Psalms 105:14

KJV

He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes;

KJV (with Strong's)

He suffered {H3240} no man {H120} to do them wrong {H6231}: yea, he reproved {H3198} kings {H4428} for their sakes;

Complete Jewish Bible

he allowed no one to oppress them. Yes, for their sakes he rebuked even kings:

Berean Standard Bible

He let no man oppress them; He rebuked kings on their behalf:

American Standard Version

He suffered no man to do them wrong; Yea, he reproved kings for their sakes,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 105:14 serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering and active protection over His chosen people, Israel, during their vulnerable early stages as sojourners. It unequivocally declares His divine sovereignty, asserting that He permitted no harm to come to them and even directly confronted and rebuked powerful earthly kings on their behalf, ensuring the fulfillment of His covenant promises. This verse highlights God's vigilant care, His absolute authority over all human powers, and His meticulous safeguarding of His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 105 is a historical psalm, a grand hymn of praise recounting God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel from the time of Abraham through the Exodus and wilderness wanderings. Verses 8-15 form a specific section focusing on the patriarchal period, emphasizing God's enduring covenant. Verse 14 specifically follows the declaration of God's everlasting covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His promise of the land of Canaan as an inheritance, as detailed in [Psalm 105:8-11](/psalms/105-8-11 "Psalm 105:8-11 - God's Everlasting Covenant and Promise"). The psalmist then describes the patriarchs as "few in number, of little account, and sojourners in it" in [Psalm 105:12](/psalms/105-12 "Psalm 105:12 - The Patriarchs as Few and Sojourners"), emphasizing their inherent vulnerability. [Psalm 105:13](/psalms/105-13 "Psalm 105:13 - Their Wanderings") further notes their wandering "from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people," setting the stage for the extraordinary divine intervention described in verse 14. The subsequent verse, [Psalm 105:15](/psalms/105-15 "Psalm 105:15 - God's Anointed and Prophets"), identifies these patriarchs as God's "anointed" and "prophets," providing the profound theological basis for His extraordinary protection.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalm 105:14 is the pre-Exodus period, specifically the time when Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, along with their nascent families, lived as nomadic sojourners in various foreign lands, including Egypt and Gerar. In the ancient Near East, nomadic groups were inherently vulnerable to the whims and power of stronger, settled kingdoms. Kings held immense, often autocratic, power, and foreigners typically lacked legal protection or significant influence, making them easy targets for exploitation or harm. The patriarchs, being a small, unestablished family unit, would have been particularly susceptible to abduction, violence, or economic oppression from local rulers or populations. The psalmist recalls specific instances, such as Pharaoh's affliction for Abraham's sake ([Genesis 12:17](/genesis/12-17 "Genesis 12:17 - God Afflicts Pharaoh for Sarah")) and Abimelech's warnings concerning Sarah and Rebekah ([Genesis 20:3](/genesis/20-3 "Genesis 20:3 - God Warns Abimelech") and [Genesis 26:11](/genesis/26-11 "Genesis 26:11 - Abimelech Protects Isaac")), which vividly illustrate God's direct and often miraculous intervention to protect His chosen ones against powerful monarchs, defying the typical power dynamics of the era.

