Psalms 78:55

KJV

He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.

KJV (with Strong's)

He cast out {H1644}{H8762)} the heathen {H1471} also before {H6440} them, and divided {H5307}{H8686)} them an inheritance {H5159} by line {H2256}, and made the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478} to dwell {H7931}{H8686)} in their tents {H168}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He expelled nations before them, apportioned them property to inherit and made Isra'el's tribes live in their tents.

Berean Standard Bible

He drove out nations before them and apportioned their inheritance; He settled the tribes of Israel in their tents.

American Standard Version

He drove out the nations also before them, And allotted them for an inheritance by line, And made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 78:55 encapsulates God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign power in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Israel. It succinctly describes the divine acts of dispossessing the Canaanite nations, meticulously dividing the Promised Land by lot among the tribes, and finally establishing them in secure dwellings, marking the culmination of their wilderness journey and the beginning of their settled existence as a nation. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous care and steadfast commitment to His people, even in the face of their past disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 78 is a sweeping historical psalm, an _'maskil'_ or didactic poem, attributed to Asaph. It serves as a comprehensive recounting of Israel's history from the Exodus through the wilderness wanderings, the conquest and settlement of Canaan, and up to the establishment of David's reign. The psalmist's primary purpose is to instruct future generations about God's enduring faithfulness despite Israel's persistent rebellion and forgetfulness of His mighty works. Verse 55 specifically falls within the section detailing the conquest and settlement of the land (verses 54-55), serving as a concise summary of the successful conclusion of the Joshua narrative, where God brings His people into the promised inheritance after their long journey. This verse highlights the climax of God's redemptive work in bringing Israel into their rest, contrasting sharply with their earlier failures in the wilderness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Psalms 78:55 refer to the period immediately following the Exodus and the forty years of wilderness wandering, specifically the conquest of Canaan led by Joshua (as detailed in the [Book of Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua")). Historically, this involved the displacement of various Canaanite tribes (e.g., Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, Jebusites, Girgashites) who inhabited the land God had promised to Abraham's descendants. Culturally, the division of land "by line" or by lot was a common ancient Near Eastern practice to ensure equitable distribution and prevent disputes, but here it is explicitly presented as a divinely orchestrated act, emphasizing God's meticulous involvement in establishing Israel's tribal boundaries. The phrase "made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents" signifies their transition from a nomadic, wilderness existence to a settled, agricultural society within their own sovereign territory, a state of rest and security provided by God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in Psalms 78 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Faithfulness** to covenant promises, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to Abraham's descendants despite their repeated failures (as seen in [Exodus 6:4](/exodus/6-4 "Exodus 6:4 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). Secondly, it highlights God's **Sovereign Power** in dispossessing formidable nations and establishing His chosen people, emphasizing that the victory was not by Israel's might but by divine intervention (cf. [Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - God Dispossesses Nations")). Thirdly, the "inheritance by line" speaks to **Divine Order and Providence**, illustrating God's meticulous and equitable distribution of the land, often through lots, as described in [Numbers 26:55](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55 - Division of Land by Lot") and [Joshua 14:1-2](/joshua/14-1 "Joshua 14:1-2 - Division of Land by Lot")). Finally, the "dwelling in their tents" signifies the theme of **Rest and Settlement**, a culmination of their long journey and the fulfillment of God's promise to bring them into a land of security and abundance (cf. [Deuteronomy 12:10](/deuteronomy/12-10 "Deuteronomy 12:10 - Rest in the Land")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heathen (Hebrew, _goyim'_):** This term broadly refers to the non-Israelite nations or Gentiles. In this context, it specifically denotes the indigenous Canaanite peoples whom God commanded Israel to dispossess. The use of "cast out" (Hebrew, _garash'_) emphasizes a forceful, divinely-initiated expulsion, highlighting God's active role in clearing the land for His people, rather than Israel's military prowess alone. This term underscores the covenantal distinction between Israel and the surrounding nations.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _nachalah'_):** More than just a possession, _nachalah_ signifies a divinely allotted, permanent possession, often passed down through generations. It carries strong theological weight, representing the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land. The land was not merely conquered territory but a sacred trust, a tangible expression of God's covenant faithfulness and a symbol of their identity as His chosen people.
* **By line (Hebrew, _chebel'_):** This word literally means "cord" or "measuring line." It implies a precise, orderly, and measured distribution of the land. The use of a measuring line suggests a deliberate, non-arbitrary allocation, often associated with casting lots (as seen in [Joshua 18:10](/joshua/18-10 "Joshua 18:10 - Joshua Casts Lots for Land Division")), ensuring that each tribe received its designated portion according to God's sovereign design. This underscores the meticulous nature of God's providence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He cast out the heathen also before them":** This clause emphasizes God's direct and active involvement in the conquest of Canaan. It was not Israel's strength or strategy that secured the land, but God's sovereign power that dispossessed the existing inhabitants. This highlights divine initiative and omnipotence, reinforcing the theme that salvation and victory belong to the Lord. The phrase "before them" implies God going ahead of Israel, fighting on their behalf and clearing the way.
* **"and divided them an inheritance by line":** This segment describes the meticulous and orderly distribution of the Promised Land to the twelve tribes of Israel. The phrase "by line" (or "by lot," as often interpreted) signifies a precise, divinely ordained allocation, ensuring each tribe received its specific, defined territory. This act underscores God's commitment to fulfilling His covenant promise of land and His meticulous care in establishing His people in their new home. It speaks to divine order and justice in the apportionment of resources.
* **"and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents":** This final clause signifies the culmination of Israel's journey from nomadic wandering to settled existence. "To dwell in their tents" (which can also imply permanent dwellings, as "tents" was sometimes used idiomatically for homes) marks a state of rest, security, and stability in the land God had provided. It represents the fulfillment of the promise of rest after their long wilderness journey and the establishment of Israel as a settled nation in their own sovereign territory, enjoying the fruit of God's faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 78:55 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The psalm as a whole is an extended **Historical Narrative**, recounting Israel's past to teach present and future generations, and this verse functions as a concise summary within that larger narrative. The use of **Metonymy** is evident in "divided them an inheritance by line," where "line" (the measuring instrument) stands for the process of precise, orderly division and allocation, often by lot. The phrase "dwell in their tents" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where "tents" (a part) represents the settled, secure dwellings and established life of the entire nation (the whole). This also carries **Symbolism**, as "tents" contrasts with their previous nomadic existence, symbolizing the new era of rest and security in the Promised Land. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Summary Statement**, encapsulating a significant period of Israel's history (the conquest and settlement) in a highly condensed form, emphasizing God's agency throughout.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 78:55 is a profound testimony to God's covenant faithfulness and sovereign power, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His promises despite human frailty. The theological significance lies in its portrayal of God as the active agent in history, dispossessing nations, allocating land with precision, and providing security for His people. This verse underscores the theme of divine election and the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning their inheritance of the land. It also highlights the concept of "rest" (Hebrew, _menuchah_), which is not merely physical cessation from wandering but a state of secure dwelling in God's provision, a foretaste of the ultimate spiritual rest found in Him. The meticulous division of the land by "line" further emphasizes God's justice, order, and providential care in establishing His people.

