Psalms 60:6–12
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

David surveys the land that will soon be his responsibility to govern as king. He wanted everything that God had promised to his people. Shechem, was an important territory that had not yet yielded to David’s government (v. 6). The valley of Succoth (Gen. 33:17) which was East of Shechem, where Jacob once pitched his tent was where his rightful heirs would plow the soil.

Gilead and Manasseh represent the large portion of territory east of the Jordan River. Gilead was the territory to the north (Genesis 37:25) and Manasseh was the land to the south (Joshua 17:1).  Ephraim and Judah stood on the west side of Jordan. Ephraim was the military power of that region and Judah was where all the civil power was concentrated. David claimed all of this for God even though the enemy had come in and attacked positions long held for God.

When Satan comes in and attacks something in your life, in your family or in your business that has long been claimed for God, don’t give up. Proclaim in God’s name, the absolute Lordship of Christ over these areas. This is what David was doing.

David had great confidence in Joab but was not going to trust in him to defeat the enemies. It is true that Joab was a military genius but David was only trusting in God (v. 11). We often have to rely on men to get things done and if we are wise we will seek out the best person for the job. However, we must remember that our responsibility in warfare is spiritual and must be fought on spiritual terms.

Application

We need to realize that Satan wants to get into our families and upset things. My responsibility is to pray a hedge of protection around all of my family. I should never give up and let Satan have victory in the lives of any of my family.