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 105:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Protection**, demonstrating God's active, vigilant, and comprehensive safeguard over His people, not merely observing but actively intervening to prevent harm. Secondly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty Over Rulers**, asserting that God's authority extends even to the most powerful kings and nations. He "reproved" them, meaning He rebuked, judged, or even punished them for attempting to harm His servants, emphasizing that no earthly power can thwart God's plan for His people. Thirdly, this protection is deeply rooted in **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God remembers His word and acts decisively to uphold the promises made to Abraham and his descendants, as seen in the foundational covenant in [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham"). Finally, the verse implicitly points to the **Special Status of God's Servants**, as the patriarchs, though few and vulnerable, were uniquely chosen and set apart by God, warranting such extraordinary divine intervention and making them untouchable by human design.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Suffered (Hebrew, יָנַח, _yânach'_):** This verb, in its Hiphil stem, means "to allow to stay," "to deposit," or "to permit." In this context, the negative "He suffered no man" signifies "He did not allow" or "He did not permit." It emphasizes God's active control and sovereign restraint over human actions. It's not merely that no one harmed them, but that God actively withheld permission or power from anyone who might have tried. This points to His direct, intentional, and absolute governance over all human affairs, particularly those that might impact His covenant people and their destiny.
* **Reproved (Hebrew, יָכַח, _yâkach'_):** This primitive root is rich in meaning, encompassing "to be right," "to argue," "to decide," "to judge," "to rebuke," "to correct," or "to admonish." It implies a strong, authoritative confrontation, often leading to a definitive decision or judgment. When God "reproved" kings, it was not a gentle suggestion but a powerful, undeniable intervention that compelled these rulers to acknowledge God's hand and desist from their harmful intentions. This could manifest as dreams, plagues, or direct divine warnings, as vividly seen in the biblical accounts of Pharaoh and Abimelech.
* **Kings (Hebrew, מֶלֶךְ, _melek'_):** This word simply means "a king" or "royal." Its inclusion here is significant because it highlights the immense power and authority of those whom God confronted. In the ancient Near East, kings were considered supreme, often divine or divinely appointed, holding absolute sway over their domains. The fact that God "reproved kings" underscores His ultimate sovereignty, demonstrating that even the highest earthly powers are subservient to His will and are held accountable by Him when they threaten His chosen people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He suffered no man to do them wrong":** This initial clause powerfully emphasizes God's absolute control and protective oversight. The phrase "no man" is emphatic, signifying that God's protection was comprehensive and impenetrable. He actively prevented any individual, regardless of their power, status, or malicious intent, from inflicting harm upon the patriarchs. This highlights God's omnipotence and His meticulous, proactive care for His chosen ones, ensuring their safety even in the most vulnerable and transient circumstances. It speaks to a divine, unbreachable barrier against all evil intentions directed at His people.
* **"yea, he reproved kings for their sakes;":** This second clause intensifies and specifies the general statement of the first, demonstrating the extraordinary extent of God's intervention. Not only did He prevent harm from "any man," but He specifically confronted and rebuked the most powerful figures of the day – kings. The phrase "for their sakes" underscores that these divine confrontations were solely for the benefit and protection of the patriarchs, demonstrating God's deep commitment to His covenant people. This illustrates God's supreme authority over earthly rulers, demonstrating that even monarchs are subject to His will and judgment when they stand in the way of His divine plan.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 105:14 employs several literary devices to magnify God's power and faithfulness. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described with human-like actions, "suffering" (allowing) and "reproving." This makes His divine intervention relatable and impactful, portraying Him as an active, personal participant in human history. The use of **Hyperbole** or strong generalization in "no man" and "kings" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's protection and the universal scope of His authority. It is not merely some men or some kings, but a blanket statement of His dominion over all. Furthermore, the verse exhibits strong **Parallelism**, specifically synthetic or intensifying parallelism, where the second clause ("yea, he reproved kings for their sakes") intensifies and specifies the general statement of the first clause ("He suffered no man to do them wrong"). This creates a rhythmic and reinforcing effect, driving home the message of God's unparalleled protective power and His willingness to confront even the highest earthly authorities for the sake of His chosen.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 105:14 is a profound declaration of God's sovereign protection rooted deeply in His covenant faithfulness. It teaches that God is not a distant, passive deity but an active, intervening Lord who meticulously guards His people. This divine safeguard is not arbitrary but is directly tied to His promises and purposes for Israel, ensuring the preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. The ability of God to "reprove kings" underscores His ultimate authority over all earthly powers, reminding us that human governments and rulers, no matter how mighty, are ultimately subservient to His divine will and cannot thwart His redemptive plan. This theological truth provides immense comfort and assurance, demonstrating that God's commitment to His people transcends all human limitations and opposition.

* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abraham")
* [Deuteronomy 7:6-8](/deuteronomy/7-6-8 "Deuteronomy 7:6-8 - Israel, a Holy People Chosen by God")
* [Isaiah 43:1-3](/isaiah/43-1-3 "Isaiah 43:1-3 - God's Promise of Deliverance and Protection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 105:14 offers a powerful anchor for faith in a world often characterized by uncertainty, opposition, and perceived power imbalances. It reminds us that the same God who protected the vulnerable patriarchs with such fierce and unyielding resolve is our God today. While our specific circumstances may differ from those of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the principle of God's watchful care and sovereign intervention endures for His people. This verse encourages us to trust implicitly in God's providence, knowing that He is actively at work, even when we cannot perceive it, to fulfill His purposes for us and to guard us. It challenges us to surrender our anxieties about human threats, political instability, or personal vulnerabilities, recognizing that God is ultimately in control, able to rebuke any force that stands against His will for His children. Our true security is found not in our own strength, resources, or favorable circumstances, but in His unwavering faithfulness and omnipotent protection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's active "suffering no man to do them wrong" impact your view of His daily involvement and protective hand in your life?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God "reproving kings" or other powerful forces on your behalf, even if indirectly or subtly, to protect you or advance His purposes?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's supreme sovereignty over earthly rulers strengthen your faith and provide peace when facing challenging or oppressive situations in the world today?**
* **What specific anxieties, fears, or perceived threats can you surrender to God, trusting in His protective power as demonstrated in this verse for His covenant people?**

### FAQ
**Who are "them" in this verse, and why were they afforded such extraordinary divine protection?**

Answer: The "them" in Psalm 105:14 refers specifically to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and their immediate families, as clearly established by the preceding verses in [Psalm 105](/psalms/105 "Psalm 105 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant"). These individuals were the initial, foundational recipients of God's covenant promises, through whom the nation of Israel would be formed and from whom the Messiah would ultimately descend. They were afforded such extraordinary divine protection not because of their inherent strength, righteousness, or any merit of their own, but solely because of God's sovereign choice and His unbreakable covenant with them. God had promised Abraham that He would make him a great nation and bless those who blessed him, and curse those who cursed him, as declared in [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "Genesis 12:2-3 - God's Promises to Abraham"). Therefore, God's protection was a direct and powerful fulfillment of His word, ensuring the preservation of the covenant line and the eventual realization of His grand redemptive plan for humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 105:14, with its powerful declaration of God's protection over His chosen ones, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The patriarchs were God's "anointed" and "prophets" ([Psalm 105:15](/psalms/105-15 "Psalm 105:15 - God's Anointed and Prophets")), serving as types and foreshadows of the true Anointed One, Jesus, who is the Prophet, Priest, and King par excellence. Just as God meticulously protected the nascent nation of Israel, ensuring the lineage through which the Messiah would come, so too does Christ, as the head of His body, the Church, protect His people from the ultimate harm of sin, spiritual death, and the dominion of darkness. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")) and ensures that "no one will snatch them out of my hand" ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")). Furthermore, the "reproving of kings" by God in the Old Testament anticipates Christ's ultimate victory and dominion over all earthly and spiritual powers. Through His death and resurrection, He has disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame by triumphing over them on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Ultimately, the temporal protection offered to the patriarchs was a shadow of the eternal security, spiritual deliverance, and glorious inheritance granted to all who are in Christ, who is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble ([Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 35:5

And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that [were] round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.

Exodus 7:16

And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear.

Exodus 7:17

Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that [is] in mine hand upon the waters which [are] in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.

Genesis 20:1

¶ And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar.

Genesis 20:7

Now therefore restore the man [his] wife; for he [is] a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore [her] not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that [are] thine.

Genesis 26:14

For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.

Genesis 26:33

And he called it Shebah: therefore the name of the city [is] Beersheba unto this day.