Psalms 106:5

KJV

That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.

KJV (with Strong's)

That I may see {H7200} the good {H2896} of thy chosen {H972}, that I may rejoice {H8055} in the gladness {H8057} of thy nation {H1471}, that I may glory {H1984} with thine inheritance {H5159}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so I can see how well things are going with those whom you have chosen, so that I can rejoice in your nation's joy, and glory in your heritage.

Berean Standard Bible

that I may see the prosperity of Your chosen ones, and rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, and give glory with Your inheritance.

American Standard Version

That I may see the prosperity of thy chosen, That I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, That I may glory with thine inheritance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 106:5 is a profound prayer from the psalmist, expressing a deep and heartfelt desire to fully participate in, witness, and rejoice in the divine favor, prosperity, and joy bestowed upon God's specially chosen people, Israel. It reflects a longing for communal solidarity and a personal aspiration to share in the blessings and glory that accrue to the nation uniquely set apart by God as His own treasured possession.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 106 is a historical psalm, serving as a national confession of sin and a powerful recounting of Israel's persistent rebellion against God throughout their history, from the Exodus to the Babylonian exile. The psalm begins with a call to praise (verses 1-3) and then immediately transitions into a personal petition in verses 4-5. This opening section establishes a tone of longing for God's steadfast love and a desire to be counted among the righteous who experience His favor. Verse 5, therefore, functions as a personal plea to partake in the blessings of God's faithful remnant, starkly contrasting with the extensive historical narrative of unfaithfulness that follows. It sets the stage for the psalmist's lament over Israel's past sins while simultaneously expressing hope for future restoration and participation in God's ongoing covenant faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm likely originates from a post-exilic period, as it reflects on the entire sweep of Israelite history, including their dispersion. In ancient Israel, identity was deeply communal; individual well-being was inextricably linked to the nation's spiritual and physical state. The concepts of "chosen," "nation," and "inheritance" were central to Israel's self-understanding and their covenant relationship with Yahweh. They understood themselves as a people uniquely elected by God, set apart from all other nations, and viewed as His special possession among all the peoples of the earth. The psalmist's prayer in this verse is rooted in this corporate identity, expressing a desire not for individualistic blessing alone, but for a shared experience of God's favor upon the entire community, reflecting the deep tribal and national bonds that characterized ancient Israelite society.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Psalm 106 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights a profound **Desire for Communal Blessing**, where the psalmist's longing is not for personal gain but for the collective good and prosperity of God's people. This contrasts sharply with the individualism often seen in other ancient Near Eastern prayers. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Identification with God's People**, emphasizing Israel's unique status as "thy chosen," "thy nation," and "thine inheritance," echoing the covenant language found in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel as a Holy People") and [Deuteronomy 32:9](/deuteronomy/32-9 "Deuteronomy 32:9 - Israel as God's Inheritance"). The psalmist yearns to fully belong to and share in the destiny of this specially designated group. Lastly, the verse expresses a deep longing for **Joy in Divine Favor**, seeking to "rejoice in the gladness" and "glory with" the nation, indicating that true joy and honor are found in experiencing and celebrating God's benevolent presence and blessings upon His covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chosen (Hebrew, _bəḥîreyḵā'_):** This term refers to those specifically selected, elected, or appointed by God. It emphasizes a sovereign divine act of selection, not based on human merit or performance, but on God's free and gracious will. In this context, it highlights Israel's unique status as God's elect people, distinguished from all other nations.
* **Nation (Hebrew, _gōyēḵā'_):** While _goy_ can sometimes refer to Gentile nations, when used in reference to Israel, as it is here, it denotes Israel as a distinct people group, a unique ethnos set apart by God. It emphasizes their corporate identity and their collective standing before God as a covenant people.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _naḥălāṯeḵā'_):** This word often signifies a possession, heritage, or allotted portion. In this theological context, it powerfully describes Israel as God's treasured possession, His special heritage among all the peoples of the earth. It implies a deep, intimate, and proprietary relationship, where Israel belongs uniquely to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That I may see the good of thy chosen":** The psalmist expresses a fervent desire to witness and experience firsthand the well-being, prosperity, and divine favor that God bestows upon His elect people. "Good" (טוֹב, _ṭôḇ_) encompasses all forms of blessing, welfare, and flourishing that come from God's hand. This is not merely an observational wish but a longing for active participation in the benefits of being part of God's favored community.
* **"that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation":** This clause deepens the psalmist's aspiration, moving from merely seeing to actively sharing in the joy. "Gladness" (שִׂמְחָה, _śimḥâ_) implies a deep, communal celebration and delight that arises from God's presence and blessings upon His people. The psalmist desires to be fully immersed in and contribute to this collective rejoicing, indicating a strong sense of solidarity and shared identity with the nation.
* **"that I may glory with thine inheritance":** The final clause intensifies the desire to participate in the honor and divine vindication associated with being God's special possession. To "glory" (הִתְהַלֵּל, _hiṯhallēl_) means to boast, praise, or celebrate. Here, it signifies the psalmist's longing to share in the honor, reputation, and ultimate triumph that belongs to Israel as God's treasured heritage, acknowledging that their true glory is found in their relationship with God.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 106:5 masterfully employs **Parallelism** to reinforce its central message. The three clauses exhibit a clear synonymous parallelism, where each line reiterates and expands upon the core idea of the psalmist's desire to participate in the blessings of God's people. "See the good," "rejoice in the gladness," and "glory with" are parallel expressions of shared experience and celebration. Similarly, "thy chosen," "thy nation," and "thine inheritance" are parallel designations for Israel, emphasizing their unique relationship with God from different but complementary perspectives. This repetitive structure creates a sense of earnestness and deep longing. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metonymy** where "good," "gladness," and "glory" stand in for the full spectrum of God's covenant blessings and the resulting communal flourishing. The psalmist's personal "I" within the context of the communal "thy chosen," "thy nation," and "thine inheritance" highlights the **Personal Supplication within a Communal Context**, demonstrating that individual spiritual well-being is intrinsically linked to the corporate identity and destiny of God's people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 106:5 profoundly articulates a theology of communal identity and shared blessing, which is central to the biblical narrative. It underscores that God's covenant relationship is primarily with a people, not just isolated individuals. The psalmist's longing to partake in the "good," "gladness," and "glory" of Israel reflects an understanding that true spiritual flourishing is often experienced within the context of the believing community. This verse implicitly highlights God's faithfulness to His promises, even when His people are unfaithful, as the rest of Psalm 106 so vividly portrays. The desire to "glory with thine inheritance" speaks to the ultimate vindication and honor that comes from being identified with the God who keeps His covenant.

