Psalms 146:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Happy {H835} is he that hath the God {H410} of Jacob {H3290} for his help {H5828}, whose hope {H7664} is in the LORD {H3068} his God {H430}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Happy is he whose help is Ya'akov's God, whose hope is in ADONAI his God.

Berean Standard Bible

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,

American Standard Version

Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in Jehovah his God:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 146:5 proclaims a profound blessedness upon those who place their ultimate trust and hope in the God of Jacob, the LORD their God. This verse stands as a powerful counterpoint to the preceding warning against reliance on human power, asserting that true happiness, security, and unwavering help are found solely in the eternal, covenant-keeping God, whose faithfulness transcends all earthly limitations and failures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 146 is the first of the final five "Hallelujah Psalms" (Psalms 146-150), all beginning and ending with the exhortation "Praise the LORD!" It opens with the psalmist's personal commitment to praise God for a lifetime ([Psalms 146:1-2](/psalms/146-1 "Psalms 146:1-2 - Personal Commitment to Praise")). Immediately preceding verse 5, the psalm issues a stark warning against placing trust in human beings, specifically "princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help" ([Psalms 146:3](/psalms/146-3 "Psalms 146:3 - Do Not Trust in Princes")). This is powerfully underscored by the reminder that human breath departs, and their plans perish ([Psalms 146:4](/psalms/146-4 "Psalms 146:4 - The Frailty of Man")). Verse 5 then introduces a dramatic and hopeful contrast, pivoting from the futility of human reliance to the blessedness of divine dependence, setting the stage for the subsequent verses that extol God's mighty and compassionate character and actions ([Psalms 146:6-9](/psalms/146-6 "Psalms 146:6-9 - God's Mighty and Compassionate Character")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise authorship and date of Psalm 146 are debated, many scholars suggest a post-exilic period, possibly during the Second Temple era. This context would lend particular significance to the emphasis on God's sovereignty over earthly rulers and nations. The people of Israel had experienced the rise and fall of empires, the unreliability of political alliances, and the devastating consequences of misplaced trust. In such a world, the call to trust only in the "God of Jacob" would have resonated deeply, reminding them of their covenant heritage and the unwavering faithfulness of the God who delivered their ancestors from slavery in Egypt ([Exodus/14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea")) and sustained them through the wilderness ([Deuteronomy/8](/deuteronomy/8 "Deuteronomy 8 - God's Provision in the Wilderness")). The cultural understanding of "help" (Hebrew: `ʻêzer`) was not merely passive support but active, powerful intervention, often associated with military deliverance or divine provision.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes of the psalm and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Help and Hope**, asserting that God is the singular, unfailing source of aid and the only reliable foundation for genuine expectation and trust. This stands in stark opposition to the fleeting and ultimately disappointing nature of human assistance. Secondly, the concept of **Blessedness** is central, introduced by the word "Happy" (Hebrew: `ʼesher`). This is not a superficial emotion but a deep, abiding state of well-being, divine favor, and inner peace that flows from a right relationship with and reliance upon God, echoing the beatitudes found elsewhere in Scripture, such as those in [Matthew 5:3-12](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes"). Thirdly, the specific designation "the God of Jacob" underscores God's **Covenant Faithfulness and Personal Involvement**. This title refers to Yahweh, the God who revealed Himself to Jacob ([Genesis 28:13](/genesis/28-13 "Genesis 28:13 - God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel")), sustained him through his trials, and remained steadfastly faithful to his descendants, the nation of Israel. It emphasizes God's historical reliability and powerful intervention on behalf of His people across generations. Finally, the verse implicitly reinforces the **Contrast with Human Frailty**, a theme explicitly developed in the preceding verses ([Psalms 146:3-4](/psalms/146-3 "Psalms 146:3-4 - Do Not Trust in Man")), thereby magnifying God's incomparable strength, eternal nature, and unwavering promises against the transient nature of mortals.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Happy (Hebrew, _ʼesher'_):** From the root `אָשַׁר`, this word denotes happiness, blessedness, or a state of profound well-being. It is often used in the plural construct form, `ʼashrey`, meaning "O the happiness of..." or "blessed are those who...". It signifies a deep, internal contentment and divine favor that is not dependent on external circumstances but on one's relationship with God.
