲמַדֵּֽד׃9 of 9

and mete out

H4058

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 108:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 108:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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