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Commentary on Psalms 105 verses 25–45
After the history of the patriarchs follows here the history of the people of Israel, when they grew into a nation.
I. Their affliction in Egypt (Psa 105:25): He turned the heart of the Egyptians, who had protected them, to hate them and deal subtilely with them. God's goodness to his people exasperated the Egyptians against them; and, though their old antipathy to the Hebrews (which we read of Gen 43:32; Gen 46:34) was laid asleep for a while, yet now it revived with more violence than ever: formerly they hated them because they despised them, now because they feared them. They dealt subtilely with them, set all their politics on work to find out ways and means to weaken them, and waste them, and prevent their growth; they made their burdens heavy and their lives bitter, and slew their male children as soon as they were born. Malice is crafty to destroy: Satan has the serpent's subtlety, with his venom. It was God that turned the hearts of the Egyptians against them; for every creature is that to us that he makes it to be, a friend or an enemy. Though God is not the author of the sins of men, yet he serves his own purposes by them.
II. Their deliverance out of Egypt, that work of wonder, which, that it might never be forgotten, is put into the preface to the ten commandments. Observe,
1.The instruments employed in that deliverance (Psa 105:26): He sent Moses his servant on this errand and joined Aaron in commission with him. Moses was designed to be their lawgiver and chief magistrate, Aaron to be their chief priest; and therefore, that they might respect them the more and submit to them the more cheerfully, God made use of them as their deliverers.
2.The means of accomplishing that deliverance; these were the plagues of Egypt. Moses and Aaron observed their orders, in summoning them just as God appointed them, and they rebelled not against his word (Psa 105:28) as Jonah did, who, when he was sent to denounce God's judgments against Nineveh, went to Tarshish. Moses and Aaron were not moved, either with a foolish fear of Pharaoh's wrath or a foolish pity of Egypt's misery, to relax or retard any of the plagues which God ordered them to inflict on the Egyptians, but stretched forth their hand to inflict them as God appointed. Those that are instructed to execute judgment will find their remissness construed as a rebellion against God's word. The plagues of Egypt are here called God's signs, and his wonders (Psa 105:27); they were not only proofs of his power, but tokens of his wrath, and to be looked upon with admiration and holy awe. They showed the words of his signs (so it is in the original), for every plague had an exposition going along with it; they were not, as the common works of creation and providence, silent signs, but speaking ones, and they spoke aloud. They are all or most of them here specified, though not in the order in which they were inflicted. (1.) The plague of darkness, Psa 105:28. This was one of the last, though here mentioned first. God sent darkness, and, coming with commission, it came with efficacy; his command made it dark. And then they (that is, the people of Israel) rebelled not against God's word, namely, a command which some think was given them to circumcise all among them that had not been circumcised, in doing which the three days' darkness would be a protection to them. The old translation follows the Septuagint, and reads it, They were not obedient to his word, which may be applied to Pharaoh and the Egyptians, who, notwithstanding the terror of this plague, would not let the people go; but there is no ground for it in the Hebrew. (2.) The turning of the river Nilus (which they idolized) into blood, and all their other waters, which slew their fish (Psa 105:29), and so they were deprived, not only of their drink, but of the daintiest of their meat, Num 11:5. (3.) The frogs, shoals of which their land brought forth, which poured in upon them, not only in such numbers, but with such fury, that they could not keep them out of the chambers of their kings and great men, whose hearts had been full of vermin, more nauseous and more noxious-contempt of, and enmity to, both God and his Israel. (4.) Flies of divers sorts swarmed in their air, and lice in their clothes, Psa 105:31; Exo 8:17, Exo 8:24. Note, God can make use of the meanest, and weakest, and most despicable animals, for the punishing and humbling of proud oppressors, to whom the impotency of the instrument cannot but be a great mortification, as well as an undeniable conviction of the divine omnipotence. (5.) Hail-stones shattered their trees, even the strongest timber-trees in their coasts, and killed their vines, and their other fruit-trees, Psa 105:32, Psa 105:33. Instead of rain to cherish their trees, he gave them hail to crush them, and with it thunder and lightning, to such a degree that the fire ran along upon the ground, as if it had been a stream of kindled brimstone, Exo 9:23. (6.) Locusts and caterpillars destroyed all the herbs which were made for the service of man and ate the bread out of their mouths, Psa 105:34, Psa 105:35. See what variety of judgments God has, wherewith to plague proud oppressors, that