‏ Psalms 136:21-22

The Wonder of a Heritage

What is said in these verses is also said in Psalm 135. There it is said in one verse (Psa 135:10), whereas here it is said in two verses because each line of Psalm 135:10 is followed here by the singing of the lovingkindness of God. In Psa 136:21 the emphasis is on the Giver of the heritage and in Psa 136:22 on the recipient of it.

God has taken the land away from the enemies because their land, as well as all the lands of the world, belong to Him (Psa 24:1-2). Therefore, He is free to give a land to whomever He wants, in this case to His people (Psa 136:21). He did not suddenly come up with the idea of giving His people this land, but it has been His purpose from the foundation of the world (Mt 25:34).

Therefore, He has given this land chosen by Him to His people “as a heritage” (Psa 136:22). That people is here called “Israel His servant”. The joy with which He gave the land to His people is expressed here. The purpose also resonates here. He has given the land to His people so that they will serve Him there.

The heritage that the LORD gave to Israel in the past is a foreshadowing of the heritage that the LORD will give them in the future, during the realm of peace. The division of this psalm (see under Introduction) emphasizes that this is its culmination.

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