Psalms 105:44

Authorized King James Version

And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן
And gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#2
לָ֭הֶם
they (only used when emphatic)
#3
אַרְצ֣וֹת
them the lands
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#4
גּוֹיִ֑ם
of the heathen
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#5
וַעֲמַ֖ל
the labour
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
#6
לְאֻמִּ֣ים
of the people
a community
#7
יִירָֽשׁוּ׃
and they inherited
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection