Psalms 78:55
He drove out nations before them; he apportioned them for a possession and settled the tribes of Israel in their tents.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that God not only cleared the land for Israel but also precisely "apportioned" it as their inheritance. This emphasizes that their dwelling wasn't just given, but assigned by divine decree, a promise fulfilled with meticulous care.
This psalm is a sweeping review of Israel's history, highlighting their repeated failure to trust God despite His mighty acts. After recounting God's deliverance from Egypt and provision in the wilderness, the psalmist shifts to the conquest and settlement of Canaan, contrasting God's faithfulness with Israel's subsequent unfaithfulness. This verse is part of that historical narrative, emphasizing God's power in dispossessing the Canaanites and giving the land to His people.
How did Israel end up in the Promised Land? It wasn't because they were the strongest warriors. This verse reveals a truth about God's power working on their behalf.
The psalmist recounts God's faithfulness by highlighting how He 'drove out nations before them.' This wasn't a testament to Israel's military prowess, but to God's direct intervention. The ancient commentators emphasize that the land was acquired not by Israel's sword, but by God's 'right hand.' This means their possession was a gift, a result of divine conquest, freeing them to 'settle in their tents' – their new, God-given homes.
The land of Canaan wasn't just given; it was carefully measured and assigned. What does this orderly distribution tell us about God's character and His promises?
The phrase 'he apportioned them for a possession' speaks to God's meticulous care and His faithfulness to His promises. This wasn't a chaotic scramble for territory. The land was divided 'by line,' a clear indication of an organized and equitable distribution, ensuring each tribe received its designated inheritance. This mirrors God's intention for order and justice, providing a secure and settled life for His people in the land He had promised them.
After the battles and the careful division, Israel finally settled down. What does this rest signify, and what was the ultimate purpose of their settlement?
The final part of the verse, 'and settled the tribes of Israel in their tents,' signifies more than just finding shelter. It points to a period of peace, security, and established dwelling, made possible by God's prior actions. This 'settling' implies rest from constant warfare and nomadic wandering. It was within these 'tents'—the homes and cities of the former inhabitants—that Israel was meant to live in the presence of God, enjoying the fulfillment of His covenant promises and establishing a nation dedicated to Him.
Understand the original words
nachal · Hebrew Verb
The act of allocating or dividing land as an inheritance. In the context of the Promised Land, it signifies the sovereign distribution of territory to the tribes of Israel as an eternal covenantal gift from God.
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
An inheritance or a settled portion of land held as property. In the biblical context, it refers to the land given by God to His people as a permanent gift, emphasizing their status as His covenant heirs.
This verse speaks to the foundational moment of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land, a direct result of God's faithfulness to His promises despite the people's ongoing struggles with obedience.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Conquest of Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites conquered the land of Canaan, driving out its inhabitants.
c. 1400-1000 BC
Period of the Judges
Following the conquest, Israel experienced a period of decentralized governance by judges, marked by cycles of faithfulness and unfaithfulness.
c. 1050 BC
Saul Anointed King
The people demanded a king, leading to Saul's anointing and the establishment of a monarchy.
c. 1010 BC
David Establishes Kingdom
David unified the tribes, captured Jerusalem, and established it as the capital, ushering in a golden age.
This passage echoes Psalm 78 by recounting how the Lord drove out powerful nations before Israel, clearing the way for them to inherit the land and establishing their possession.
Deuteronomy 7:1-2This passage directly speaks to the Lord's action of driving out nations before Israel, emphasizing that this was God's work, not Israel's own strength, which is a key theme in Psalm 78.
Numbers 33:52-56This passage serves as a divine warning about dealing with the inhabitants of the land, directly connecting to Psalm 78's mention of driving out nations and the subsequent dangers of cohabitation.
Genesis 15:18-21This passage is a foundational promise of the land and its inhabitants being given to Abraham's descendants, setting the stage for the fulfillment described in Psalm 78:55.
expositorsPsalms 78:1-72: "Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth."
Psalm 78:1-72 THIS psalm is closely related to Psalm 105:1-45 ; Psalm 106:1-48 ; Psalm 107:1-43 . Like them, it treats the history of Israel, and especially the Exodus and wilderness wanderings, for purposes of edification, rebuke, and encouragement. The past is held up as a mirror to the present generation. It has been one long succession of miracles of mercy met by equally continu…
calvinPsalms 78:52-58: "But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock."
- And he made his people to go forth like sheep, and led them in the wilderness like a flock. 53. And he conducted them in safety, and they were not afraid: and the sea covered their enemies. 54. And he brought them to his holy border, [literally to the border of his holiness,] this mountain, [353] which his right hand acquired. [354] 55. He expelled the heathen from before them;…
The verse highlights that God not only cleared the land for Israel but also precisely "apportioned" it as their inheritance. This emphasizes that their dwelling wasn't just given, but assigned by divine decree, a promise fulfilled with meticulous care.
This psalm is a sweeping review of Israel's history, highlighting their repeated failure to trust God despite His mighty acts. After recounting God's deliverance from Egypt and provision in the wilderness, the psalmist shifts to the conquest and settlement of Canaan, contrasting God's faithfulness with Israel's subsequent unfaithfulness. This verse is part of that historical narrative, emphasizing God's power in dispossessing the Canaanites and giving the land to His people.
This psalm is a sweeping review of Israel's history, highlighting their repeated failure to trust God despite His mighty acts. After recounting God's deliverance from Egypt and provision in the wilderness, the psalmist shifts to the conquest and settlement of Canaan, contrasting God's faithfulness with Israel's subsequent unfaithfulness. This verse is part of that historical narrative, emphasizing God's power in dispossessing the Canaanites and giving the land to His people.
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"He drove out nations before them; he apportioned them for a possession and settled the tribes of Israel in their tents." — The verse highlights that God not only cleared the land for Israel but also precisely "apportioned" it as their inheritance. This emphasizes that their dwelling wasn't just given, but assigned by d…
