The Verse, Psalm 66:11, is unique. It can only be understood by also reading the paragraph in which it’s found, in context. Especially noticing the previous verse and the following one as well.

“For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.” Psalm 66:10-12, the context I just mentioned.

As you can see … I highlighted (with bold type) verse 11. But here it is all alone. “Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.”

Yes, God actually brought His people … “into the net!” God “caused them to enter” that thing! And the noun “net” is “matzsud,” a “holding place.” A “fortress,” here likened to a prison! A “snare” or trap! Wow!

And the verb for “laid” is “sum” (pronounced “soom”), indicating an “appointment!” God means to do this. The noun “affliction” is “muaqah,” meaning “distress, pressure,” really something crushing!

But … WHY would God do this?

Well, no doubt to help us grow in faith!

To help us become stronger at handling trials!

To be better Christians!

Furthermore, even the noun “loins” may have significance here. It means “hips” but is derived from a word meaning “to be slim!” Maybe to keep us from becoming “flabby, careless” Believers in Jesus! These difficulties are possibly sent our way to keep us (spiritually) exercised! Fit, ready to serve our Lord!

Yes, God send Paul a “thorn in the flesh!”

And put John on the “Isle of Patmos!”

And (back to the Old Testament) Joseph in “prison!”

The Psalmist once even wrote: “It is good for us to be afflicted!”

Maybe Isaiah 43:2 helps here. “When thou passest through the waters, I (the lord) will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”

Amen!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell