Psalm 106:5

Psalm 106:5, in plain English

If God remembers you, you'll get to witness the good things He gives to His chosen people and celebrate with them as part of His family.

Why it's here

The psalmist explains what they're really asking for: not just personal blessing in isolation, but to be included in the joy and prosperity of God's whole people. They want to share in the community's gladness and give glory together. This shows that true blessing, in their mind, is never just individual.

Who's speaking

The psalmist, clarifying their request

Where it sits in the story

This reflects the biblical truth that God's people are meant to experience their blessings together, not in isolation. It's the vision that keeps showing up—from Israel as a nation, to the church as the body of Christ.

The scholarly reading

The psalmist's petition culminates in a request to witness and participate in Israel's restoration and the glory of God's inheritance—the land and the covenant people themselves.

Language and setting

The phrase 'your chosen ones' (bechirekha) and 'your inheritance' (nachalatekha) employ ownership language, reminding God that Israel is His possession, purchased and covenanted. In exilic or post-exilic contexts, this is a potent reminder of the land-promise and tribal inheritance narratives that seemed threatened.

Voice

The same supplicant from verse 4, now expressing his ultimate desire—not personal vindication but participation in national restoration.

Significance

This echoes the Abrahamic promise (Genesis 12:1-3) and the occupation narratives, while looking forward to the restoration oracles of Isaiah 40-55 and Ezekiel 36-37, where Israel's return is explicitly tied to God's reputation and glory.

3Blessed are those who uphold justice, who practice righteousness at all times.

4Remember me, O LORD, in Your favor to Your people; visit me with Your salvation,

5that I may see the prosperity of Your chosen ones, and rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, and give glory with Your inheritance.

6We have sinned like our fathers; we have done wrong and acted wickedly.

7Our fathers in Egypt did not grasp Your wonders or remember Your abundant kindness; but they rebelled by the sea, there at the Red Sea.

Read all of Psalm 106 — The other side of Psalm 105. Israel's history retold through the lens of rebellion — yet God saved them again and again for His name's sake.