will not let his people go. God did not bring the same plague twice, but, when there was occasion for another, it was still a new one; for he has many arrows in his quiver. Locusts and caterpillars are God's armies; and, how weak soever they are singly, he can raise such numbers of them as to make them formidable, Joe 1:4, Joe 1:6. (7.) Having mentioned all the plagues but those of the murrain and boils, he concludes with that which gave the conquering stroke, and that was the death of the first-born, Psa 105:36. In the dead of the night the joys and hopes of their families, the chief of their strength and flower of their land, were all struck dead by the destroying angel. They would not release God's first-born, and therefore God seized theirs by way of reprisal, and thereby forced them to dismiss his too, when it was too late to retrieve their own; for when God judges he will overcome, and those will certainly sit down losers at last that contend with him.
3.The mercies that accompanied this deliverance. In their bondage, (1.) They had been impoverished, and yet they came out rich and wealthy. God not only brought them forth, but he brought them forth with silver and gold, Psa 105:37. God empowered them to ask and collect the contributions of their neighbours (which were indeed but part of payment for the service they had done them) and inclined the Egyptians to furnish them with what they asked. Their wealth was his, and therefore he might, their hearts were in his hand, and therefore he could, give it to the Israelites. (2.) Their lives had been made bitter to them, and their bodies and spirits broken by their bondage; and yet, when God brought them forth, there was not one feeble person, none sick, none so much as sickly, among their tribes. They went out that very night that the plague swept away all the first-born of Egypt, and yet they went out all in good health, and brought not with them any of the diseases of Egypt. Surely never was the like, that among so many thousands there was not one sick! So false was the representation which the enemies of the Jews, in after-ages, gave of this matter, that they were all sick of a leprosy, or some loathsome disease, and that therefore the Egyptians thrust them out of their land. (3.) They had been trampled upon and insulted over; and yet they were brought out with honour (Psa 105:38): Egypt was glad when they departed; for God had so wonderfully owned them, and pleaded their cause, that the fear of Israel fell upon them, and they owned themselves baffled and overcome. God can and will make his church a burdensome stone to all that heave at it and seek to displace it, so that those shall think themselves happy that get out of its way, Zac 12:3. When God judges, he will overcome. (4.) They had spent their days in sorrow and in sighing, by reason of their bondage; but now he brought them forth with joy and gladness, Psa 105:43. When Egypt's cry for grief was loud, their first-born being all slain, Israel's shouts for joy were as loud, both when they looked back upon the land of slavery out of which they were rescued and when they looked forward to the pleasant land to which they were hastening. God now put a new song into their mouth.
4.The special care God took of them in the wilderness. (1.) For their shelter. Besides the canopy of heaven, he provided them another heavenly canopy: He spread a cloud for a covering (Psa 105:39), which was to them not only a screen and umbrella, but a cloth of state. A cloud was often God's pavilion (Psa 18:11) and now it was Israel's; for they also were his hidden ones. (2.) For their guidance and refreshment in the dark. He appointed a pillar of fire to give light in the night, that they might never be at a loss. Note, God graciously provides against all the grievances of his people, and furnishes them with convenient succours for every condition, for day and night, till they come to heaven, where it will be all day to eternity. (3.) He fed them both with necessaries and dainties. Sometimes he furnished their tables with wild fowl (Psa 105:40): The people asked, and he brought quails; and, when they were not thus feasted, yet they were abundantly satisfied with the bread of heaven. Those are curious and covetous indeed who will not be so satisfied. Man did eat angels' food, and that constantly and on free-cost. And, as every bit they ate had miracle in it, so had every drop they drank: He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out, Psa 105:41. Common providence fetches waters from heaven, and bread out of the earth; but for Israel the divine power brings bread from the clouds and water from the rocks: so far is the God of nature from being tied to the laws and courses of nature. The water did not only gush out once, but it ran like a river, plentifully and constantly, and attended their camp in all their removes; hence they are said to have the rock follow them (Co1 10:4), and, which increased the miracle, this river of God (so it might be truly called) ran in dry places, and yet was not drunk in and lost, as one would have expected it to be, by the sands of the desert of Arabia. To this that promise alludes, I will give rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen, Isa 43:19, Isa 43:20.
