Psalms 135:12

Translation
King James Version
And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And gave H5414 their land H776 for an heritage H5159, an heritage H5159 unto Israel H3478 his people H5971.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Then he gave their land as a heritage, to be possessed by Isra'el his people.
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Berean Standard Bible
He gave their land as an inheritance, as a heritage to His people Israel.
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American Standard Version
And gave their land for a heritage, A heritage unto Israel his people.
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World English Bible Messianic
and gave their land for a heritage, a heritage to Israel, his people.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And gaue their lande for an inheritance, euen an inheritance vnto Israel his people.
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Young's Literal Translation
And He gave their land an inheritance, An inheritance to Israel His people,
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See also
Psalms 78:55Psalms 136:21Psalms 136:22Joshua 11:23Psalms 44:1Psalms 44:3Joshua 12:7
In the KJVVerse 16,188 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Psalms 135:12 stands as a profound declaration of God's sovereign faithfulness, recounting His mighty act of dispossessing the nations of Canaan and granting their land as a permanent, divinely ordained inheritance to His chosen people, Israel. This verse serves as a climactic statement within a hymn of praise, underscoring the Lord's incomparable power and unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, solidifying Israel's identity and security as a nation uniquely set apart by Him.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Psalms 135 is a comprehensive hymn of praise, structured to celebrate the Lord's greatness through a recounting of His mighty works, particularly His redemptive acts on behalf of Israel. The psalm begins with a fervent call to praise in its opening verses, transitions into declarations of God's incomparable nature and universal dominion, and then moves into a detailed historical recital of His interventions. This specific verse directly follows the mention of God's defeat of powerful kings like Sihon and Og, as detailed in Psalms 135:11, and the striking of Egypt's firstborn, recounted in Psalms 135:8. It marks the culmination of God's redemptive work in the Exodus and conquest, portraying the land's acquisition not as a human military victory, but as a divine gift, establishing Israel in their promised homeland. The psalm then concludes with further praise and a universal call for all creation, including those dwelling in Jerusalem, to bless the Lord.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The historical backdrop for Psalms 135:12 is the pivotal period of the Exodus from Egypt and the subsequent conquest of Canaan, events central to Israel's national identity and theological understanding. After centuries of enslavement in Egypt, God miraculously delivered His people through powerful signs and wonders, leading them through the wilderness. The "land" referred to is Canaan, a region inhabited by various peoples, including the Amorites, Hittites, and Canaanites. God's command to dispossess these nations, as detailed in Deuteronomy 7:1-2, was part of His righteous judgment against their wickedness and a direct fulfillment of His ancient covenant promise to Abraham, initially recorded in Genesis 12:7. Culturally, land ownership was paramount in the ancient Near East, signifying security, identity, and a direct blessing from the divine. The concept of an "inheritance" (Hebrew: nachalah) was deeply rooted in the patriarchal system, signifying a permanent, transgenerational possession, often tied to family lineage and divine favor.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 135 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence, emphasizing that it was God who "gave their land," not Israel's own might or strategic prowess. This reinforces the idea that all dominion and provision ultimately stem from Him, a truth echoed in David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:11. Secondly, it underscores Covenant Faithfulness, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning the land, as seen in Genesis 15:18. The land's provision serves as a tangible sign of God's reliability and steadfast love. Thirdly, the verse establishes Israel's Unique Identity and Election as "His people." The land was not merely a territory but a sacred trust, a place where God's covenant could be lived out, distinguishing Israel from all other nations, as declared in Deuteronomy 7:6. The repetition of "heritage" emphasizes the certainty and permanence of this divine gift, foundational to their national existence and purpose.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • gave (Hebrew, nâthan', H5414): A primitive root meaning "to give," used with great latitude of application, including to put, make, appoint, bestow, bring forth, grant, lay, offer, set, and yield. In this context, it signifies God's active, intentional, and sovereign act of bestowing the land. It was not merely a passive allowance but a deliberate, powerful grant, highlighting His supreme agency in the conquest and distribution of the land.
  • land (Hebrew, ʼerets', H776): Referring to the earth at large or, more specifically, a land, country, or field. Here, it specifically denotes the territory of Canaan, which God had promised to Abraham and his descendants. It represents the physical domain where Israel would dwell, establish its nation, and live out its covenant relationship with God. The land was not just soil but a profound symbol of God's blessing and a place of rest and security.
