God has spoken in His holiness: “I will rejoice; I will divide Shechem and measure out the Valley of Succoth. Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine. Ephraim also is the helmet for My head. (Psalm 60:6-7)
In keeping with the notion that this psalm is a prophecy, it is interesting that David refers to specific places in the land of Israel that God Himself declares as “Mine.” And because these places belong to Him, He alone has the authority to deed them to whoever He wishes, which in this case, is the seed of Abraham — i.e. Israel. However, Israel’s claim to the land has always been contested by the nations, as it is to this very day. So then it is interesting that the first places mentioned — Shechem and Succoth — are the places where Jacob initially camped and then purchased when he returned to the land from his sojourn in Aram. In other words, David alludes to the idea that, in the last days, all of the land promised to Jacob and his descendants will be restored to them.
This theme is underscored by the mention of Gilead, Manasseh and Ephraim — all regions in the land that, in times past, were claimed by others in defiance of God’s promise to Israel. As it turns out, all of these regions, including Shechem and Succoth, essentially comprise what the world refers to as the West Bank and parts of the Golan Heights. Shechem, which is were the bones of Joseph were buried, is now called Nablus — a city infamously connected to Palestinian uprisings and violence. In fact, on several occasions, the tomb of Joseph has been desecrated by Arabs as a demonstration of their resistance to Israel’s claim to the land.
The point is, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, David specifically mentioned the very places that are presently claimed by others as their land — but God said, they are “Mine.” And because the land is His, the promise He made to His people will come to pass. It is likely to be fulfilled in the midst of turmoil and even warfare, but it will come to pass which brings us to this thought. All the promises He has made to you and to me, whatever the circumstances may seem to say right now, will come to pass. The fact that, after two thousand years of exile, there is a nation called Israel should inspire all of us to hold fast to the promises given to us. What He has promised regarding our family and our future, will come to pass because He is faithful. We can have this confidence because, if we are in Messiah, then we belong to Him; and all things that He says are “Mine,” He will see to it that His purpose is fulfilled.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
I haven”t received my copy of “OUR DAILY BREAD” in three days. I am and have been an ardent supporter/donator of ODB and do not understand why I am not receiving my daily copy. Please advise.
Henry; Shoreshim has not been sending these posts “out” as in an email. Is that what you are referring to? We post them here daily. Where have you been receiving these copies from? Maybe send a screen shot so we can better answer your question.