that I may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just about seeing their good fortune, but about actively participating in and sharing it. The Hebrew word for "see" here means more than just observing; it implies enjoying and experiencing the blessings meant for God's chosen people, his nation, and his inheritance.
that I may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse emerges from a reflection on Israel's history, particularly their unfaithfulness and God's enduring faithfulness despite it. It's a prayer for restoration and renewed experience of God's favor for His chosen people, moving from a confession of sin (in the verses preceding) to a hopeful plea for future blessings. The psalmist expresses a deep desire to witness and participate in the joy and prosperity that God grants His nation and inheritance.
The Bible often uses the word 'see' to mean much more than just visual perception. What deeper reality is the psalmist longing for?
When the psalmist prays, "that I may see the good of your chosen ones," he's not just asking to witness prosperity from afar. The Hebrew word for 'see' here carries a profound sense of experiencing, enjoying, and possessing.
Think of it like this: you can see a delicious meal, but you experience it when you taste and eat it. Similarly, 'seeing the good' of God's people is about actively participating in and enjoying the blessings God bestows upon them.
This connects to Jesus' words, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." This 'seeing' isn't merely an intellectual understanding; it's about a deep, abiding communion and possession of God's presence and favor.
What does it mean to belong to 'your nation' and rejoice in its particular gladness? This verse points to a shared experience of God's favor.
The psalmist desires to 'rejoice in the gladness of your nation.' This isn't just about personal happiness; it's about finding joy in the collective well-being and spiritual experience of God's people. The 'nation' here refers to God's chosen people, Israel, but it speaks to a deeper truth about the community of faith.
When God blesses His people, whether it's deliverance from exile, spiritual renewal, or answered prayer, there is a corporate gladness. To rejoice in this is to recognize that our spiritual lives are intertwined. We are called to celebrate the victories and blessings God grants to His church, to the body of believers.
Ask a follow-up
This shared joy is a testament to God's faithfulness not just to individuals, but to His covenant community. It’s a joy that transcends individual circumstances and finds its source in God’s ongoing work among His people.
The desire to 'glory with your inheritance' sounds grand. What kind of glory is truly worth aspiring to?
The final phrase, 'that I may glory with your inheritance,' is a powerful statement about identity and honor. The 'inheritance' refers to God's people, whom God Himself claims as His own special possession. The psalmist isn't seeking glory in the ways the world pursues it – through fame, power, or earthly achievements.
Instead, he longs to 'glory with' God's people. This means finding his highest honor and boast in being counted among them, in sharing their identity as God's cherished possession. It’s about finding true distinction and pride in belonging to God and being part of His redeemed family.
This type of glory isn't about self-exaltation but about exalting God by celebrating His goodness towards His people. It’s recognizing that the greatest honor is to be identified with those whom God has chosen, redeemed, and claims as His own precious inheritance.
Understand the original words
tub · Hebrew Noun
Literally 'goodness' or 'well-being'; refers to the physical, spiritual, and holistic flourishing of God’s people under His care.
bachir · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Those whom God has specifically set apart and called for His own purpose, signifying a special relationship and divine election.
simchah · Hebrew Noun
A deep, expressive joy or exultation, often experienced in community through the awareness of God’s presence and salvation.
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
That which is received as a possession; biblically, it refers to the people of Israel as God’s special possession and the object of His covenant interest.
This psalm is likely a prayer or reflection from the post-exilic period, expressing a longing to witness and participate in the restoration and flourishing of God's people after their return from Babylonian captivity.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Israel
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian Empire, leading to the exile of many Israelites and the dissolution of the kingdom.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Judah
The Southern Kingdom of Judah is conquered by the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Jerusalem is destroyed, and many of its people are exiled to Babylon.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus's Edict and Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon and issues an edict allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
c. 516 BC— this verse
Dedication of the Second Temple
The returned exiles, under leaders like Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest, complete and dedicate the Second Temple in Jerusalem, a significant moment of national restoration.
c. 458 BC
Ezra's Commission and Reforms
Ezra, a scribe and priest, leads another group of exiles back to Jerusalem. He implements religious reforms to strengthen Jewish law and identity within the community.
This passage speaks about believers being 'heirs with Christ' and sharing in his suffering, which echoes the psalmist's desire to 'glory with your inheritance,' suggesting a shared destiny and honor.
Philippians 3:20-21Paul describes our citizenship being in heaven and our hope for a transformed body, connecting with the psalmist's longing for the 'good' and 'gladness' of God's people, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in God's future kingdom.
Deuteronomy 32:9This verse states that 'the LORD's portion is his people, Jacob his allotted inheritance,' directly mirroring the concept of God's people as his 'inheritance' and highlighting the special, protected relationship described in Psalms 106:5.
1 Peter 2:9-10Peter calls believers a 'chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own possession,' which beautifully aligns with the psalmist's desire to rejoice in the 'gladness of your nation' and glory with 'your inheritance.'
clarkePsalms 106:5: "That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance."
That I may see the good of thy chosen - That I may enjoy the good, for so the word see is understood among the Hebrews. "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God," - they shall enjoy him, possess his favor, and be made like unto him.
ellicottPsalms 106:5: "That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance."
(5) The tone of this verse indicates a prospect of a speedy advent of good.; and serves itself to give a probable date to the psalm.
The verse isn't just about seeing their good fortune, but about actively participating in and sharing it. The Hebrew word for "see" here means more than just observing; it implies enjoying and experiencing the blessings meant for God's chosen people, his nation, and his inheritance.
This verse emerges from a reflection on Israel's history, particularly their unfaithfulness and God's enduring faithfulness despite it. It's a prayer for restoration and renewed experience of God's favor for His chosen people, moving from a confession of sin (in the verses preceding) to a hopeful plea for future blessings. The psalmist expresses a deep desire to witness and participate in the joy and prosperity that God grants His nation and inheritance.
This verse emerges from a reflection on Israel's history, particularly their unfaithfulness and God's enduring faithfulness despite it. It's a prayer for restoration and renewed experience of God's favor for His chosen people, moving from a confession of sin (in the verses preceding) to a hopeful plea for future blessings. The psalmist expresses a deep desire to witness and participate in the joy and prosperity that God grants His nation and inheritance.
"that I may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance." — The verse isn't just about seeing their good fortune, but about actively participating in and sharing it. The Hebrew word for "see" here means more than just observing; it implies enjoying and expe…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026