* [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People to the Lord")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")
* [Philippians 2:2](/philippians/2-2 "Philippians 2:2 - Make My Joy Complete by Being of the Same Mind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 106:5 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today, challenging us to cultivate a deep sense of solidarity and joy in the collective well-being of God's people, the Church. In an often individualistic world, this verse calls us to move beyond a self-centered faith to embrace a communal perspective. It encourages us to pray not only for our personal needs but fervently for the spiritual prosperity, growth, and flourishing of the wider body of Christ. Just as the psalmist longed to see God's favor upon ancient Israel, we should yearn to see the Church thrive, bear fruit, and experience the profound gladness that emanates from God's presence and blessing. Our joy, as this verse suggests, is often intertwined with the joy and flourishing of our spiritual family, prompting us to celebrate the victories of others and bear their burdens as our own, fostering a true sense of unity and shared purpose in the kingdom of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my personal faith express itself communally, beyond just individual devotion?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "rejoice in the gladness" of God's people, the Church, in practical terms today?**
* **In what ways can I actively participate in and contribute to the "good" and "glory" of the Church, rather than merely observing it?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the psalmist's desire to "glory with thine inheritance"?**

Answer: The phrase "glory with thine inheritance" signifies a deep longing to share in the honor, praise, and divine vindication that belongs to Israel as God's treasured possession. "Glory" here (from the Hebrew root _hll_, meaning to boast or praise) implies a celebration of God's faithfulness and the unique status He has bestowed upon His people. It's a desire to partake in the ultimate triumph and recognition that comes from being identified with the Almighty God who keeps His covenant and exalts His chosen. This is not a boast in human achievement, but a boast in God's work among His people, reflecting the ultimate purpose of Israel's existence: to bring glory to God. This concept is beautifully echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to bring glory to God through their unity and service, as seen in [Ephesians 1:11-12](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11-12 - The Purpose of God's Inheritance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 106:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant community, the Church. The psalmist's longing to see the "good of thy chosen," "rejoice in the gladness of thy nation," and "glory with thine inheritance" is fully realized in the person and work of Christ. Jesus is the ultimate "Chosen One" of God, the Servant in whom God delights ([Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - The Servant of the Lord"); [Luke 9:35](/lukes/9-35 "Luke 9:35 - The Transfiguration")). Through His redemptive work, He establishes a new "nation," a spiritual Israel, composed of all who believe in Him, transcending ethnic boundaries ([1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen Race, a Holy Nation")). Believers in Christ become God's true "inheritance," His treasured possession, sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their future glory ([Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11-14 - The Inheritance of Believers")). The "good," "gladness," and "glory" that the psalmist yearned for are fully experienced in the Church, which is the body of Christ, united in Him and participating in His victory over sin and death ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")). The communal joy and shared glory the psalmist desired are now a reality for all who are "in Christ," as they partake in His divine nature and await the full manifestation of His kingdom ([2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "2 Peter 1:4 - Partakers of the Divine Nature")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 105:43

And he brought forth his people with joy, [and] his chosen with gladness:

Zephaniah 3:14

¶ Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 66:10

Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:

Isaiah 12:6

Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

John 15:16

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Zechariah 9:9

¶ Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he [is] just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

Ephesians 1:18

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,