* **help (Hebrew, _ʻêzer'_):** Derived from the verb `עָזַר` (to help, support), `ʻêzer` refers to aid, assistance, or succor. In a theological context, it speaks of God's active, powerful, and often interventionist support for His people, providing strength, deliverance, and provision.
* **hope (Hebrew, _sêber'_):** Originating from the verb `שָׂבַר` (to wait, expect, hope), `sêber` signifies expectation, confidence, or trust. It is not a mere wish but a firm, confident anticipation rooted in the character and promises of God, providing stability and assurance even in uncertain times.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From the root `הָיָה` (to be, become), this is the proper, personal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal nature, and covenant faithfulness. To place one's hope in `Yᵉhôvâh` is to trust in the unchanging, all-powerful, and covenant-keeping God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Happy [is he] that [hath] the God of Jacob for his help,"**: This opening clause establishes the profound blessedness (`ʼesher`) of the individual. The source of this happiness is not in what one possesses or achieves, but in having "the God of Jacob" as one's "help." "The God of Jacob" is a significant theological epithet, recalling God's personal covenant relationship with Jacob (Israel), His faithfulness through generations, and His active intervention in the lives of His people. This "help" (`ʻêzer`) is not passive but a dynamic, powerful, and reliable divine assistance that delivers, sustains, and strengthens.
* **"whose hope [is] in the LORD his God:"**: This second clause parallels and deepens the first, further defining the blessed individual. Their "hope" (`sêber`) is not a fleeting wish but a confident expectation and unwavering trust. The object of this hope is specifically "the LORD his God" (Yahweh `Yᵉhôvâh`, `ʼĕlôhîym`). This emphasizes a personal relationship with the covenant-keeping, self-existent, and sovereign God. To hope in `Yᵉhôvâh` means to rest in His unchanging character, His promises, and His ultimate control over all things, providing an unshakable foundation for life.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Beatitude**, opening with "Happy is he," which functions as a declaration of blessedness, similar to the Beatitudes in the New Testament. This sets a tone of divine favor and well-being. There is also clear **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, between the two clauses: "the God of Jacob for his help" and "whose hope is in the LORD his God." Both phrases convey the same core message of reliance on God, reinforcing the idea through repetition and slightly varied phrasing. The use of the **Epithet** "the God of Jacob" is highly significant, serving as a powerful theological shorthand that evokes centuries of covenant history, divine faithfulness, and miraculous intervention, grounding the abstract concept of "God" in concrete historical acts. Furthermore, the verse stands in stark **Contrast** to the preceding verses (Psalms 146:3-4), which warn against trusting in human princes. This juxtaposition highlights the futility of human reliance versus the steadfastness and reliability of divine help, magnifying the blessedness of those who choose the latter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 146:5 serves as a theological anchor, asserting that true blessedness and security are found exclusively in God, contrasting sharply with the inherent limitations and ultimate futility of human power and promises. This declaration is foundational to biblical theology, emphasizing God's unique sovereignty, His unwavering covenant faithfulness, and His role as the ultimate source of all genuine help and hope. It invites believers to re-evaluate where they place their trust, redirecting it from the transient to the eternal. The "God of Jacob" is not a distant deity but the personal, active, and powerful God who intervenes in history and in the lives of individuals, making His help and hope both real and reliable. This verse provides a theological framework for understanding that a life truly aligned with God's purposes is one characterized by confident dependence on Him, resulting in a profound and abiding state of well-being that transcends worldly circumstances.

