Psalms 16:6

Psalms 16:6 is a profound declaration of contentment and gratitude from David, expressing his satisfaction with the portion or inheritance God has allotted to him. The verse paints a picture of divine favor and blessing, where David perceives his life's circumstances as exceptionally good and desirable, a direct result of God's benevolent hand.

Context

Psalm 16 is a Michtam of David, often translated as a "golden psalm" or a psalm of "fixed writing," suggesting its preciousness and enduring significance. The psalm begins with David's plea for preservation (Psalm 16:1) and quickly transitions to a declaration of his unwavering trust in the Lord, rejecting the worship of other gods (Psalm 16:4). The verse immediately preceding our focus, Psalm 16:5, sets the stage: "The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot." This firmly establishes God as the direct source and sustainer of David's fortunate circumstances, leading directly into the joyous affirmation of verse 6. The psalm culminates in a prophetic look towards resurrection and eternal joy in God's presence (Psalm 16:10 and Psalm 16:11), indicating that David's "goodly heritage" extends beyond earthly blessings to eternal life.

Key Themes

• Divine Provision and Blessing: The verse highlights God as the ultimate provider, sovereignly determining and bestowing a favorable "lot" or inheritance upon His people.
• Contentment and Gratitude: David expresses deep satisfaction and thankfulness for what he has received, modeling a posture of peace and joy in God's will. This resonates with the New Testament call for contentment in all circumstances.
• Spiritual Inheritance: While the imagery is rooted in the division of land, the "pleasant places" and "goodly heritage" primarily refer to the spiritual blessings and intimate relationship with God. This spiritual inheritance is far more valuable than any material possession, echoing the sentiment found in Lamentations 3:24.
• Security and Stability: The idea of "lines" (boundaries) being "fallen" suggests a fixed and secure portion, divinely appointed and maintained, providing a sense of stability and peace.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant [places]" uses rich imagery:

• "Lines" (Hebrew: chevel, חֶבֶל): This word literally means a measuring cord or rope. In ancient Israel, land was surveyed and divided using such lines. Thus, "the lines are fallen" refers to the drawing of lots to determine one's allotted portion of land, much like the tribal divisions in the Promised Land. It signifies a divinely appointed boundary or share.
• "Pleasant [places]" (Hebrew: ne'imim, נְעִמִים): This describes something delightful, agreeable, beautiful, or pleasant. The word "places" is supplied in the KJV, indicating the context of land. The phrase conveys that David's assigned portion is not just adequate, but exceptionally good and desirable.
• "Goodly heritage" (Hebrew: nachalah, נַחֲלָה): This term refers to an inheritance, patrimony, or possession. While it often denotes physical land (like the inheritance of Israel in Canaan, Deuteronomy 32:9), in this psalm, especially given the context of God being David's "portion" in verse 5, it extends to the spiritual blessings and the covenant relationship with God. This spiritual inheritance is the ultimate "goodly heritage" for believers, as affirmed in the New Testament (Ephesians 1:11).

Practical Application

Psalms 16:6 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

1. Embrace Contentment: It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of contentment and gratitude for the life and blessings God has given us, recognizing His sovereign hand in our circumstances.
2. Value Spiritual Riches: It challenges us to prioritize our spiritual inheritance in Christ above all else. Our true wealth is found in our relationship with God, forgiveness, eternal life, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, which are far more precious than any earthly possession.
3. Trust God's Plan: Just as David trusted God with his "lot," we are called to trust that God's plan for our lives is good, even when circumstances are challenging. Our "lines" may not always appear "pleasant" by worldly standards, but with God as our portion, our heritage is eternally good.