Psalms 78:54
And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain, which his right hand had purchased.
Original Language Analysis
וַ֭יְבִיאֵם
And he brought
H935
וַ֭יְבִיאֵם
And he brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 8
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
גְּב֣וּל
them to the border
H1366
גְּב֣וּל
them to the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
קָדְשׁ֑וֹ
of his sanctuary
H6944
קָדְשׁ֑וֹ
of his sanctuary
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
4 of 8
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
הַר
even to this mountain
H2022
הַר
even to this mountain
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
5 of 8
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
Cross References
Psalms 44:3For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.Exodus 15:17Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
Historical Context
The conquest of Canaan under Joshua fulfilled God's promises to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21). Mount Zion became the political and religious center under David, where Solomon later built the temple. Asaph, a Levitical musician, served in this temple, experiencing daily the reality of God dwelling among His people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding worship as the ultimate goal of salvation affect your priorities?
- In what ways does Christ's work 'purchase' our entrance into God's presence?
- What does it mean for believers to live in God's 'holy territory' now while awaiting the full heavenly Zion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain, which his right hand had purchased. The destination of the exodus was not merely freedom but worship—God brought them to his sanctuary (gevul kodsho, גְּבוּל קָדְשׁוֹ), the holy territory of Canaan. The ultimate goal of redemption is always fellowship with God in His holy place, a truth fulfilled in Christ who brings us into God's presence (Hebrews 10:19-22).
This mountain refers to Mount Zion and, by extension, all Canaan as God's holy mountain-land (har-zeh, הַר־זֶה). The phrase his right hand had purchased (kanetah yemino, קָנְתָה יְמִינוֹ) uses conquest language—God's powerful right hand (yamin, יָמִין) signifies strength and victory. He 'purchased' or 'acquired' the land through military triumph over Canaanite nations.
This verse anticipates the psalm's climax (vv. 68-69) where God chooses Zion as His dwelling place. Redemption always has a destination—not aimless wandering but purposeful movement toward God's chosen location. For Christians, this destination is the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22-24).