Psalm 16 (15):6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The boundaries of my inheritance have been assigned to your honor, much like the allotment given to the priests and Levites. (Num. 18:20) Indeed, My inheritance is magnificent in My eyes. It is glorious not for everyone, but for those who perceive it; for in them, as I exist, it rightfully belongs to Me.

I face assaults concerning my treasures, for these possessions are my treasures. This reflects the connection of love that binds Him to the Church. It is also described as 'powerful,' meaning it is pleasing to Him.

For this nation alone, He accepted the entire world as His inheritance, selecting from it only the powerful. The phrase that means ‘in the glorious ones’ corresponds to ‘in the strong’ in Greek, as expressed in the declaration, ‘The Lord is my fortress and my refuge, and my deliverer’ (Psalms 17:3). In another psalm, it is affirmed, ‘The Lord is my fortress and my praise’ (Psalm 117:14). Therefore, the one who embodies glory and strength belongs to the heritage of the Lord. Thus, Theophilus, a devotee of God who requested that the Gospel be recorded for him, is referred to in Greek as ‘kratistos,’ meaning ‘glorious, strong,’ which can simply be rendered in Latin as ‘Honourable Theophilus’ (Luke 1:3).

The limits described here refer to the cords that designate the boundaries of the fields set for distribution. Christ, acting as a master surveyor, defined the parameters of the synagogue and expelled the desecrators from the temple. He serves as the new guide for fruitful souls, measuring not fields by their area but by their spiritual vitality. The distinction lies in the fact that the borders of faith are not restricted, as is typical with earthly possessions, by a taut line nor are they confined like something finite; rather, the boundary of faith expands indefinitely, making the Church's reach limitless. As a result, the Jews find themselves in exile, not confined to any single location but scattered everywhere, leading to the absence of a place for a synagogue throughout the world.

In regard to this inheritance, the Saviour declares that He has allowed Himself to be vulnerable to these deceptions, which He refers to as terrors. Similarly, in another Psalm, it is written, ‘For the sinner hath pledged himself to Me, and Thy law I have not forgotten’ (Ps. 118:61). Thus, He affirms that, for the preservation of this divine inheritance and for the salvation of humanity, He patiently bears these present trials.

They proclaimed, “I am a person of the soil, a person of the soil, a person of the soil.” Those who allocate land through drawing lots first measure it with measuring ropes to establish their boundaries. Similarly, it is as if the Savior intends to convey that when My possessions were restored to Me, they were cast upon Me as if by lot. This involved the introduction of many measuring ropes that determined the dimensions and limits of My holdings, making them recognized by all as Mine. The delineated area indicates those who have faith in Christ and distinguishes them from those who do not, for this marking serves two purposes as previously mentioned. When He refers to “sovereigns,” it pertains to His possessions, and this idea is further clarified in the subsequent statements.

In both a literal and figurative sense, it was customary in ancient times to partition land for inheritance so that each person would obtain a portion based on their status and obligations. Therefore, as recorded in the Old Testament, Moses instructed Joshua to allocate the promised land to the Israelites with specific borders. This is why the term "part of the inheritance" is fitting, as it speaks to its grandeur and magnificence. Furthermore, the inheritance of Christ encompasses the foreordained throng of saints.

The prophet reinforces the idea presented in the previous verse, expressing that with a tranquil and joyful heart, he delights solely in God, taking pride in this to such an extent that he looks down on the fleeting pleasures of this world, which are outside of God's realm. The imagery he uses reflects the division of immovable assets, such as land, fields, and forests, which were traditionally allocated among the Jews by means of boundary markers. Given that these divisions were determined by lot, if someone received a portion in a more desirable area, it would be considered a fortunate acquisition. Therefore, the Prophet asserts, “Thou art thou that settest my possessions,” meaning that God is the one who determines his lot. Additionally, the Apostle Paul writes in his epistle to the Colossians, “giving thanks to God and the Father, who has called you into the communion of the inheritance of the Saints in light” (Col. 1:12).

Uzhya - the sins of humanity led Christ the Lord to suffer at the hands of the Jewish rulers, freeing the faithful from their chains through the power of faith and the sacrament of baptism bestowed upon Him.

In essence, my inheritance lacks specific limitations. God is my treasured possession and integral to my abundance; He is my heritage. He established my inheritance, and I have received the finest portions in His kingdom. Athanasius and Theodoret recognized that the Church belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ.