Psalms 146:7

KJV

Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:

KJV (with Strong's)

Which executeth {H6213} judgment {H4941} for the oppressed {H6231}: which giveth {H5414} food {H3899} to the hungry {H7457}. The LORD {H3068} looseth {H5425} the prisoners {H631}:

Complete Jewish Bible

He secures justice for the oppressed, he gives food to the hungry. ADONAI sets prisoners free,

Berean Standard Bible

He executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free,

American Standard Version

Who executeth justice for the oppressed; Who giveth food to the hungry. Jehovah looseth the prisoners;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 146:7 powerfully articulates the active and compassionate character of God, revealing His unwavering commitment to justice, provision, and liberation for the vulnerable. It portrays the Lord as the ultimate King and Judge, who not only perceives the suffering of His creation but actively intervenes to establish righteousness, sustain the needy, and set the captives free. This verse encapsulates the psalmist's foundational reason for exalting the Lord, contrasting divine faithfulness with the inherent limitations and unreliability of human power and promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 146 inaugurates the final collection of five psalms (Psalms 146-150), often referred to as the "Hallel" psalms, each commencing and concluding with the resounding call, "Praise the LORD!" (Hallelujah). This psalm serves as a thematic overture to this concluding doxology, establishing the absolute trustworthiness of God in stark contrast to the fleeting and unreliable nature of human authority. Following an initial exhortation to praise, the psalmist explicitly warns against placing trust in princes or human beings, "in whom there is no help" ([Psalm 146:3](/psalms/146-3 "Psalm 146:3 - Do Not Trust in Princes")). The subsequent verses, including verse 7, then meticulously enumerate the Lord's mighty and benevolent actions, providing concrete and compelling reasons why He alone is worthy of ultimate reliance and perpetual praise. This structure builds a compelling argument for exclusive trust in the Creator God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concepts of justice, provision, and liberation were often precarious, dependent on the whims or capabilities of human rulers, who frequently failed to uphold these responsibilities. Kings were theoretically expected to administer justice, feed their people, and protect the vulnerable, but historical realities often diverged sharply from these ideals. Against this backdrop, Psalm 146:7 elevates the God of Israel, Yahweh, as the only truly reliable sovereign. He is depicted as a divine monarch whose character is intrinsically linked to righteousness and compassion, consistently executing judgment for the oppressed, providing for the hungry, and freeing those in bondage. This portrayal would have resonated deeply with a people who frequently experienced oppression, famine, and various forms of captivity, offering them a profound source of hope and security rooted in God's unchanging and active nature.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Justice**, portraying God as the righteous Judge who actively intervenes on behalf of the marginalized and those suffering injustice, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic books where God consistently champions the cause of the poor and oppressed (e.g., [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Learn to do good; seek justice")). Secondly, it underscores **Providential Care**, emphasizing God's role as the ultimate Sustainer who provides for the physical necessities of life, a concept deeply rooted in the wilderness narratives where God miraculously provided manna and quail for His people ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail")). Lastly, the verse powerfully proclaims **Divine Liberation**, showcasing God's unparalleled power to set free those who are bound, whether literally imprisoned or metaphorically enslaved by circumstances, sin, or injustice. This theme anticipates the ultimate spiritual freedom offered by God, as seen in the promise of liberty to the captives ([Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From the root _shâphaṭ_ (to judge), this term denotes a verdict or formal decree, encompassing the act of judging, the place of judgment, and the resulting justice. It signifies not merely a legal decision but the active implementation of what is right and equitable, reflecting God's inherent righteousness and His unwavering commitment to upholding moral order, particularly for those who have been wronged or exploited.
* **food (Hebrew, _lechem'_):** This word broadly refers to sustenance for humans or animals, most commonly bread or grain. It highlights the fundamental necessity of nourishment and God's direct, tangible provision for the most basic human needs. The use of _lechem_ here emphasizes God's practical and compassionate care, reaching into the physical realities of human existence to sustain life.
* **looseth (Hebrew, _nâthar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to jump" or "to be violently agitated," but causatively, "to shake off," "untie," or "release." This verb conveys a dynamic, forceful act of liberation, implying the breaking of bonds or the undoing of restraints. It is not a passive allowance but an active, powerful intervention by God to set free those who are bound, whether physically, socially, or spiritually.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which executeth judgment for the oppressed":** This clause establishes God as the supreme and righteous Judge who actively intervenes on behalf of those who are unjustly treated, exploited, or downtrodden. It signifies His unwavering commitment to rectifying wrongs, vindicating the marginalized, and upholding justice for the vulnerable, ensuring that their cries do not go unheard and that equity is restored.
* **"which giveth food to the hungry.":** This segment reveals God's compassionate and providential nature, demonstrating His intimate care for the most fundamental human need. He is depicted as the ultimate provider, sustaining life by supplying nourishment to those who are famished, illustrating His direct and tangible involvement in the physical well-being of His creation. This highlights His role as the source of all sustenance.
* **"The LORD looseth the prisoners:":** This final clause underscores God's sovereign power to deliver from all forms of bondage. Whether referring to literal incarceration, or metaphorical spiritual, social, or emotional captivity, it proclaims that the Lord possesses the authority and might to unbind, release, and set free those who are held captive, bringing them into a state of liberty and restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 146:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message regarding God's character and actions. The most prominent is **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second and third clauses do not merely repeat but expand upon or complete the thought of the first, building a cumulative and comprehensive picture of God's benevolent actions. Each phrase highlights a distinct yet complementary aspect of God's care—justice, provision, and liberation—creating a holistic portrait of His active involvement in the world. The verse also utilizes vivid **Imagery**, presenting concrete actions (executing judgment, giving food, loosing prisoners) that make God's abstract attributes tangible and relatable. This allows the listener or reader to easily grasp the practical implications of God's character. Furthermore, there is an element of **Antithesis** implied by the preceding verses ([Psalm 146:3-4](/psalms/146-3-4 "Psalm 146:3-4 - Do Not Trust in Princes")), which contrast the unreliability and powerlessness of human rulers with the steadfast reliability and omnipotence of God, making His actions in verse 7 stand out as truly dependable and uniquely divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 146:7 profoundly articulates core attributes of God: His righteousness, compassion, and omnipotence. It portrays a God who is not distant or indifferent, but intimately involved in the affairs of humanity, particularly on behalf of the marginalized and suffering. This divine character serves as the bedrock for all hope and trust, contrasting sharply with the transient nature of human power and promises. The verse encapsulates the essence of biblical justice and mercy, demonstrating that God's reign is fundamentally characterized by active care for the vulnerable and a commitment to setting right what is wrong in the world. This understanding of God's nature calls believers to reflect His heart in their own lives and communities, becoming instruments of His justice and compassion.

