Psalms 105:12

Authorized King James Version

When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בִּֽ֭הְיוֹתָם

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מְתֵ֣י

H4962

When they were but a few men

properly, an adult (as of full length); by implication, a man (only in the plural)

מִסְפָּ֑ר

H4557

in number

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

כִּ֝מְעַ֗ט

H4592

yea very few

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

וְגָרִ֥ים

H1481

and strangers

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

בָּֽהּ׃

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?