Psalms 118:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

It is better {H2896} to trust {H2620} in the LORD {H3068} than to put confidence {H982} in princes {H5081}.

Complete Jewish Bible

better to take refuge in ADONAI than to put one's trust in princes.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

It is better to take refuge in Jehovah Than to put confidence in princes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 118:9 delivers a profound theological truth, asserting the absolute superiority of placing one's ultimate trust and security in the LORD (Yahweh) over any reliance on human authority or power, symbolized by "princes." This verse encapsulates a core message of the entire psalm, which celebrates God's unfailing steadfast love and miraculous deliverance in the face of human opposition and limitations, guiding the worshipper to recognize God as the sole dependable refuge and ultimate source of help in all circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 118 is a vibrant Hallel Psalm, traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals like Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles, celebrating God's enduring steadfast love, a refrain that echoes throughout the psalm ("His mercy endureth forever"). It follows a common pattern of communal or individual thanksgiving, moving from a call to praise (vv. 1-4) to a personal testimony of deliverance from distress (vv. 5-18), an affirmation of God's salvific work (vv. 19-27), and a concluding doxology (vv. 28-29). Verse 9, along with its parallel in [Psalm 118:8](/psalms/118-8 "Psalm 118:8 - Trusting in the Lord"), serves as a central theological axiom within the psalmist's testimony, providing a foundational principle for the deliverance experienced. It contrasts the futility of human reliance with the unwavering faithfulness of God, setting the stage for the subsequent celebration of God's mighty acts and the declaration that the Lord is the psalmist's strength and song ([Psalm 118:14](/psalms/118-14 "Psalm 118:14 - The Lord is My Strength and Song")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, "princes" (Hebrew: *nəḏîḇîm*) referred to powerful human leaders, kings, military commanders, or influential nobles who wielded significant authority. Nations often sought security through strategic alliances with powerful neighboring kingdoms, relying on their military strength, political influence, or economic stability. Israel, throughout its history, faced the recurring temptation to trust in such human arrangements—whether alliances with Egypt or Assyria, or the might of their own kings and armies—rather than solely in the covenant-keeping God. This verse, therefore, speaks directly into a cultural milieu where human power structures were often seen as the primary guarantors of safety and prosperity, challenging that worldview by asserting a divine alternative. It reflects a long-standing prophetic tradition that cautioned against misplaced trust in human institutions, as seen in the warnings against relying on chariots and horses in [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help") and the condemnation of those who trust in human strength rather than God's spirit in [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might Nor by Power").

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive throughout the Psalms and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, positing God as the ultimate authority and source of power, far surpassing any human ruler. Secondly, it highlights **Human Limitation and Fallibility**, recognizing that even the most powerful human leaders are finite, subject to change, error, and death, making them unreliable foundations for ultimate security. This echoes the sentiment found in [Psalm 146:3-4](/psalms/146-3-4 "Psalm 146:3-4 - Do Not Trust in Princes or Mortals"). Thirdly, it champions the theme of **True Security and Refuge**, asserting that genuine peace, stability, and deliverance are found exclusively in God's steadfast love and protection. This contrasts with the false security offered by human power, which can ultimately lead to disappointment and ruin, as warned in [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5-8 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - The Curse and Blessing of Trust"). Finally, it embodies the **Wisdom Tradition** of the Old Testament, which consistently calls for a life lived in humble dependence on God, acknowledging that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom")) and that true understanding comes from trusting in the Lord with all one's heart ([Proverbs 3:5](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Better (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This adjective, derived from a root meaning "good," signifies superiority in quality, advantage, or desirability. In this context, it asserts that the act of trusting in the LORD is not merely good, but definitively *superior* to any alternative, yielding a more beneficial and reliable outcome. It implies a qualitative comparison where one choice is fundamentally more advantageous and wise than the other, leading to greater well-being and security.
* **Trust (Hebrew, _châçâh'_):** A primitive root, this word means "to flee for protection," "to seek refuge," or "to confide in." It conveys a deep, secure reliance, like a bird taking cover under its mother's wings or a person finding shelter from a storm. When applied to the LORD, it implies an active, intentional seeking of God's covering and protection, rooted in a profound conviction of His faithfulness and ability to deliver. It speaks of a complete surrender and dependence, finding ultimate safety and security in Him alone.
* **Confidence (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_):** This primitive root means "to trust," "to be confident or sure," or "to be bold." While it can denote a positive sense of trust, when contrasted with *châçâh* and applied to human sources like "princes," it often carries a nuance of misplaced reliance or security in something ultimately unstable and unreliable. It suggests leaning upon something for support, but in this context, the object of confidence (princes) is presented as an inferior and ultimately failing support system compared to the LORD, whose nature is unchangeable and whose power is limitless.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[It is] better to trust in the LORD":** This opening clause establishes the supreme wisdom and inherent benefit of placing one's complete and active reliance upon Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The implication is that such trust yields superior outcomes—true security, peace, and deliverance—compared to any alternative. It is a declaration of ultimate loyalty and dependence on the divine, positing God as the only truly stable and dependable foundation for one's life and hope.
* **"than to put confidence in princes":** This contrasting clause highlights the folly and ultimate futility of relying on human authority figures, no matter how influential or powerful they may appear. "Princes" represent the pinnacle of human strength and political power, yet even they are deemed an inferior and unreliable source of security when compared to the steadfastness of the LORD. Their power is finite, their intentions can be flawed, and their reign is temporary, making them an unstable foundation for ultimate hope and a source of potential disappointment or betrayal.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Psalms 118:9 is **Antithesis**, a rhetorical device that juxtaposes two contrasting ideas to highlight their differences and emphasize a particular point. Here, the psalmist starkly contrasts "trust in the LORD" with "confidence in princes," emphasizing the qualitative superiority of the former. This creates a clear dichotomy, compelling the reader to choose between two fundamentally different sources of security and ultimate reliance. The verse also functions as a **Didacticism**, a form of teaching or instruction, imparting a foundational spiritual truth about where true wisdom and security lie. By presenting a clear "better... than" statement, it serves as a moral and theological imperative, guiding the listener toward a life of God-centered dependence and away from the inherent instability of human power. Furthermore, the use of "princes" serves as **Synecdoche**, where a part (powerful human leaders) represents the whole (any human or earthly source of security, power, or wisdom).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 118:9 resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on divine sovereignty and the call for exclusive allegiance to God. It challenges the human tendency to seek security in visible, tangible sources of power, whether political, economic, or personal. Theologically, it affirms God's unique position as the only truly reliable and unchanging being in a world of flux. This verse is not a call to anarchy or a rejection of all human authority, but rather a profound statement that no human institution or individual, however mighty, can offer the ultimate peace, deliverance, or salvation that only God provides. It invites a radical reorientation of trust, moving from the temporal and fallible to the eternal and infallible, recognizing that God alone is worthy of absolute confidence and that His steadfast love endures forever.

