What does Psalms 105:12 mean?

When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it. Psalms 105:12

Explanation

The verse Psalms 105:12, “When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it,” speaks of the early ancestors of Israel during their nomadic existence before they settled in the Promised Land. The verse is part of a larger psalm that recounts God’s faithfulness to the people of Israel throughout history. Literally, it refers to the patriarchs of Israel, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were few in number and wandered through different lands as strangers and sojourners.

The deeper meaning reflects on the humble beginnings of the nation of Israel and implies a contrast with their later growth and establishment. The phrase serves as a reminder of God’s providential care and His plans for a people he has chosen, starting from an insignificant and small group to becoming a great nation.

Historical Context

Psalms 105 is a historical psalm that functions as a retelling of Israel’s history, emphasizing God’s covenant and promises. The historical backdrop of verse 12 is the period of the patriarchs, particularly focusing on the time when they were living as nomads in Canaan and in other regions, prior to the enslavement in Egypt and the subsequent Exodus. During those times, the ancestors of Israel would have indeed been few in number and not settled in a land of their own.

The cultural context includes the common Near Eastern practice of smaller clans and families traveling within larger territories, often living among more established populations and kingdoms. The Israelites’ identity as strangers and wanderers in a foreign land was a foundational part of their narrative.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse demonstrates the concept of divine election—the idea that God chooses and works through a specific people or individual for a redemptive purpose—which is a core theme in Judeo-Christian theology. The emphasis on the small beginnings of Israel highlights the grace and sovereignty of God in choosing an unestablished group to fulfill His greater plans.

Other theological viewpoints might also view this verse as symbolic of the faithful remnant—a concept where throughout history, a small, faithful group has always persisted amidst larger unfaithfulness or adversity. In this light, the verse has been read as a hopeful message that God’s purposes are not thwarted by numbers or human strength.

Practical Applications

The teachings of Psalms 105:12 inspire individuals and communities to hold onto faith and hope even when they feel insignificant or marginalized. It provides encouragement that God can work through any situation, no matter how dire or humble the beginnings may be. For modern believers, the principle is that one’s status or number does not limit God’s capacity to use them for impactful and significant purposes.

This verse also promotes a mindset of trust and gratitude in recognizing the journey of one’s own beginnings—personal, familial, or communal—and how far they have come by the grace and guidance of God.

Cross-References

• Genesis 12:1-2, “Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country […] and I will make of thee a great nation.”
• Deuteronomy 7:7, “The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people.”
• Genesis 46:27, “And the sons of Joseph, which were born him in Egypt, were two souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were threescore and ten.”
• Acts 7:5, “And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.”

Language Study

• “Few men in number”: The Hebrew word for “few” is “מְעַט” (me’at), which implies a small quantity or size.
• “Strangers”: The Hebrew “גָּרִים” (garim) refers to foreigners or non-citizens, people who dwell in a society without being fully integrated or having the same rights as the natives.

Understanding these original terms helps to underscore the situation of vulnerability and transiency of the early Israelite ancestors.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of a humble beginning is not unique to Judaism or Christianity. Other ancient cultures have myths and stories where a great nation or hero emerges from obscurity. For example, the founding of Rome is attributed to the twins Romulus and Remus, who were supposedly raised by a she-wolf and started with humble origins.

In many religious traditions, the idea of being “chosen” or “elect” is common. In Hinduism, for instance, Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita speaks of choosing certain individuals for specific purposes. However, the specific narrative of being strangers in a land before becoming a nation is particularly foundational to Jewish identity.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings but may speak to the sociological and anthropological studies of small tribes or groups and their development into unified nations. Modern scientific disciplines might examine the migration patterns of nomadic tribes, the formation of early communities, and the factors contributing to the growth from a few individuals into larger societies.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians often see Psalms 105:12 as an affirmation of God’s providence. Matthew Henry’s commentary notes that God’s care for Israel began even when they were few in number and vulnerable. The Geneva Study Bible suggests that God’s promise already took effect when they were just a small family and therefore God’s works do not depend on human strength. Similarly, the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary emphasizes the contrast between the small beginnings and the eventual mighty deliverance by God, underscoring divine faithfulness and omnipotence.