The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse speaks of "lines" falling in "pleasant places" and a "beautiful inheritance," but it's not just about a nice piece of land. It's a profound declaration that when God himself is your portion, everything else—your circumstances, your daily life, your whole existence—becomes a reflection of His goodness, even when they might not look perfect from the outside.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is expressing his profound contentment and security in God, rejecting the allurements of idolaters and the fleeting pleasures of the world. This declaration follows his firm commitment to God as his ultimate portion and inheritance. He's not just saying he's lucky; he's articulating a deep satisfaction with the life God has given him, which includes a relationship with Him.
Why would a king like David, with a kingdom and earthly treasures, declare God Himself to be his 'inheritance' and 'portion'?
In Psalms 16:5, David boldly proclaims, 'The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup.' This isn't just poetic language; it's a profound declaration of where David found his ultimate satisfaction and security.
What does it mean for the 'lines' to fall in 'pleasant places,' and how does this connect to a 'beautiful inheritance'?
David continues in verse 6, 'The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.' This imagery draws from the ancient practice of dividing land by measurement lines and then assigning portions by lot.
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Understand the original words
chebel · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the measured portion of land allotted to an individual or tribe, serving as a sign of God's favor and covenant promise. Often used metaphorically for one's spiritual blessings or destiny.
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
Signifies a possession passed down through generations, specifically the portion of land or blessing given by God to His people. In a theological sense, it often points to the ultimate inheritance of God Himself or the eternal kingdom.
The imagery of 'lines falling in pleasant places' and a 'heritage' directly evokes the ancient practice of dividing land by lot. For the Israelites, this meant God was not just their spiritual portion, but also the divine guarantor of their physical inheritance in the promised land.
c. 1400 BC
Division of Canaan
After the conquest of Canaan, the land was divided among the twelve tribes of Israel by lot. Measuring lines were used to delineate these tribal territories and subsequent landholdings.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David Reigns as King
David, the traditional author of this psalm, reigned as king over Israel, establishing Jerusalem as his capital. His reign was marked by both military success and religious devotion.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Succeeds David
David's son Solomon succeeded him, continuing the established kingdom. This period represented a high point for Israel before its later divisions and exiles.
This passage describes God apportioning nations to Himself, using similar imagery of 'lines' and 'inheritance,' highlighting that the speaker's portion is uniquely blessed because it belongs to the Lord.
Joshua 17:5This verse speaks of the land of Canaan being divided by lot, directly referencing the 'lines' used in surveying and allotting portions, which helps explain the metaphorical language David uses for his own blessed lot.
Acts 2:25-28Peter quotes Psalm 16:8-11 (which flows directly from the theme of verses 5-6) to explain Jesus' resurrection, showing that David's confidence in his pleasant inheritance pointed forward to Christ's ultimate victory and eternal joy.
Philippians 3:20Paul speaks of our 'citizenship' being in heaven, which resonates with David's joyful acceptance of his earthly 'inheritance' as pleasant because his true home and ultimate 'heritage' lie with God.
calvinPsalms 16:5-6: "The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot."
Jehovah is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup; thou sustainest my lot. 6. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance. Here the Psalmist explains his sentiments more clearly. He shows the reason why he separates himself from idolaters, and resolves to continue in the church of God, why he shuns, wit…
poolePsalms 16:6: "The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage."
The lines, i.e. my portion, which was measured with lines. Compare Joshua 17:5 Deu 32:9 . In pleasant places; in a sweet land flowing with milk and honey, and, above all, blessed with the presence, and knowledge, and service of the true God.
The verse speaks of "lines" falling in "pleasant places" and a "beautiful inheritance," but it's not just about a nice piece of land. It's a profound declaration that when God himself is your portion, everything else—your circumstances, your daily life, your whole existence—becomes a reflection of His goodness, even when they might not look perfect from the outside.
David is expressing his profound contentment and security in God, rejecting the allurements of idolaters and the fleeting pleasures of the world. This declaration follows his firm commitment to God as his ultimate portion and inheritance. He's not just saying he's lucky; he's articulating a deep satisfaction with the life God has given him, which includes a relationship with Him.
David is expressing his profound contentment and security in God, rejecting the allurements of idolaters and the fleeting pleasures of the world. This declaration follows his firm commitment to God as his ultimate portion and inheritance. He's not just saying he's lucky; he's articulating a deep satisfaction with the life God has given him, which includes a relationship with Him.
"The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance." — The verse speaks of "lines" falling in "pleasant places" and a "beautiful inheritance," but it's not just about a nice piece of land. It's a profound declaration that when God himself is your portion…
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Last reviewed October 2026