In His Hands

God has spoken in His holiness: “I will exult, I will portion out Shechem and measure out the valley of Succoth. “Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the helmet of My head; Judah is My scepter.
“Moab is My washbowl; Over Edom I shall throw My shoe; Shout loud, O Philistia, because of Me!”
Who will bring me into the besieged city? Who will lead me to Edom?
—Psalm 60:6-9

I love the imagery here:

Shechem and Gilead — areas that span the land of Israel — are lifted up and defined by God; defined both geographically and relationally; both are identified as “Mine” by God.

Gilead and Manasseh — territories east and west — representing the divided inheritance, are also claimed relationally as “Mine.”

Ephraim is God’s helmet — representing strength.

“Judah is My scepter.” Representing rule or kingship.

All of this is the “Chosen Land.” An area that was defined, chosen, set apart, prepared, divided, and given by God. Even though God had given all this land to Israel as a possession, He still maintained ownership and dominion.

The history of Israel’s taking possession of this land was well documented and familiar to all of Israel. But throughout their history, they needed to be reminded on numerous occasions that God had set them apart and called them His own.

Likewise, the modern church also has a complete history at its disposal to cement its relationship to the heart of God. Yet we also require constant reminders. But the truth is obvious and available to all who will take the time to look for it.

There is great comfort in realizing our relationship and security in the hand of God. He owns and sustains all that we possess.

What is less obvious — to us and the Israelites — is what that means for the “land” beyond what we possess.

In verse 9, God makes it clear that those lands are His as well. But His relationship with them is much different.

“Moab is My washbowl.” This imagery represents the lowest servant. It brings to mind both the filth that must be washed away and the servant who does the washing.

“Throw My shoe” is reminiscent of the conquering king putting his foot on the neck of a defeated enemy. It is complete dominance.

Commanding Philistia to shout “because of Me” is not an invitation to worship. It is language commanding them to acknowledge subservience.

So in effect, what God is communicating to us here is that while He is Lord over all we possess, He is also Lord over everything else as well — even when appearances seem to indicate otherwise.

The lesson for me is that while I am working out my salvation, I can walk in full confidence that God is still Lord over all the chaos that seems to surround me.