* [Psalm 146:3](/psalms/146-3 "Psalm 146:3 - Do Not Trust in Princes")
* [Jeremiah 17:5](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5 - The Curse of Trusting in Man")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world constantly shifting under the weight of political upheaval, economic uncertainty, and social unrest, Psalms 118:9 offers a timeless anchor. We are perpetually tempted to place our hope and security in human systems: the latest political leader, a booming stock market, scientific advancements, or even our own abilities and achievements. This verse challenges us to critically examine the objects of our ultimate trust. While we are called to be good citizens and to steward our resources wisely, our deepest peace and most profound security can never be found in these transient realities. True stability comes from an unwavering trust in the sovereign Lord, whose character is immutable and whose promises are unfailing. This means actively choosing to lean into God's wisdom, provision, and protection, even when human solutions seem more immediate or appealing. It's a call to cultivate a posture of radical dependence on God, acknowledging His supremacy over all earthly powers and His infinite capacity to deliver, thereby finding genuine rest for our souls.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I instinctively turn for security and stability when faced with uncertainty or fear?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I tempted to place more confidence in human systems, influential people, or my own abilities than in God?**
* **How does my daily prayer life and decision-making process reflect my stated trust in the LORD over "princes" (or any other human source of power)?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to deepen my reliance on God and diminish any misplaced confidence in worldly things, actively seeking His guidance and provision?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean we should not respect or obey human authorities?**

Answer: Not at all. This verse is not a call to disrespect or disobey legitimate human authorities, which are themselves instituted by God for order and justice, as clearly taught in the New Testament (e.g., [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities") and [1 Peter 2:13-17](/1_peter/2-13-17 "1 Peter 2:13-17 - Submit to Every Human Institution")). Rather, it's a profound theological statement about the *ultimate* source of trust and security. We are to respect and obey human authorities within their God-given spheres, but our *ultimate* confidence, our deepest hope, and our final refuge must always be in God alone. Human leaders are fallible and temporary; God is infallible and eternal. This distinction is crucial for a balanced biblical worldview that honors both divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 118:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the true and eternal King, the Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), and the one in whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). While earthly "princes" are fleeting and fallible, Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), whose kingdom is everlasting and whose reign will never end ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Kingdom of the Son of Man")). To "trust in the LORD" is, for the New Testament believer, to trust in Christ, for He is the full revelation of God's steadfast love and faithfulness ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God, But the Son Has Made Him Known")). He is the true refuge, the solid rock upon whom we can build our lives ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")), and the one who has overcome the world and its temporary powers ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). In Him, we find not just temporary security, but eternal life and an unshakeable hope that transcends all earthly limitations and disappointments, for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")).

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

Psalms 146:3

Put not your trust in princes, [nor] in the son of man, in whom [there is] no help.

Psalms 146:5

¶ Happy [is he] that [hath] the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope [is] in the LORD his God:

Isaiah 30:2

That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!

Isaiah 30:3

Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt [your] confusion.

Isaiah 31:1

¶ Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Ezekiel 29:7

When they took hold of thee by thy hand, thou didst break, and rend all their shoulder: and when they leaned upon thee, thou brakest, and madest all their loins to be at a stand.

Isaiah 31:8

Then shall the Assyrian fall with the sword, not of a mighty man; and the sword, not of a mean man, shall devour him: but he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be discomfited.