Psalms 118:9

9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust 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 Yes, the LORD is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me.

8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in people.

9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

10 Though hostile nations surrounded me, I destroyed them all with the authority of the LORD .

11 Yes, they surrounded and attacked me, but I destroyed them all with the authority of the LORD .