5.Their entrance, at length, into Canaan (Psa 105:44): He gave them the lands of the heathen, put them in possession of that which they had long been put in hopes of; and what the Canaanites had taken pains for God's Israel had the enjoyment of: They inherited the labour of the people; and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. The Egyptians had long inherited their labours, and now they inherited the labours of the Canaanites. Thus sometimes one enemy of the church is made to pay another's scores.
6.The reasons why God did all this for them. (1.) Because he would himself perform the promises of the word, Psa 105:42. They were unworthy and unthankful, yet he did those great things in their favour because he remembered the word of his holiness (that is, his covenant) with Abraham his servant, and he would not suffer one iota or tittle of that to fall to the ground. See Deu 7:8. (2.) Because he would have them to perform the precepts of the word, to bind them to which was the greatest kindness he could put upon them. He put them in possession of Canaan, not that they might live in plenty and pleasure, in ease and honour, and might make a figure among the nations, but that they might observe his statutes and keep his laws, - that, being formed into a people, they might be under God's immediate government, and revealed religion might be the basis of their national constitution, - that, having a good land given them, they might out of the profits of it bring sacrifices to God's altar, - and that, God having thus done them good, they might the more cheerfully receive his law, concluding that also designed for their good, and might be sensible of their obligations in gratitude to live in obedience to him. We are therefore made, maintained, and redeemed, that we may live in obedience to the will of God; and the hallelujah with which the psalm concludes may be taken both as a thankful acknowledgment of God's favours and as a cheerful concurrence with this great intention of them. Has God done so much for us, and yet does he expect so little from us? Praise you the Lord.
But in all these blessings of His, God does commend in Abraham the merit of faith. For the Psalmist goes on to say, "For why? He remembered His holy promise, which He made to Abraham His servant" [Psalm 105:42]. "And He brought forth His people with joy, and His chosen with gladness" [Psalm 105:43]. What he said, "His people," he has repeated in, "His chosen." So also what he said, "with joy," he has repeated in, "with gladness." "And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they took the labours of the people in possession" [Psalm 105:44]. "The lands of the heathen," and "the labours of the people," are the same; and the words, "He gave," are repeated in these, "they took in possession."
