Psalms 135:12

And gaue their land for an heritage: an heritage vnto Israel his people. Psalms 135:12 (KJV)

Context:

Psalm 135 is a hymn of praise to the Lord, emphasizing His greatness and power over all creation. The psalmist encourages the people of Israel to praise and worship the Lord, reminding them of His deeds and faithfulness.

The Heritage of the Land:

In verse 12, the psalmist highlights one aspect of God’s faithfulness to His people—He gave them the land as their heritage. The land refers to the promised land of Canaan, which God had promised to give to the descendants of Abraham (Genesis 12:7). This promise was fulfilled when Joshua led the Israelites into the land and they took possession of it.

God’s Covenant with Israel:

The concept of inheritance or heritage is closely tied to the covenant relationship between God and His people. God made a covenant with Abraham, promising to bless him and his descendants and to give them the land as an everlasting possession (Genesis 17:7-8). This promise was reiterated to Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve tribes of Israel.

God’s Faithfulness:

The psalmist emphasizes that God fulfilled His promise and gave the land as an inheritance to Israel. This fulfillment involved struggles and conflicts as the Israelites worked to establish themselves in the land, yet it demonstrates God’s steadfast faithfulness to His covenant and His people. It shows that God keeps His promises and is worthy of praise.

Spiritual Application:

While this verse specifically refers to the physical land of Israel, it also carries a spiritual significance. In the New Testament, believers are described as spiritual Israel (Galatians 6:16). As Christians, we have received a spiritual inheritance through our faith in Christ. Ephesians 1:11 says, “In him [Christ] also we have obtained an inheritance.” Our inheritance includes salvation, eternal life, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and a place in God’s kingdom.

Gratitude and Praise:

Psalm 135:12 encourages the people of Israel to recognize God’s faithfulness and respond with gratitude and praise. As Christians, we can also learn from this and express our thankfulness to God for the spiritual inheritance we have received through Christ.

In conclusion, Psalm 135:12 highlights God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Israel by giving them the land as their inheritance. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the importance of expressing gratitude and praise for His blessings. Additionally, as Christians, we can reflect on our spiritual inheritance in Christ and respond with thankfulness to God for His grace and salvation.