Psalms 105:12-15
When they were few in number, of little account, and sojourners in it, wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people, he allowed no one to oppress them; he rebuked kings on their account, saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text emphasizes that the patriarchs were not just few, but "men of number," meaning they were so few they could be easily counted. This highlights their insignificance in the eyes of the world, making God's protection and covenant with them even more extraordinary. Their status as "strangers" further underscores their vulnerable position, yet God's favor remained steadfast.
The psalm is recounting God's faithfulness to His covenant people, beginning with the patriarchs. It highlights how Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were few in number, seen as insignificant, and lived as foreigners in the land of Canaan, moving from place to place. This sets the stage for how God protected and favored them despite their vulnerability.
The Bible often highlights God's work starting with the seemingly small and weak. What does this tell us about God's power and how He chooses to operate?
The patriarchs – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – were incredibly few in number.
A Countable Few
When God made his promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, they were literally "men of number." They could be easily counted, especially compared to the vast populations of the nations around them.
Not for Their Merit
This smallness wasn't because they were inherently special in terms of worldly status or population size. God's choice wasn't based on their numbers, but on His own sovereign love and purpose. As Deuteronomy 7:7-8 says, God didn't choose Israel because they were the most numerous people, but because He loved them.
A Foundation for Faith
This highlights that God's power is magnified when He works through the weak and overlooked. Their insignificance in the eyes of the world was the perfect canvas for God's faithfulness to be displayed.
Being a 'stranger' in a land can feel isolating and insecure. How did God's presence change this reality for the patriarchs?
The patriarchs were not just few, but also 'strangers' in the land God promised them.
Foreigners in a Promised Place
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were sojourners in Canaan. They didn't own the land and weren't citizens. They moved from place to place, living as foreigners in a land not yet theirs.
Under Divine Protection
Despite their vulnerable status, God personally intervened to protect them. He 'rebuked kings' and warned them, 'Touch not my anointed ones.' This divine protection was not because they were powerful or belonged to the land, but because God had set them apart and covenanted with them.
Understand the original words
ger · Hebrew Noun
Refers to someone who resides temporarily in a foreign land without the rights of a native citizen; biblically, it emphasizes the believer's identity as a pilgrim whose true home is with God.
ashaq · Hebrew Verb
To treat cruelly, harshly, or unjustly, often involving the abuse of power or authority over the weak or vulnerable.
mashiyach · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
In a biblical context, one who is set apart, consecrated, or marked by God for a specific holy purpose or office, often through the act of anointing with oil to signify the presence of the Holy Spirit.
nabiy · Hebrew Noun
A spokesperson for God, chosen and empowered by Him to receive and declare His divine message to the people, acting as a mediator of God's will and truth.
This verse recalls the humble beginnings of Israel's covenant lineage – a small, vulnerable family group with no land of their own, emphasizing God's faithfulness to his promises even when human circumstances seemed impossible.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham Called by God
God calls Abraham from Ur to journey to a new land, establishing a covenant with him and his descendants. Abraham is a single man, later joined by his nephew Lot, with no land of his own.
c. 1900 BC - 1700 BC— this verse
Patriarchs as Sojourners in Canaan
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob live as nomadic pastoralists in Canaan. They are few in number, lacking political power, and are treated as foreigners by the established inhabitants.
c. 1700 BC
Joseph Sold into Slavery in Egypt
Jacob's son Joseph is sold by his brothers into slavery in Egypt, eventually rising to a position of power. This event sets the stage for the Israelites' later migration to Egypt.
c. 1700 BC - 1440 BC
Israelites Sojourn in Egypt
The descendants of Jacob, initially welcomed, eventually become a large population sojourning in the land of Egypt, where they are later enslaved.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of being 'few in number' by showing how the smallness of Jacob's household was a point of vulnerability and concern to others.
Hebrews 11:9This verse highlights the patriarchs' status as 'strangers' and 'sojourners' in the land God promised them, reinforcing the theme of their humble beginnings and reliance on faith.
Deuteronomy 7:7This scripture explains that Israel's selection by God was not due to their size or power, but to God's love, directly contrasting their initial 'fewness' with their divine election.
Genesis 26:24God's promise to Isaac, 'I am the God of Abraham your father,' demonstrates His continuous care and covenant faithfulness to this small, sojourning family line.
clarkePsalms 105:12: "When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it."
But a few men - When all appearances were against them, and nothing but the arm of God could have brought them through their difficulties, and given them a settlement in the promised land.
bensonPsalms 105:12: "When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it."
Psalm 105:12-15 . When they were but few in number — Hebrew, מתי מספר , methee mispar, men of number, so few as easily to be numbered, in opposition to what their posterity afterward were, as the sand of the sea without number: yea, very few — The word כמעשׂ , chimgnat, thus rendered, signifies either small as to number, or as to regard and esteem. The meaning probably is, that they were insignificant a…
The text emphasizes that the patriarchs were not just few, but "men of number," meaning they were so few they could be easily counted. This highlights their insignificance in the eyes of the world, making God's protection and covenant with them even more extraordinary. Their status as "strangers" further underscores their vulnerable position, yet God's favor remained steadfast.
The psalm is recounting God's faithfulness to His covenant people, beginning with the patriarchs. It highlights how Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were few in number, seen as insignificant, and lived as foreigners in the land of Canaan, moving from place to place. This sets the stage for how God protected and favored them despite their vulnerability.
The psalm is recounting God's faithfulness to His covenant people, beginning with the patriarchs. It highlights how Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were few in number, seen as insignificant, and lived as foreigners in the land of Canaan, moving from place to place. This sets the stage for how God protected and favored them despite their vulnerability.
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A Glimpse of Future Grace
This experience of being strangers in the land foreshadows the experience of believers today. We are often seen as strangers in this world, living in expectation of a heavenly home. God's care for Abraham and his descendants assures us of His protection even in our sojourning.
"When they were few in number, of little account, and sojourners in it, wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people, he allowed no one to oppress them; he rebuked kings on their account, sayin…" — The text emphasizes that the patriarchs were not just few, but "men of number," meaning they were so few they could be easily counted. This highlights their insignificance in the eyes of the world, m…