  • heritage (Hebrew, nachălâh', H5159): Properly something inherited, an occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, or portion. This term is crucial, as it emphasizes that the land was not merely conquered by military might but divinely bequeathed as a permanent, rightful possession. It signifies a lasting legacy, a secure and enduring gift from God to His people, establishing their permanent claim and identity within that territory. The repetition of the word underscores its certainty and significance.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And gave their land": This clause directly attributes the act of giving to God, implicitly the "Lord" mentioned throughout the psalm. The phrase "their land" refers to the territory of the Canaanite nations that Israel dispossessed. This highlights God's sovereign power over all territories and His absolute right to transfer ownership as He wills, executing judgment on the former inhabitants and faithfully fulfilling His promise to Israel.
  • "for an heritage, an heritage": This is the core declaration of the verse. The emphatic repetition of "heritage" (Hebrew: nachălâh nachălâh) serves to underscore the absolute certainty, permanence, and divine nature of the gift. It was not a temporary conquest or a lease, but a permanent, divinely sanctioned inheritance. This double emphasis solidifies the security and lasting nature of God's provision, making it an undeniable and irrevocable possession for Israel.
  • "unto Israel his people": This final phrase precisely identifies the recipients of this divine gift. The land was given exclusively to "Israel," emphasizing their unique status as God's chosen "people." This highlights the intimate covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where the land serves as a tangible expression of His faithfulness and their identity as His special possession among all nations.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several significant literary devices to enhance its impact and convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is Repetition, specifically the doubling of "an heritage, an heritage" (Hebrew: nachălâh nachălâh). This emphatic repetition serves to underscore the absolute certainty, permanence, and divine nature of the gift of the land. It is not merely a statement but a powerful declaration of an undeniable truth, reinforcing the idea that this possession is secure because it comes directly from God. Another crucial device is Divine Agency, where the subject of the action ("gave") is implicitly the Lord, emphasizing His active and sovereign role in Israel's history. This positions God as the primary actor, the one who orchestrates and fulfills His purposes, rather than attributing the success solely to human effort. Furthermore, there is an element of Metonymy, where "their land" (the physical territory) stands for the entire blessing of the covenant and the establishment of Israel as a sovereign nation. The land is not just soil; it is the place of rest, security, and the fulfillment of God's promises, symbolizing the totality of God's provision and faithfulness to His chosen people.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Psalms 135:12 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His sovereign power in fulfilling them. The giving of the land to Israel was not merely a historical event but a tangible demonstration of God's character as a promise-keeper and a mighty deliverer. This physical inheritance foreshadows the spiritual inheritance promised to believers in Christ, highlighting a consistent pattern in God's redemptive plan: He provides a secure dwelling place for His people. Just as ancient Israel received a land flowing with milk and honey, believers today receive spiritual blessings and the promise of an eternal home, all secured by God's unchangeable word and power. This verse reminds us that God's gifts are sure and His purposes for His people are always fulfilled, whether in the physical realm of ancient Israel or the spiritual reality of the New Covenant.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Psalms 135:12 invites us to reflect on the profound implications of God's faithfulness and provision in our own lives. Just as God meticulously planned and executed the transfer of land to Israel as a permanent heritage, He orchestrates the details of our lives, providing for our needs and securing our future. This verse encourages a deep trust in God's sovereign care, reminding us that His promises are not fleeting but enduring. It calls us to recognize that our true security and inheritance come not from human effort or worldly possessions, but from God's gracious hand. For believers, this translates into an assurance of our spiritual inheritance in Christ—salvation, eternal life, and a place in God's eternal kingdom. This understanding should cultivate a spirit of profound gratitude and praise, mirroring the psalm's central theme. It also challenges us to live in a way that honors the Giver of all good gifts, stewarding what He has entrusted to us and confidently resting in His unfailing love and provision.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what areas of your life do you need to trust more fully in God's sovereign provision and faithfulness, as demonstrated in His giving of the land to Israel?
  • How does the concept of a "heritage" from God, whether physical or spiritual, shape your understanding of security and identity?
  • What specific promises of God are you holding onto today, and how does Psalms 135:12 encourage your faith in their ultimate fulfillment?

