Psalms 78:55 Meaning and Explanation
“He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God drove out the inhabitants of Canaan and distributed the land to Israel's tribes.
The Context of Psalms 78:55
God drove out the Canaanites and distributed the land to Israel's tribes according to his plan.
What Does Psalms 78:55 Mean?
'Cast out the heathen before them' indicates God actively cleared the way for Israel's occupation. The enemies were defeated through divine action, not purely through Israeli military prowess. This emphasizes that the conquest is God's gift, not Israel's achievement.
'Divided them an inheritance by line' means the land was surveyed and allotted to each tribe according to God's plan. 'Made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents' indicates the settlement was complete—they occupied houses and tents, settling into peaceful habitation. The promise given to Abraham has been fulfilled.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 78:55
What does Psalms 78:55 mean?
God drove out the inhabitants of Canaan and distributed the land to Israel's tribes.
What is the context of Psalms 78:55?
God drove out the Canaanites and distributed the land to Israel's tribes according to his plan.