TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
that I may see the prosperity of your chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance.
Geneva Bible (1599)
That I may see the felicitie of thy chosen, and reioyce in the ioy of thy people, and glorie with thine inheritance.
Young's Literal Translation
To look on the good of Thy chosen ones, To rejoice in the joy of Thy nation, To boast myself with Thine inheritance.
In the KJVVerse 15,657 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 106 verses 1–5
1 ¶ Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise?
3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
4 Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;
5 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.
We are here taught,
I. To bless God (Psa 106:1, Psa 106:2): Praise you the Lord, that is, 1. Give him thanks for his goodness, the manifestation of it to us, and the many instances of it. He is good and his mercy endures for ever; let us therefore own our obligations to him and make him a return of our best affections and services. 2. Give him the glory of his greatness, his mighty acts, proofs of his almighty power, wherein he has done great things, and such as would be opposed. Who can utter these? Who is worthy to do it? Who is able to do it? They are so many that they cannot be numbered, so mysterious that they cannot be described; when we have said the most we can of the mighty acts of the Lord, the one half is not told; still there is more to be said; it is a subject that cannot be exhausted. We must show forth his praise; we may show forth some of it, but who can show forth all? Not the angels themselves. This will not excuse us in not doing what we can, but should quicken us to do all we can.
II. To bless the people of God, to call and account them happy (Psa 106:3): Those that keep judgment are blessed, for they are fit to be employed in praising God. God's people are those whose principles are sound - They keep judgment (they adhere to the rules of wisdom and religion, and their practices are agreeable); they do righteousness, are just to God and to all men, and herein they are steady and constant; they do it at all times, in all manner of conversation, at every turn, in every instance, and herein persevering to the end.
III. To bless ourselves in the favour of God, to place our happiness in it, and to seek it, accordingly, with all seriousness, as the psalmist here, Psa 106:4, Psa 106:5. 1. He has an eye to the lovingkindness of God, as the fountain of all happiness: "Remember me, O Lord! to give me that mercy and grace which I stand in need of, with the favour which thou bearest to thy people." As there are a people in the world who are in a peculiar manner God's people, so there is a peculiar favour which God bears to that people, which all gracious souls desire an interest in; and we need desire no more to make us happy. 2. He has an eye to the salvation of God, the great salvation, that of the soul, as the foundation of happiness: O visit me with thy salvation. "Afford me (says Dr. Hammond) that pardon and that grace which I stand in need of, and can hope for from none but thee." Let that salvation be my portion for ever, and the pledges of it my present comfort. 3. He has an eye to the blessedness of the righteous, as that which includes all good (Psa 106:5): "That I may see the good of thy chosen and be as happy as the saints are; and happier I do not desire to be." God's people are here called his chosen, his nation, his inheritance; for he has set them apart for himself, incorporated them under his own government, is served by them and glorified in them. The chosen people of God have a good which is peculiar to them, which is the matter both of their gladness and of their glorying, which is their pleasure, and their praise. God's people have reason to be a cheerful people, and to boast in their God all the day long; and those who have that gladness, that glory, need not envy any of the children of men their pleasure or pride. The gladness of God's nation, and the glory of his inheritance, are enough to satisfy any man; for they have everlasting joy and glory at the end of them.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–5. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 106
Next, since God justifies, that is, makes men righteous, by healing them from their iniquities, a prayer follows: "Remember me, O Lord, according to the favour that You bear unto Your people" [Psalm 106:4]: that is, that we may be among those with whom You are well pleased; since God is not well pleased with them all. "O visit me with Your salvation." This is the Saviour Himself, in whom sins are forgiven, and souls healed, that they may be able to keep judgment, and do righteousness; and since they who here speak know such men to be blessed, they pray for this themselves...."Visit us," then, "with Your salvation," that is, with Your Christ. "To see the felicity of Your chosen, and to rejoice in the gladness of Your people" [Psalm 106:5]: that is, visit us for this reason with Your salvation, that we may see the felicity of Your chosen, and rejoice in the gladness of Your people. For "felicity" some copies read "sweetness;" as in the former passage, "For He is gracious;" where others read, "for He is sweet." And it is the same word in the Greek, as is elsewhere read, "The Lord shall show sweetness:" which some have translated "felicity," others "bounty." But what means, "Visit us to see the felicity of Your chosen:" that is, that happiness which You give to Your elect: except that we may not remain blind, as those unto whom it is said, "But now ye say we see: therefore your sin remains." [John 9:41] For the Lord gives sight to the blind, not by their own merits, but in the felicity He gives to His chosen, which is the meaning of "the felicity of Your chosen:" as, the help of my countenance, is not of myself, but is my God. And we speak of our daily bread, as ours, but we add, Give unto us. [Matthew 6:11] ..."That You may be praised with Your inheritance." I wonder this verse has been so interpreted in many copies, since the Greek phrase is one and the same in these three verses....But since this seems a doubtful expression, if that sense be true according to which interpreters have preferred, "That You may be praised," the two preceding verses also must be so understood, because, as I have said, there is one Greek expression in these three verses; so that the whole should be thus understood, "Visit us with Your salvation, that You may see the felicity of Your chosen;" that is, visit us for this purpose, that You may cause us to be there, and may see us there; that "You may rejoice in the gladness of Your people," that is, that You may be said to rejoice, since they rejoice in You; that "You may be praised with Your inheritance," that is, may be praised with it, since it may not be praised save for Your sake....
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 106:5 is a profound and heartfelt prayer from the psalmist, expressing an earnest desire to personally witness, participate in, and deeply rejoice in the divine favor, prosperity, and spiritual joy bestowed upon God's specially chosen people, Israel. It reflects a deep longing for communal solidarity and a personal aspiration to share fully in the blessings, gladness, and ultimate glory that accrue to the nation uniquely set apart by God as His own treasured inheritance. This verse serves as a personal plea for inclusion in God's covenant blessings, setting a poignant contrast with the historical record of Israel's unfaithfulness that dominates the rest of the psalm.
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 opens with a fervent call to praise God for His enduring mercy (verses 1-3), immediately transitioning 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, standing in stark contrast to 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. The psalmist desires to be identified with the blessed, not the rebellious, foreshadowing the need for God's redemptive intervention.
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 and the consequences of their sin. 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 deeply 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 profound tribal and national bonds that characterized ancient Israelite society. This communal identity was not merely sociological but theological, defining their purpose and relationship with God.
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 in isolation 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 and Deuteronomy 32:9. 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. This collective joy is a hallmark of God's presence among His people.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 106:5 masterfully employs Parallelism to reinforce its central message and amplify the psalmist's earnest longing. 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, progressively intensifying the desired level of participation. Similarly, "thy chosen," "thy nation," and "thine inheritance" are parallel designations for Israel, emphasizing their unique relationship with God from different but complementary perspectives (election, corporate identity, divine possession). 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, emphasizing that Israel's true honor is derived from their divine election and possession by Yahweh.
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. This communal orientation is vital for a healthy Christian life, reminding us that we are members of a larger spiritual family, called to share in both its joys and its challenges.
Questions for Reflection
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 hâlal, meaning to boast, praise, or celebrate) 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.
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; Luke 9:35). 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). 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). 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). 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). In Christ, the hope for a chosen people experiencing God's favor is not merely a longing but a present and future reality for all who are united with Him.