Psalms 78:55-56
He drove out nations before them; he apportioned them for a possession and settled the tribes of Israel in their tents. Yet they tested and rebelled against the Most High God and did not keep his testimonies,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While it says Israel was settled in "their tents," it's actually highlighting that they moved into the habitations of the nations God drove out. This isn't just about finding a place to live; it's about them inheriting the spoils and the homes of those who were dispossessed, a tangible sign of God’s victory on their behalf.
This psalm is a sweeping look at Israel's history, reminding them of God's faithfulness even when they were unfaithful. After recounting God's mighty acts from the Exodus to their settlement in the Promised Land, the psalmist now highlights how God drove out the Canaanite nations and gave the land as an inheritance to His people, allowing them to dwell in the very homes and cities the previous inhabitants had occupied. This sets the stage for the psalm's subsequent emphasis on Israel's continued rebellion and provocation of God, even after experiencing such incredible blessings and provisions.
Have you ever felt like God did something amazing for you, only for you to quickly forget and move on?
Psalm 78 is a powerful reminder that God's history with His people is a story of both incredible faithfulness and persistent faithlessness. The psalmist, Asaph, recounts God's mighty deeds – leading Israel through the wilderness, providing for them, and finally driving out the nations to give them the Promised Land.
A Pattern of Mercy and Rebellion
This isn't just ancient history; it's a timeless pattern. God consistently acts in love and power, but we, too, can easily fall into patterns of forgetting His goodness and straying from His ways.
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What does it truly mean to 'inherit' something from God?
The verse speaks of God apportioning the land as an inheritance. This wasn't just about receiving property; it was about God establishing His people in a place He had designated for them, a place of rest and blessing.
The 'Inheritance by Line'
However, this inheritance was also a responsibility. They were to live in the land according to God's ways, reflecting His holiness to the surrounding nations. Their dwelling was a sign of God's faithfulness, but also a testament to their call to obedience.
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.
nasah · Hebrew Verb
A verb meaning to put to the test, to prove, or to try. In a biblical context, it often refers to humans doubting God's power or character, thereby putting Him to the test.
marah · Hebrew Verb
To act in open resistance against authority. Biblically, it describes the willful defiance of God’s established covenant or commands.
Elyon · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A title for God emphasizing His supremacy, sovereignty, and transcendence over all creation.
edut · Hebrew Noun
A collective term for God’s revealed laws, warnings, and decrees that bear witness to His nature and requirement for His people.
This verse highlights the decisive moment of God's faithfulness in driving out the Canaanites and giving the promised land to Israel, a stark contrast to the later unfaithfulness and rebellion of His people as they settled in their inheritance.
~1406 BC— this verse
Israel Conquers Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites conquered and began to divide the land of Canaan amongst the twelve tribes.
c. 1400-1050 BC
Period of the Judges
Following Joshua's death, Israel experienced cycles of faithfulness and unfaithfulness, often falling into idolatry and facing oppression.
c. 1050 BC
Saul Anointed King
The people demanded a king, leading to Saul's anointing, marking the transition from the tribal confederacy of the Judges to a monarchy.
c. 1010 BC
David Becomes King
David unified the tribes and established Jerusalem as the capital, bringing a period of stability and expansion.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Reign Begins
David's son Solomon continued to build the kingdom, constructing the First Temple in Jerusalem.
931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united monarchy split into two kingdoms: Israel (North) and Judah (South).
This passage echoes the victory described in Psalm 78, recounting how God drove out the Amorites and gave Israel their land, emphasizing God's active role in their settlement.
Deuteronomy 7:1-2This passage directly supports Psalm 78:55 by explaining God's command to drive out the nations that Israel might inherit the land, highlighting the divine agency in this conquest and possession.
Judges 1:21This verse provides a contrast to the complete expulsion mentioned in Psalm 78:55, showing that not all the Canaanites were driven out by the tribes of Judah and Simeon, which can serve as a reminder of ongoing challenges even after settlement.
Nehemiah 9:24-25This prayer recounts Israel's inheritance of the land, explicitly mentioning God driving out nations and the people settling in the 'land of their enemies' and 'cities of the inhabitants', directly aligning with the themes of 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;…
While it says Israel was settled in "their tents," it's actually highlighting that they moved into the habitations of the nations God drove out. This isn't just about finding a place to live; it's about them inheriting the spoils and the homes of those who were dispossessed, a tangible sign of God’s victory on their behalf.
This psalm is a sweeping look at Israel's history, reminding them of God's faithfulness even when they were unfaithful. After recounting God's mighty acts from the Exodus to their settlement in the Promised Land, the psalmist now highlights how God drove out the Canaanite nations and gave the land as an inheritance to His people, allowing them to dwell in the very homes and cities the previous inhabitants had occupied. This sets the stage for the psalm's subsequent emphasis on Israel's continued rebellion and provocation of God, even after experiencing such incredible blessings and provisions.
This psalm is a sweeping look at Israel's history, reminding them of God's faithfulness even when they were unfaithful. After recounting God's mighty acts from the Exodus to their settlement in the Promised Land, the psalmist now highlights how God drove out the Canaanite nations and gave the land as an inheritance to His people, allowing them to dwell in the very homes and cities the previous inhabitants had occupied. This sets the stage for the psalm's subsequent emphasis on Israel's continued rebellion and provocation of God, even after experiencing such incredible blessings and provisions.
"He drove out nations before them; he apportioned them for a possession and settled the tribes of Israel in their tents. Yet they tested and rebelled against the Most High God and did not keep his testimonies," — While it says Israel was settled in "their tents," it's actually highlighting that they moved into the habitations of the nations God drove out. This isn't just about finding a place to live; it's…
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