Psalms 146:7

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

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}:

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

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

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

Commentary

Psalm 146:7 offers a profound declaration of God's active and compassionate character, highlighting three key aspects of His divine intervention in the world: His justice for the vulnerable, His provision for the needy, and His power to liberate those in bondage. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of why the psalmist calls for unceasing praise to the Lord.

Context

Psalm 146 is the first of the final five psalms, often called the "Hallel" psalms (Psalms 146-150), all beginning and ending with "Praise ye the LORD" (Hallelujah). The psalm opens with an exhortation to praise God and then contrasts the unreliability of human rulers and their inability to save (Psalm 146:3-4) with the eternal faithfulness and mighty acts of the Lord, who is the true source of help and hope. Verse 7 specifically details some of these powerful and benevolent actions, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His creation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice and Advocacy: The phrase "Which executeth judgment for the oppressed" underscores God's role as the ultimate defender of the helpless. He is not a distant deity but one who actively intervenes to ensure justice for those who are wronged or exploited. This speaks to His righteousness and His deep care for the marginalized in society.
  • Providential Care and Provision: "Which giveth food to the hungry" reveals God's tender concern for the basic necessities of life. He is the sustainer of all creation, providing for the physical needs of His people. This theme resonates with God's consistent character as a provider, from manna in the wilderness to daily bread. Jesus Himself taught His disciples to pray for daily provision, emphasizing God's active role in meeting needs.
  • Liberation and Freedom: "The LORD looseth the prisoners" speaks to God's power to bring freedom from various forms of bondage. While it can refer to literal imprisonment, it also encompasses spiritual, emotional, and social forms of captivity. This highlights God as the great deliverer, whose power can break any chain, offering liberty to the captives.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "oppressed" is ashuqim (עֲשֻׁקִים), meaning those who are crushed, exploited, or subjected to injustice. It conveys a strong sense of being downtrodden and without recourse, highlighting the severity of their plight and the specific nature of God's intervention. The word translated "looseth" is matir (מַתִּיר), which literally means to open, unbind, or release. This term emphasizes an active, powerful act of liberation, not merely passive allowance, underscoring God's dynamic involvement in setting people free.

Practical Application

Psalm 146:7 offers immense comfort and encouragement. It reminds us that no matter how dire the circumstances—whether facing injustice, hunger, or any form of bondage—God sees, hears, and acts. This verse calls believers to place their trust solely in the Lord, who is both able and willing to help. Furthermore, it challenges us to reflect God's character by actively working for justice, providing for the hungry, and advocating for the freedom of those who are oppressed, thereby participating in His redemptive work in the world. This divine example serves as a model for how true religion cares for the vulnerable.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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