Hence rightly also it is said through the Psalmist: "He gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the labors of the peoples, that they might keep his statutes and observe his law." So therefore in this passage, Truth speaking to the inexperienced disciples promises that the kingdom of God will be seen on earth, so that it might be more faithfully hoped for by them in heaven. From that very kingdom which we now see exalted in the world, let us hope for the kingdom which we believe is to be received in heaven.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 105:44 profoundly captures the culmination of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness to Israel, detailing His sovereign fulfillment of the promise to grant them the land of Canaan. This verse highlights not only the physical possession of territory previously inhabited by other nations but also the extraordinary grace by which Israel inherited established infrastructure and cultivated resources, signifying a divine provision that required no labor on their part. It stands as a powerful testament to God's steadfast commitment to His word and His people throughout generations.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. Parallelism is prominently featured, as the two clauses reinforce and elaborate upon the same central idea: God's gracious gift of the land to Israel. "And gave them the lands of the heathen" is beautifully paralleled by "and they inherited the labour of the people," with the second clause specifying the rich and unearned nature of that inheritance. This direct repetition and expansion emphasize the completeness and generosity of God's act. Furthermore, Metonymy is powerfully present in the phrase "the labour of the people," where "labour" stands for the results or fruits of their labor (e.g., houses, vineyards, fields, wells). This concise phrasing efficiently conveys the idea of receiving pre-existing wealth and infrastructure. Finally, the verse showcases a clear distinction between Divine Action ("gave them") and Human Reception ("they inherited"), underscoring God's sovereign initiative and Israel's passive, yet profoundly blessed, role in receiving the fulfillment of His covenant promises.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 105:44 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His sovereign control over the course of human history. The giving of the land was the climactic fulfillment of promises made centuries earlier, demonstrating that God's word is utterly reliable, even across generations and despite formidable obstacles. It highlights the concept of divine grace, where Israel received an inheritance not through their own merit or effort, but as a pure gift from God, built upon the "labour" of others. This act also serves as a powerful reminder of God's justice, as the dispossession of the Canaanites was intertwined with their idolatry and wickedness, making way for His chosen people. The verse encapsulates the truth that God actively works in the world to bring His long-term plans to fruition, ensuring His promises are ultimately realized.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 105:44 offers enduring lessons for believers, inviting us to reflect deeply on God's character and our own journey of faith. Just as God meticulously fulfilled His ancient promise to Israel regarding the land, we are encouraged to place our unwavering trust in His promises for our lives today. This verse powerfully reminds us that God is actively involved in orchestrating circumstances, often working behind the scenes and through the efforts of others, to bring about His good and perfect purposes for us. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of profound gratitude, recognizing that many of the blessings we enjoy—whether material, relational, or spiritual—are unearned gifts, the "labour" of others, or the direct result of God's unmerited favor. Understanding God's sovereign hand in history, as vividly portrayed here, fosters a deep sense of peace and confidence, assuring us that He is faithful to complete what He has begun, even when the waiting period is long or the path seems unclear. This perspective frees us from anxiety and empowers us to live in expectant hope, knowing that our faithful God will always deliver on His word.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "lands of the heathen" mean in this context?
Answer: In this context, "lands of the heathen" refers to the territories within Canaan that were inhabited by various non-Israelite nations, such as the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, and Perizzites, among others. These peoples were distinct from Israel, and their lands were divinely appointed by God to be given to His covenant people as part of His long-standing promise to Abraham. It highlights that God, as the ultimate sovereign over all the earth, has the right and power to transfer ownership of territories as an act of both judgment on the previous inhabitants due to their wickedness and faithfulness to His covenant with Israel.
How did Israel "inherit the labour of the people"?
Answer: To "inherit the labour of the people" means that the Israelites received already-developed and productive assets that they did not have to build, cultivate, or create themselves. This included established cities with houses, wells already dug, and vineyards and olive groves already planted and bearing fruit. Rather than entering a desolate wilderness, they received a land that was already productive and equipped with infrastructure. This extraordinary provision is further elaborated in Deuteronomy 6:10-11, which describes inheriting "great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, and houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not." It underscores the unmerited grace and comprehensive blessing bestowed by God upon His people.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 105:44, while speaking of a physical inheritance in Canaan, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ. The "lands of the heathen" and the "labour of the people" represent a tangible blessing given by God, not earned by Israel's efforts. In the New Covenant, this finds its ultimate and eternal fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the true and ultimate inheritance. We, as spiritual Israel, do not earn our salvation or spiritual blessings; rather, we "inherit" them through the completed "labour" of Christ on the cross. He dispossessed the spiritual "heathen"—the powers of sin, death, and the devil—through His decisive victory, granting us access to a spiritual kingdom and an eternal dwelling not built with human hands. Through faith in Him, we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3), inheriting a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28). Our "Promised Land" is not a geographical territory but the new creation and eternal life in communion with God, fully secured by Christ's unearned work, making us heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:29) and qualified to share in the inheritance of the saints in light (Colossians 1:12).