“And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.”
And gave their land as a heritage to his people Israel. This verse completes the conquest narrative by asserting that God's judgment against the nations resulted in land possession for Israel; the nations' defeat becomes Israel's gain. Heritage (נחלה) emphasizes permanence and inalienable possession; the land given to Israel is not temporary loan but perpetual inheritance. The use of heritage echoes earlier passages (Ps 127:3) where inheritance language conveys permanent value and divine blessing. This verse reveals that the historical narrative of conquest serves a covenantal purpose: to demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling the promise of land to Israel. The finale of this historical excursus asserts that what God has done in the past (Exodus, conquest) warrants confidence in His continued faithfulness to His people.
Church Fathers on Psalms 135:12
1. Very pleasant ought it be to us, and we should rejoice because it is pleasant, to which this Psalm exhorts us. For it says, “Praise the name of the Lord” Psalm 134:1. And it immediately appends the reason, why it is just to praise the name of the Lord. “Praise the Lord, you servants.” What more just? What more worthy? What more thankful?...For if He teaches His own servants who have deserved well of Him, the preachers of His Word, the rulers of His Church, the worshippers…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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