FAQ

What is the significance of the land as an "heritage" for Israel?

Answer: The land of Canaan was profoundly significant as an "heritage" because it represented the tangible fulfillment of God's ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants, as initially recorded in Genesis 12:7. It was not merely conquered territory but a divinely bequeathed, permanent possession, symbolizing God's faithfulness, His provision, and Israel's unique identity as His chosen people. The repetition of "heritage" in the verse emphasizes its certainty and lasting nature, establishing Israel's secure dwelling place and the foundation for their national and religious life under God's rule. It was the place where they could live out their covenant relationship and fulfill their purpose as a holy nation.

How does God "give" land to a people? Does this imply military conquest is secondary?

Answer: When the Bible states that God "gave" the land to Israel, it emphasizes His ultimate sovereignty and agency in the process. While Israel certainly engaged in military conquest, as seen in the book of Joshua, the biblical narrative consistently portrays these victories as divinely enabled and orchestrated. God fought on behalf of Israel, as declared in Joshua 10:14, dispossessed the inhabitants, and delivered the land into Israel's hands. Therefore, the military conquest was the means, but God's decree and power were the ultimate cause. It implies that human effort, though necessary, is secondary to God's sovereign will and power in fulfilling His promises. The land was a gift, not a prize earned by Israel's might alone.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Psalms 135:12, in its declaration of God giving the land as an inheritance to Israel, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While ancient Israel received a physical land as their heritage, Christ is the ultimate heir of all things, as affirmed in Hebrews 1:2, and through Him, believers receive a far greater, eternal inheritance. The physical land of Canaan, with its promise of rest and security, foreshadowed the spiritual rest and eternal dwelling found in Christ. He is the true "land" or "place" where God's people find their ultimate security and belonging. Just as God faithfully provided for His Old Testament people, He has, in Christ, provided the "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" for all who believe, as beautifully described in 1 Peter 1:4. Through His atoning work, Jesus has secured for us not merely a patch of earth, but adoption into God's family, as seen in Galatians 4:4-7, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as a down payment, as promised in Ephesians 1:13-14, and the promise of an eternal dwelling in the New Heavens and New Earth, revealed in Revelation 21:1-4. Thus, the physical heritage of Israel points to the glorious, spiritual heritage that is ours in Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises to His people.

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Commentary on Psalms 135 verses 5–14

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

The psalmist had suggested to us the goodness of God, as the proper matter of our cheerful praises; here he suggests to us the greatness of God as the proper matter of our awful praises; and on this he is most copious, because this we are less forward to consider.

I. He asserts the doctrine of God's greatness (Psa 135:5): The Lord is great, great indeed, who knows no limits of time or place. He asserts it with assurance, "I know that he is so; know it not only by observation of the proofs of it, but by belief of the revelation of it. I know it; I am sure of it; I know it by my own experience of the divine greatness working on my soul." He asserts it with a holy defiance of all pretenders, though they should join in confederacy against him. He is not only above any god, but above all gods, infinitely above them, between him and them there is no comparison.

II. He proves him to be a great God by the greatness of his power, Psa 135:6. 1. He has an absolute power, and may do what he will: Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he, and none could control him, or say unto him, What doest thou? He does what he pleases, because he pleases, and gives not an account of any of his matters. 2. He has an almighty power and can do what he will; if he will work, none shall hinder. 3. This absolute almighty power is of universal extent; he does what he will in heaven, in earth, in the seas, and in all the deep places that are in the bottom of the sea or the bowels of the earth. The gods of the heathen can do nothing; but our God can do any thing and does do every thing.