* [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God Loves the Sojourner, Widow, and Orphan")
* [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Proclaims His Mission of Liberation")
* [Psalm 10:17-18](/psalms/10-17-18 "Psalm 10:17-18 - God Hears the Desire of the Afflicted")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 146:7 serves as a profound source of comfort and a powerful call to action for believers. In a world often marked by pervasive injustice, widespread scarcity, and various forms of spiritual, emotional, and physical bondage, this verse reminds us that our God is actively engaged in reversing these conditions. It encourages us to place our unwavering trust not in fallible human systems or transient earthly powers, but in the Lord, who alone possesses the capacity and the righteous will to bring true justice, provide ultimate sustenance, and grant genuine freedom. Furthermore, this divine example compels us to embody God's character in our own lives. As those who bear His image and are called to participate in His kingdom, we are summoned to be instruments of His justice, compassionately providing for the hungry, and actively working to liberate those who are oppressed, thereby participating in the ongoing redemptive work of His kingdom on earth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or the world do you most long to see God "execute judgment for the oppressed," and how might you participate in that work?**
* **How does God's consistent character as a provider, as highlighted in this verse, impact your daily anxieties about material provision and future security?**
* **What forms of "imprisonment"—whether literal, spiritual, emotional, or social—do you observe around you, and how might God be calling you to be an agent of His liberating power?**
* **How does trusting in God's active intervention for justice, provision, and liberation reshape your perspective on human efforts, political solutions, and your own role in the world?**

### FAQ
**How does God's "judgment" for the oppressed differ from human judgment?**

Answer: God's "judgment" (_mishpâṭ_) for the oppressed, as described in this verse, differs fundamentally from typical human judgment in several key ways. Human judgment is often flawed, biased, or limited by power structures, sometimes even perpetuating injustice. In contrast, God's judgment is perfectly righteous, impartial, and always aimed at restoring equity and vindicating the wronged. It is an active, divine intervention that ensures justice is served, wrongs are righted, and the vulnerable are defended. Unlike human courts that may fail to deliver, God's judgment is an assured act of His sovereign power to uphold His moral order and protect those who cannot protect themselves, as seen in His consistent advocacy for the fatherless and widow throughout Scripture ([Psalm 68:5](/psalms/68-5 "Psalm 68:5 - Father of the Fatherless")). It is a redemptive judgment, designed to bring about flourishing for the marginalized.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound truths of Psalm 146:7 find their ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's active justice, compassionate provision, and powerful liberation. Jesus Himself explicitly declared His mission in the synagogue at Nazareth, quoting from [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1-2 "Isaiah 61:1-2 - Jesus Proclaims His Mission") by proclaiming, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed." This directly echoes the psalmist's description of Yahweh's work. Christ executed judgment for the oppressed not primarily through earthly courts, but by confronting the ultimate powers of sin and death, offering true vindication and spiritual freedom to those enslaved by spiritual darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is the true bread of life, providing spiritual sustenance that truly satisfies the hungry soul ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), and His miraculous feeding of the multitudes demonstrated His tangible concern for physical needs ([Matthew 14:15-21](/matthew/14-15-21 "Matthew 14:15-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")). Most significantly, Jesus is the one who "looseth the prisoners," not merely from physical chains, but from the ultimate bondage of sin and its eternal consequences, offering profound freedom and eternal life through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - Freedom from the Law of Sin and Death")). Thus, the psalmist's praise for Yahweh's benevolent acts finds its climactic and redemptive expression in the ministry of Christ, the Lord who truly sets us free.

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 103:6

¶ The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

Psalms 68:6

God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry [land].

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Proverbs 22:22

¶ Rob not the poor, because he [is] poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

Proverbs 22:23

For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

Zechariah 9:11

As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein [is] no water.