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

PSALMS 60:7KJV
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Psalms 60:7 (KJV)

What does Psalms 60:7 mean?

Psalms 60:7 describes God declaring ownership and authority over several important tribes and regions of Israel: Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Judah. The verse uses symbolic language to show that God claims these territories and their people as His, highlighting their roles and importance within the nation.

In this psalm, King David is speaking to God during a time of national trouble, likely when Israel faced military threats. By naming these specific tribes—Gilead (a region east of the Jordan), Manasseh, Ephraim, and Judah—David emphasizes that all parts of Israel belong to God and are under His rule. Each tribe is described with a special role: Ephraim as the "strength of my head" (a symbol of power), and Judah as "my lawgiver" (the tribe from which rulers and leaders come).

The Hebrew behind Psalms 60:7

  • גִּלְעָד (Gil‘ad, "Gilead"): This refers to a region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and as a place of refuge. Mentioning Gilead shows God's claim over even the borderlands.
  • מְנַשֶּׁה (Menasheh, "Manasseh"): Manasseh was a large tribe with territory on both sides of the Jordan. Including Manasseh highlights God's authority over both the eastern and western lands.
  • אֶפְרַיִם (Ephrayim, "Ephraim"): Ephraim is called the "strength (מָעוֹז, ma‘oz) of my head (רֹאשׁ, rosh)," meaning Ephraim is seen as a strong, protective part of the nation, possibly referencing its military might or leadership.
  • יְהוּדָה (Yehudah, "Judah"): Judah is called "my lawgiver" (מְחֹקֵק, mechoqeq), pointing to its role as the tribe from which rulers and laws come, reinforcing its leadership status in Israel.

Why Psalms 60:7 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that only one tribe or region is important to God; instead, it shows God's care and authority over all parts of Israel.
  • By assigning symbolic roles to Ephraim and Judah, the verse highlights the unique strengths and responsibilities of different tribes within the nation.
  • In the context of the wider psalm, this verse reassures the people that, despite current troubles, God remains in control of the entire land and its leadership.

Where else these words appear

“lawgiver” Hebrew H2710 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.
  • Psalms 108:8 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;
  • Isaiah 22:16 What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, as he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, and that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock?

“strength” Hebrew H4581 · used in 35 verses

  • Judges 6:26 And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.
  • Proverbs 10:29 The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
  • Ezekiel 24:25 Also, thou son of man, shall it not be in the day when I take from them their strength, the joy of their glory, the desire of their eyes, and that whereupon they set their minds, their sons and their daughters,

“Gilead” Hebrew H1568 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 31:21 So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.
  • Judges 10:17 Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpeh.
  • 2 Kings 9:1 And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramothgilead:

“Manasseh” Hebrew H4519 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
  • Joshua 17:5 And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan;
  • 1 Chronicles 3:13 Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,