Psalms 118:9

9 It is better for to hope in the Lord; than to hope in princes. (It is better to trust in the Lord; than to trust in our rulers.)

Psalms 118:9 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 118:9

[It is] better to trust in the Lord
The Targum is,

``in the Word of the Lord.''

This is repeated for the sake of what follows:

than to put confidence in princes;
who have greater ability to help, and whose honour should engage them to keep their word; and yet it is better to trust in the Lord than in them; see ( Psalms 146:3 ) . Two different words being used in this verse and ( Psalms 118:8 ) ; for trust and confidence, Jarchi has observed, that the one signifies a lesser, the other a stronger confidence; as if the sense was this, "It is better lightly to trust in the Lord than to put the strongest confidence in men and princes." But the observation is scarcely solid enough.

Psalms 118:9 In-Context

7 The Lord is an helper to me; and I shall despise mine enemies. (The Lord is my helper; and I shall gloat over my enemies/and I shall see my enemies defeated.)

8 It is better to trust in the Lord; than for to trust in man. (It is better to trust in the Lord; than to trust in any person.)

9 It is better for to hope in the Lord; than to hope in princes. (It is better to trust in the Lord; than to trust in our rulers.)

10 All folks (en)compassed me; and in the name of the Lord it befelled, for I am avenged on them. (All the nations surrounded me; but in the name of the Lord, I shall be avenged upon them/I shall destroy them.)

11 They compassing (en)compassed me; and in the name of the Lord, for I am avenged on them. (They surrounded me on every side; but in the name of the Lord, I shall be avenged upon them/I shall destroy them.)