Psalm 78:55-57
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While it sounds like Israel simply took over abandoned homes, the text emphasizes that God drove out the nations and allotted them their inheritance. This highlights that the land wasn't empty, but conquered by God's power, and the Israelites then drew lots to claim their designated portions.
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, but turned away and acted treacherously like their fathers; they twisted like a deceitful bow.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a long psalm recounting Israel's history, highlighting God's faithfulness and Israel's repeated unfaithfulness. After detailing God's powerful acts in the wilderness and Egypt, the psalm shifts to the period when Israel entered and settled in the Promised Land. This verse specifically celebrates God's victory over the Canaanite nations and the subsequent division of the land among the tribes, setting the stage for the people to finally dwell securely in their own homes.
Did Israel conquer the land by their own strength, or was there a greater force at play? This verse reveals God's direct involvement.
The text highlights that God didn't just clear the way; He drove out the nations. This wasn't a passive clearing of obstacles, but an active expulsion.
A Divine Victory
The conquest wasn't a testament to Israel's military might, but to God's power on their behalf. The land was 'apportioned' for them, signifying a divine grant, not a reward for their efforts. They were settled 'in their tents,' in places previously occupied by others, emphasizing that their inheritance was a gift from God.
What does it mean to inherit something, and how does God’s gifting of the land shape our understanding of possession?
The language of 'apportioned them for a possession' is crucial. It wasn't land they earned or bought, but a gift freely given by God. This concept of inheritance speaks to God's graciousness and His fulfilling of promises.
Settled and Secure
'Settled the tribes of Israel in their tents' signifies more than just finding a place to live. It implies stability, security, and a place to call home, all provided by God's hand. This wasn't a temporary stop but a permanent dwelling, a testament to the faithfulness of God's covenant.
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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.
bagad · Hebrew Verb
To behave unfaithfully or act with treachery. It often implies a breach of trust, particularly in the context of covenant relationship or marriage.
This verse recalls the pivotal moment when God fulfilled His promise to Abraham by driving out the existing nations and granting the land of Canaan to Israel, establishing them in fixed homes after their long journey.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Israel Conquers Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, after decades of wandering, the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and systematically conquered the land of Canaan, driving out its inhabitants.
c. 1406-1300 BC
Division and Settlement of the Land
The land of Canaan was meticulously surveyed and divided by lot among the twelve tribes of Israel, establishing their ancestral territories and allowing them to settle in the former dwellings of the Canaanites.
c. 1375 BC
Invasion by Mesopotamians
Cushan-rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, oppressed Israel for eight years, marking the beginning of a cycle of oppression and deliverance during the period of the Judges.
c. 1351 BC
Othniel Delivers Israel
The first judge, Othniel, a relative of Caleb, led Israel to victory against the Mesopotamians, bringing forty years of peace to the land.
c. 1170 BC
Midianite Oppression
The Israelites fell into sin again, leading to seven years of oppression by the Midianites, who devastated their crops and livestock.
c. 1163 BC
Gideon Delivers Israel
Gideon, though initially fearful, led a small army to a decisive victory against the much larger Midianite forces, bringing forty years of peace.
c. 1104 BC
Ammonite Oppression
The Israelites sinned once more, and for eighteen years faced severe oppression from the Ammonites, who crossed the Jordan to attack Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim.
This passage recounts the conquest of the land, emphasizing that it was God who drove out the nations and gave the land to Israel, mirroring the action described in Psalm 78:55.
Deuteronomy 7:1-2Here, Moses commands Israel to drive out the nations and warns them not to intermarry with them, directly referencing the same historical event of God giving them the land after expelling its inhabitants.
Hebrews 11:32-34This New Testament passage lists faithful individuals who, by faith, 'conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised,' aligning with the theme of God's people overcoming nations through divine power.
Judges 2:20-23This passage serves as a cautionary parallel, showing that when Israel failed to drive out the remaining nations, they suffered consequences, highlighting the significance of God's promised expulsion and inheritance.
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 sounds like Israel simply took over abandoned homes, the text emphasizes that God drove out the nations and allotted them their inheritance. This highlights that the land wasn't empty, but conquered by God's power, and the Israelites then drew lots to claim their designated portions.
This passage is part of a long psalm recounting Israel's history, highlighting God's faithfulness and Israel's repeated unfaithfulness. After detailing God's powerful acts in the wilderness and Egypt, the psalm shifts to the period when Israel entered and settled in the Promised Land. This verse specifically celebrates God's victory over the Canaanite nations and the subsequent division of the land among the tribes, setting the stage for the people to finally dwell securely in their own homes.
This passage is part of a long psalm recounting Israel's history, highlighting God's faithfulness and Israel's repeated unfaithfulness. After detailing God's powerful acts in the wilderness and Egypt, the psalm shifts to the period when Israel entered and settled in the Promised Land. This verse specifically celebrates God's victory over the Canaanite nations and the subsequent division of the land among the tribes, setting the stage for the people to finally dwell securely in their own homes.
"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, but tu…" — While it sounds like Israel simply took over abandoned homes, the text emphasizes that God drove out the nations and allotted them their inheritance. This highlights that the land wasn't empty, b…
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Last reviewed October 2026
