PSALM 16:1-6 A Beautiful Inheritance
READ: PSALM 16:1—6
v. 6 “The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.”
Imagine acres of rolling fields with lush green grass growing on rich soil.
In the distance there is a forest filled with much wild game. Running through it all is a bubbling brook of clear water at which deer are quietly drinking. What a splendid sight! It would make a perfect postcard.
Now imagine that all of this has been given to you. A wealthy uncle has passed away and left you this land as an inheritance—what excitement! This is how David feels in Psalm 16:5–6, only he’s not thinking about his land. By God’s command, every Israelite family received a “lot” in the Promised Land, which they cherished. After having been sojourners and slaves in Egypt for hundreds of years and having wandered in the wilderness for four decades, the whole nation had a deep love for their very own stake in Canaan. This was their home, their safe place.
David no doubt loves his allotted portion as much as the next man, but even more he loves his God. He realizes that the land is a gift; so much more important and valuable, then, is the Giver! What would the property be without the LORD by his side? However beautiful or valuable the land, it is no good apart from having the Lord himself (v. 2).
So David makes a bold claim: LORD, you are my chosen portion; you are my inheritance. David is thinking like the Levites, who were told that they would have no lot in the land because the LORD and his service would be their inheritance (Deut. 18:2). That is David’s desire! To walk and talk with God, to serve him at his side every moment of every day into eternity is better by far than any acreage. The LORD was David’s home, his safe place.
And he in Christ Jesus is our safe place too. The “property lines” have fallen for us in the most pleasant places too, for God’s Son is our Lord and Saviour. In Christ we find all good coming to us: forgiveness of our sins, his Spirit’s renewing and comforting power, and a secure future in glory at his side with all his saints! To Christ we may always flee in prayer to find help and safety. Jesus is with us always (Matt. 28:20), a beautiful inheritance to enjoy today and forever.
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