Psalms 147:10

KJV

He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.

KJV (with Strong's)

He delighteth {H2654} not in the strength {H1369} of the horse {H5483}: he taketh not pleasure {H7521} in the legs {H7785} of a man {H376}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He takes no delight in the strength of a horse, no pleasure in a runner's speed.

Berean Standard Bible

He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legpower of the man.

American Standard Version

He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: He taketh no pleasure in the legs of a man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 147:10 serves as a profound declaration within a psalm of praise, asserting that God's ultimate delight and pleasure are not rooted in the conventional sources of human strength and security, such as the formidable military power symbolized by the horse or the individual physical prowess represented by the legs of a man. This verse pivots the reader's focus from reliance on created might to the unique attributes of the divine and the humble, reverent trust of His people, thereby setting a crucial theological foundation for understanding what truly pleases the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 147 is a magnificent hymn of praise, meticulously crafted to celebrate God's boundless omnipotence and His tender, providential care for both the vast cosmos and His chosen covenant people, Israel. The preceding verses establish a breathtaking panorama of God's sovereign power and profound wisdom, showcasing His capacity to bring healing to the brokenhearted and bind up their deepest wounds ([Psalms 147:3](/psalms/147-3 "Psalms 147:3 - God Heals the Brokenhearted")), to meticulously number and name every star in the heavens ([Psalms 147:4](/psalms/147-4 "Psalms 147:4 - God Numbers the Stars")), and to exercise righteous judgment by lifting up the meek while casting the wicked down ([Psalms 147:6](/psalms/147-6 "Psalms 147:6 - God Lifts the Meek")). Against this backdrop of God's immense, unparalleled, and sovereign power, verse 10 introduces a deliberate and striking contrast, articulating with precision what God *does not* value as a source of delight or security. This powerful negation serves to profoundly underscore the radical nature of God's priorities, directly preceding and setting the stage for the crucial affirmation in [Psalms 147:11](/psalms/147-11 "Psalms 147:11 - What God Truly Delights In"), which unequivocally reveals that "The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the horse stood as the quintessential symbol of military might, speed, and formidable power. Empires such as Egypt and Assyria were renowned for their vast chariotry and cavalry divisions, often relying on these forces as the primary instruments of conquest and defense. Kings and nations meticulously measured their strategic strength and prestige by the size and quality of their equestrian forces. Similarly, the "legs of a man" would have powerfully represented individual physical prowess, endurance, speed, and the sheer ability to run, fight, or perform demanding labor effectively—qualities highly esteemed in both warfare and the rigors of daily life. For Israel, a nation frequently militarily outmatched by its powerful neighbors, the persistent temptation to trust in military alliances or human strength was a recurring theme throughout their history, as vividly depicted in accounts where they sought aid from Egypt or placed undue reliance on their own armies (e.g., [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Rely on Egypt")). This verse directly challenges such human-centric reliance, asserting with divine authority that favor, security, and true strength are not contingent upon or impressed by such earthly displays of power, but rather upon a fundamentally different, spiritual foundation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching and foundational themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty Over Earthly Power**, asserting that God's power is absolute, transcendent, and completely independent of any human or military might. His omnipotence is neither enhanced nor impressed by the strength of armies or the capabilities of individuals. Secondly, it highlights the pervasive theme of **Misplaced Trust**, exposing the inherent human tendency to place confidence and security in visible, tangible sources of strength and material resources, which God explicitly declares He finds no pleasure in. This challenges the deeply ingrained notion that human accomplishments, military superiority, or physical attributes are what truly matter to Him or provide ultimate safety and blessing. Finally, through its deliberate use of negation, the verse implicitly points to **God's True Delight**, serving as a potent rhetorical device that meticulously prepares the reader for the subsequent verse. This redirection of focus from external, material power to internal, spiritual qualities is a recurring and vital motif woven throughout the wisdom literature and prophetic books, consistently emphasizing a spiritual rather than a material foundation for true security, blessing, and divine favor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **delighteth (Hebrew, _châphêts'_):** (H2654) A primitive root meaning "to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire." When applied to God, this term signifies a profound sense of approval, satisfaction, or finding joy in something. The negation "delighteth not" therefore indicates a complete and utter absence of such positive inclination, pleasure, or favorable disposition towards the specified objects.
* **strength (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwrâh'_):** (H1369) A feminine passive participle meaning "force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory; might, power, strength." In the context of the "strength of the horse," it specifically refers to the formidable physical and military power, the martial capability, and the sheer might associated with a nation's cavalry or chariot forces.
* **taketh pleasure (Hebrew, _râtsâh'_):** (H7521) A primitive root meaning "to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt; (be) accept(-able), accomplish, set affection, approve, consent with, delight (self), enjoy, (be, have a) favour(-able), like, observe, pardon, (be, have, take) please(-ure), reconcile self." This word, used in parallel with "delighteth," reinforces the idea of divine acceptance, approval, and finding satisfaction. Its negation here underscores God's lack of favor or contentment in human physical capabilities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He delighteth not in the strength of the horse:"** This initial clause makes a profound theological declaration: God does not derive pleasure, satisfaction, or approval from the formidable military might and raw power symbolized by the horse. In an era where nations measured their security and dominance by the size and prowess of their cavalry and chariots, this statement radically reorients the source of ultimate power and security away from human-made military apparatus. It asserts that God's omnipotence is neither impressed nor augmented by earthly strength, nor does He find His joy in the display of such temporal power.
* **"he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man."** This parallel clause extends the principle established in the first, moving from national military power to individual human capability and physical prowess. The "legs of a man" here symbolize human endurance, swiftness, physical strength, or self-reliance. This signifies that God does not derive pleasure from human self-sufficiency, physical might, or reliance on one's own inherent abilities. The parallelism reinforces the core message: true security and divine favor do not stem from human strength, achievement, or self-reliance, but from a fundamentally different, spiritual quality.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 147:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound and counter-cultural message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **synonymous parallelism** with a subtle **antithetical** undertone. The two clauses, "He delighteth not in the strength of the horse" and "he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man," express the same core idea—God's disinterest in human-derived power—using different but related imagery. This repetition serves to reinforce the message, expand its scope from military might to individual prowess, and create a strong rhythmic emphasis. There is also clear **Contrast** at play, as the verse implicitly contrasts what God *does not* delight in with what He *does* delight in (explicitly stated in the following verse, [Psalms 147:11](/psalms/147-11 "Psalms 147:11 - What God Truly Delights In")). Furthermore, **Metonymy** and **Symbolism** are evident in the skillful use of "horse" to represent the entirety of military power and "legs of a man" to symbolize human physical strength, endurance, and self-reliance. These concrete, relatable images serve as powerful symbols for broader, abstract concepts of earthly power and human capability, making the divine declaration both accessible and profoundly impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 147:10 articulates a fundamental and recurring theological truth throughout Scripture: God's values are radically distinct from, and often contrary to, human values. While humanity consistently places confidence in visible, tangible displays of power, wealth, or personal ability, God's pleasure is emphatically not found in these external attributes. This verse profoundly underscores the theme of divine sovereignty, asserting God's absolute independence from and superiority over all earthly might, and simultaneously highlights the futility of relying on human strength or material resources for ultimate security and divine favor. It redirects our gaze from self-reliance and worldly might to a deeper understanding of God's transcendent nature, revealing that His delight is rooted in spiritual qualities and humble dependence, rather than in external displays of power or human achievement. This concept is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, consistently challenging humanity's inherent tendency to place its trust in anything other than the Lord Himself.

