Psalm 16:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

NIV: The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.

NASB: The measuring lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; Indeed, my inheritance is beautiful to me.

CSB: The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

NLT: The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance!

KJV: The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

NKJV: The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance.

When Israel conquered Canaan, the Lord assigned each tribe a portion of the land except Levi, whose inheritance was the Lord (Joshua 13—21). Each inherited section of Canaan was carefully allocated and marked. Measuring lines specified the land each tribe, clan, and family owned. Each lot received a landmark that was permanent. Deuteronomy 19:14 prohibited the people from moving the landmarks. This verse commands: "You shall not move your neighbor's landmark, which the men of old have set, in the inheritance that you will hold in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess."

Continuing his celebration from the prior verse (Psalm 16:5), David rejoices that his inheritance had fallen in pleasant places. He views his inheritance as a beautiful gift from the Lord. Believers, too, have a beautiful inheritance as a gift from the Lord. Ephesians 1:11 explains, "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will."

Psalm 16:5–8 expresses David's elation in God and gives reasons for it. This celebratory tone is set up by the prior passage, which established God as David's ultimate refuge and source of goodness. The verses in this section form the core of the psalm's joyful song. David rejoices in his relationship with the Lord, in his inheritance in Israel, and in the Lord's direction for his life.

David asks the Lord for protection, trusting in God as a safe place from enemies and evil. He confesses that apart from the Lord he has nothing good. This psalm exudes David's joy, using words such as "delight," "pleasant," "glad," "rejoices," "joy," and "pleasures." David celebrates his relationship with God. Because the Lord is with him always, David feels secure, even in the face of death. This is because his eternal destiny is assured. His celebration foreshadows the Messiah, who would conquer death and experience resurrection.

This psalm belongs with those expressing David's confidence in the Lord. Despite opposition, David knew God was guiding and protecting him. The psalm exudes joy as David places his trust in the Lord. Perhaps David wrote these words after the Lord gave His covenant to David (2 Samuel 7:1–17) and guaranteed David would have an everlasting throne. A phrase in verse 10 is often cited in the New Testament when discussing the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 5/8/2024 12:14:31 PM