Psalms 60:2
Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.
Psalms 60:2 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Book of Psalms is a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty over the earth. In this passage, the imagery of the earth trembling and breaking is used to symbolize the chaos and destruction that can occur when mankind turns away from God's will. The call to "heal the breaches thereof" is a plea for God to restore order and harmony to a world plagued by sin and disobedience. The verse emphasizes the power of God to both bring about upheaval and to bring about healing and restoration. It serves as a reminder of God's ability to bring about change and transformation in the midst of chaos and despair, offering hope and reassurance to believers that God is in control and can ultimately bring about peace and wholeness.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the psalmist is describing a time when the earth is trembling and breaking, possibly as a result of a natural disaster or some other catastrophic event. The psalmist then calls upon God to heal the breaches in the earth and stop the shaking. The theological interpretation of this verse could encompass themes of God's power and control over nature, as well as his ability to bring healing and restoration to a broken world. The imagery of the earth trembling and breaking can be seen as a metaphor for the chaos and upheaval that can occur in our lives, and the psalmist's plea for healing can be seen as a prayer for God's intervention in times of trouble. Through word studies, we can dig deeper into the original Hebrew text to uncover nuances and meanings that may not be immediately apparent in translation. For example, the word for "heal" in this verse can also be translated as "repair" or "restore," emphasizing God's role as the ultimate healer and restorer of creation.
Psalms 60:2 in other translations
American Standard Version
Thou hast made the land to tremble; thou hast rent it: Heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.
World English Bible
You have made the land tremble. You have torn it. Mend its fractures, for it quakes.
Douay-Rheims
Hear, O God, my supplication: be attentive to my prayer.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thou hast made the land to tremble, and hast made it to gape: heale the breaches thereof, for it is shaken.