III. He gives instances of his great power,

1.In the kingdom of nature, Psa 135:7. All the powers of nature prove the greatness of the God of nature, from whom they are derived and on whom they depend. The chain of natural causes was not only framed by him at first, but is still preserved by him. (1.) It is by his power that exhalations are drawn up from the terraqueous globe. The heat of the sun raises them, but it has that power from God, and therefore it is given as an instance of the glory of God that nothing is hidden from the heat of the sun, Psa 19:6. He causes the vapours to ascend (not only unhelped, but unseen, by us) from the earth, from the ends of the earth, that is, from the seas, by which the earth is surrounded. (2.) It is he who, out of those vapours so raised, forms the rain, so that the earth is no loser by the vapours it sends up, for they are returned with advantage in fruitful showers. (3.) Out of the same vapours (such is his wonderful power) he makes lightnings or the rain; by them he opens the bottles of heaven, and shakes the clouds, that they may water the earth. Here are fire and water thoroughly reconciled by divine omnipotence. They come together, and yet the water does not quench the fire, nor the fire lick up the water, as fire from heaven did when God pleased, Kg1 18:38. (4.) The same exhalations, to serve another purpose, are converted into winds, which blow where they list, from what point of the compass they will, and we are so far from directing them that we cannot tell whence they come nor whither they go, but God brings them out of his treasuries with as much exactness and design as a prudent prince orders money to issue out of his exchequer.

2.In the kingdoms of men; and here he mentions the great things God had formerly done for his people Israel, which were proofs of God's greatness as well as of his goodness, and confirmations of the truth of the scriptures of the Old Testament, which began to be written by Moses, the person employed in working those miracles. Observe God's sovereign dominion and irresistible power, (1.) In bringing Israel out of Egypt, humbling Pharaoh by many plagues, and so forcing him to let them go. These plagues are called tokens and wonders, because they came not in the common course of providence, but there was something miraculous in each of them. They were sent upon Pharaoh and all his servants, his subjects; but the Israelites, whom God claimed for his servants, his son, his first-born, his free-born, were exempted from them, and no plague came nigh their dwelling. The death of the first-born both of men and cattle was the heaviest of all the plagues, and that which gained the point. (2.) In destroying the kingdoms of Canaan before them, Psa 135:10. Those that were in possession of the land designed for Israel had all possible advantages for keeping possession. The people were numerous, and warlike, and confederate against Israel. They were great nations. Yet, if a great nation has a meek and mean-spirited prince, it lies exposed; but these great nations had mighty kings, and yet they were all smitten and slain - Sihon and Og, and all the kingdoms of Canaan, Psa 135:10, Psa 135:11. No power of hell or earth can prevent the accomplishment of the promise of God when the time, the set time, for it has come. (3.) In settling them in the land of promise. He that gives kingdoms to whomsoever he pleases gave Canaan to be a heritage to Israel his people. It came to them by inheritance, for their ancestors had the promise of it, though not the possession; and it descended as an inheritance to their seed. This was done long before, yet God is now praised for it; and with good reason, for the children were now enjoying the benefit of it.

IV. He triumphs in the perpetuity of God's glory and grace. 1. Of his glory (Psa 135:13): Thy name, O God! endures for ever. God's manifestations of himself to his people have everlasting fruits and consequences. What God doeth it shall be for ever, Ecc 3:14. His name endures for ever in the constant and everlasting praises of his people; his memorial endures, has endured hitherto, and shall still endure throughout all generations of the church. This seems to refer to Exo 3:15, where, when God had called himself the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, he adds, This is my name for ever and this is my memorial unto all generations. God is, and will be, always the same to his church, a gracious, faithful, wonder-working God; and his church is, and will be, the same to him, a thankful praising people; and thus his name endures for ever. 2. Of his grace. He will be kind to his people. (1.) He will plead their cause against others that contend with them. He will judge his people, that is, he will judge for them, and will not suffer them to be run down. (2.) He will not himself contend for ever with them, but will repent himself concerning his servants, and not proceed in his controversy with them; he will be entreated for them, or he will be comforted concerning them; he will return in ways of mercy to them and will delight to do them good. This verse is taken from the song of Moses, Deu 32:36.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 5–14. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 135
"And he gave their land for an inheritance, even an inheritance to Israel His servant."
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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