Psalms 118:9

9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

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 takes my part with those that help me; therefore I shall see my desire upon those that hate me.
8 It is better to wait upon the LORD than to wait upon man.
9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
10 All the nations compassed me about; but in the name of the LORD I will cut them off.
11 They compassed me about; yea, they laid hold of me; but in the name of the LORD I will cut them off.
The Jubilee Bible (from the Scriptures of the Reformation), edited by Russell M. Stendal, Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2010