* [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Cursed is the one who trusts in man, blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart")
* [Isaiah 40:28-31](/isaiah/40-28 "Isaiah 40:28-31 - God's Everlasting Power and Strength for the Weary")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world constantly shifting beneath our feet, where leaders rise and fall, economies fluctuate, and even our closest relationships can disappoint, Psalms 146:5 offers a timeless and profoundly comforting truth. It challenges us to honestly examine the foundations of our security and happiness. Do we, like the psalmist warns against, place our ultimate trust in political systems, financial stability, personal achievements, or the promises of influential people? Or is our hope firmly anchored in the unchanging character and limitless power of the "LORD our God"? True happiness, or blessedness, is not found in the absence of problems, but in the presence of an all-sufficient God who is our constant help. To have the "God of Jacob" as our help means recognizing His historical faithfulness and His personal involvement in our lives, just as He was with Jacob through all his trials. Cultivating this hope involves intentionally shifting our gaze from earthly uncertainties to divine certainties, choosing to rely on God's provision, wisdom, and strength in every circumstance. This reliance brings a deep, internal peace that the world cannot give or take away.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I instinctively place my trust when faced with uncertainty or crisis? Is it in human systems, personal abilities, or God?**
* **What does it practically look like to have "the God of Jacob for my help" in my daily life?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more confident "hope in the LORD" when circumstances seem bleak or human support fails?**

### FAQ
**What does "the God of Jacob" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "the God of Jacob" is a rich theological designation that signifies God's personal, covenantal relationship with the patriarch Jacob (later renamed Israel) and, by extension, with the nation of Israel. It emphasizes God's historical faithfulness, His active involvement in the lives of His people, and His unwavering commitment to His promises. It recalls specific instances of God's revelation and intervention, such as His appearance to Jacob at Bethel ([Genesis 28:13](/genesis/28-13 "Genesis 28:13 - God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel")) and His sustaining presence through Jacob's trials. Therefore, to have "the God of Jacob" as one's help means to rely on the same powerful, faithful, and covenant-keeping God who has demonstrated His reliability throughout history.

**How is the "happiness" described in this verse different from worldly happiness?**

Answer: The "happiness" (Hebrew: `ʼesher`) described in Psalms 146:5 is distinct from fleeting worldly happiness, which is often dependent on external circumstances, material possessions, or momentary pleasures. The `ʼesher` here signifies a deep, abiding state of blessedness, profound well-being, and divine favor. It is an internal condition of contentment and security that stems directly from a right relationship with God and an unwavering trust in His character and promises. Unlike worldly happiness, which can be easily disrupted by trials or losses, this biblical blessedness is rooted in the unchanging nature of God and provides stability and peace even amidst adversity, as taught in passages like [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 146:5, with its declaration of blessedness for those whose help and hope are in the God of Jacob, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "God of Jacob" is Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel, and Jesus is the very embodiment and revelation of this God. He is "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")), the one through whom God's help and hope are perfectly manifested. Where human princes and earthly powers inevitably fail, Christ stands as the eternal King, whose kingdom is everlasting and whose promises are unfailing ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion of the Son of Man")). He is our ultimate "help" (`ʻêzer`), not merely as a distant aid, but as the one who actively entered into human suffering, bore our sins, and conquered death, offering us complete salvation and constant intercession ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). Our "hope" (`sêber`) is not in an abstract concept but in the living person of Jesus Christ, who is our "hope of glory" ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")). Through Him, we gain access to the very presence of God and receive the Holy Spirit, the down payment of our future inheritance. Thus, the blessedness promised in Psalms 146:5 is fully realized in those who place their faith and trust in Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the only true source of eternal help and unwavering hope ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

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

Jeremiah 17:7

Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

Jeremiah 17:8

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and [that] spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Psalms 144:15

Happy [is that] people, that is in such a case: [yea], happy [is that] people, whose God [is] the LORD.

Psalms 71:5

For thou [art] my hope, O Lord GOD: [thou art] my trust from my youth.

Psalms 33:12

¶ Blessed [is] the nation whose God [is] the LORD; [and] the people [whom] he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

Psalms 84:12

O LORD of hosts, blessed [is] the man that trusteth in thee.

Psalms 46:11

The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah.