Psalms 78:55 - He also drove out the nations before them, allotted them for an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.

Generated Verse: Psalms 78:55

What does "Psalms 78:55" mean?


Psalm 78:55 is a powerful verse that describes God's intervention on behalf of the Israelites during their conquest of the Promised Land. Let's break down its meaning:

"He also drove out the nations before them..." This refers to God's act of displacing the existing inhabitants of Canaan (the land promised to Israel). It highlights the idea that the Israelites' success in conquering the land was not solely due to their own strength or skill, but to God's direct intervention and power. These "nations" were the people who lived in the land before the Israelites arrived, many of whom were considered morally corrupt according to the Bible.

"...allotted them for an inheritance by line..." This speaks to the division of the conquered land among the twelve tribes of Israel. The "line" probably refers to measuring lines, implying a careful and deliberate allocation of territory. Each tribe received a specific portion of land as their inheritance, a fulfillment of God's promise to their ancestors. This system of land allocation was crucial for establishing Israel as a settled nation.

"...and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents." This signifies the establishment of the Israelites in their new homeland. "Tents" can be interpreted literally, as the early Israelites may have initially lived in tents after the conquest. However, it can also be understood more broadly as a symbol of dwelling, home, and security. God enabled the tribes of Israel to settle and live peacefully (at least ideally) in the land He had given them.

In summary, the verse signifies:

God's power and sovereignty: God was in control of events, driving out existing nations to make way for His chosen people.
Fulfillment of God's promise: The verse shows God keeping His promise to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites as their inheritance.
Establishment of Israel: It describes the Israelites becoming a settled nation, with each tribe having its own land and the ability to dwell securely.

Key Themes:

Divine Providence: The verse illustrates the idea that God actively guides and directs history to fulfill His purposes.
Covenant: The verse is tied to the covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants, promising them the land of Canaan.
Inheritance: The concept of inheritance is central, emphasizing the land as a gift from God to be passed down through generations.

It's important to note that the conquest of Canaan and the displacement of its inhabitants are complex and controversial issues with varying interpretations, especially in modern contexts.