For 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.
For they didn't conquer the land by their own sword, and their own strength didn't save them. Instead, it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face that did it, because you showed them favor.
The writer is acknowledging that Israel's ancestors didn't win their battles through their own military strength, but because God fought for them and blessed them.
📚 Historical Context
This psalm reflects on Israel's conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership, when they defeated the Canaanite nations despite often being outnumbered. The psalmist is reminding the people that their military victories came not from superior weapons or tactics, but from God's supernatural intervention and blessing.
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