* [Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - God Dispossesses Nations for Israel's Sake")
* [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God Gives Israel Rest and Fulfills Promises")
* [Hebrews 4:8-9](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-9 - The Promise of God's Rest Remains")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 78:55 offers a profound anchor for faith, reminding us that God is actively involved in the details of His people's lives and that His promises are utterly reliable. Just as He meticulously orchestrated the conquest and settlement of Canaan for ancient Israel, so too does He work providentially in the lives of believers today, guiding our paths, overcoming obstacles, and bringing us into His promised rest. This verse encourages us to reflect on God's past faithfulness as a guarantee for His future actions, fostering trust even when our circumstances seem chaotic or uncertain. It challenges us to remember His mighty deeds and to live in grateful obedience, recognizing that our "inheritance" and security ultimately come from His gracious hand, not our own efforts. We are called to rest in His sovereignty, knowing that He is meticulously working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous division of the land "by line" encourage your trust in His detailed providence for your own life?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God "casting out" obstacles or "making you to dwell" in a place of security and rest?**
* **What specific promises of God are you currently holding onto, and how does Psalms 78:55 strengthen your faith in their fulfillment?**

### FAQ
**What does "He cast out the heathen also before them" signify about God's role in the conquest of Canaan?**

Answer: This phrase is crucial because it emphasizes that the successful conquest and dispossession of the Canaanite nations was primarily a divine act, not merely a human military victory. God was the active agent, going "before them" to clear the way and grant victory. This highlights God's sovereign power and His faithfulness to His covenant promises to give Israel the land. It underscores that Israel's inheritance was a gift from God, secured by His might, not their own (cf. [Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - God Disposes Nations")).

**How does "divided them an inheritance by line" relate to the concept of God's justice and order?**

Answer: The phrase "by line" (Hebrew: _chebel_) refers to a measuring cord or lot, indicating a precise and orderly distribution of the land. This was not a chaotic grab but a divinely orchestrated process, often involving the casting of lots, to ensure each tribe received its designated and equitable portion. This demonstrates God's meticulous attention to detail, His commitment to justice, and His establishment of order within His chosen nation. It reflects His character as a God who brings order out of chaos and fulfills His promises with precision, as seen in the detailed accounts in the [Book of Joshua](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 78:55, while describing the physical inheritance of Israel in the Promised Land, profoundly foreshadows the spiritual inheritance and rest found in Christ. The "casting out of the heathen" by God's sovereign power points to Christ's ultimate victory over the powers of darkness, sin, and death, which once held humanity captive (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Just as God meticulously "divided them an inheritance by line," so too does Christ secure for believers an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading spiritual inheritance, reserved in heaven (as described in [1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - Our Living Hope and Inheritance")). The "making the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents," signifying rest and security, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who is our true "rest" (as promised in [Matthew 11:28-29](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-29 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")) and through whom we enter into God's eternal Sabbath rest (explored in [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")). Thus, this Old Testament historical account becomes a powerful type, pointing to the greater, spiritual realities of salvation, inheritance, and eternal rest accomplished and provided by Jesus Christ.

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

Joshua 13:7

¶ Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh,

Psalms 44:2

[How] thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; [how] thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.

Nehemiah 9:22

Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.

Nehemiah 9:25

And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness.

Joshua 6:1

¶ Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.

Joshua 6:21

And they utterly destroyed all that [was] in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.

Deuteronomy 6:10

And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,