* [Psalms 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Safety is of the Lord")
* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Woe to Those Who Rely on Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 147:10 serves as a profound and searching call to introspection for believers today, prompting us to critically examine the true sources of our confidence, security, and validation. In a contemporary world that often measures worth by strength, wealth, influence, or personal achievement, this verse stands as a timeless reminder that God's perspective is entirely different and transcends human metrics. Our modern "strength of the horse" might manifest as an over-reliance on robust financial portfolios, the pursuit of career success, the accumulation of political power, or unquestioning faith in technological advancements. Our "legs of a man" could symbolize our intellectual prowess, physical fitness, unwavering self-sufficiency, or elevated social standing. The psalmist challenges us to recognize that while these things may have their legitimate place in life, they are fundamentally not the basis of God's delight or the ultimate foundation of our safety and well-being. Instead, true security and divine favor are found exclusively in humble, reverent trust in God alone, acknowledging His absolute sovereignty and placing our unwavering hope in His unfailing mercy. This reorientation encourages us to cultivate a spirit of profound dependence on God, shifting our focus from what we can accumulate or achieve to a deeper, more profound, and abiding relationship with the One who truly sustains all things and in whom all true pleasure resides.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "horses" and "legs of a man" in my life today—the things I tend to rely on for security, validation, or success, often apart from God?**
* **How does my daily life, my decisions, and my priorities reflect a genuine trust in God's power and provision over my own abilities or worldly resources?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a deeper "fear of the Lord" and a more profound "hope in His mercy" as the true, ultimate source of God's pleasure and my own security?**

### FAQ
**Does God disapprove of physical strength or military power?**

Answer: Psalms 147:10 does not imply that God inherently disapproves of physical strength or military power themselves, nor does it suggest that these are inherently evil. Rather, the verse makes a crucial distinction, emphasizing that God does not *delight* or find *pleasure* in them as the ultimate source of security, as the basis for His favor, or as objects of human trust. The core message is about misplaced trust and the futility of relying on created power over the Creator. God is the ultimate source of all strength, and He can indeed use human and military power for His righteous purposes (e.g., [Judges 7:7](/judges/7-7 "Gideon's Army")). However, His delight is not in the *strength itself* or the display of human might, but in the humble heart of those who fear Him and hope in His mercy, recognizing that true power, salvation, and ultimate victory come from Him alone ([Psalms 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16-17 "No King is Saved by His Army")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 147:10 finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the divine principle that God's delight is not in human strength, worldly might, or self-sufficiency, but in humble obedience and perfect trust. While earthly kings and empires historically relied on vast armies, powerful horses, and the physical strength of men for conquest and dominion, Jesus came not as a conquering warrior on a warhorse, but as a humble servant King, entering Jerusalem meekly, riding on a lowly donkey ([Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "The Coming King on a Donkey") finds its direct fulfillment in [Matthew 21:5](/matthew/21-5 "Jesus' Triumphal Entry")). His true power was demonstrated not through military conquest or the overthrow of earthly powers, but through His self-sacrificial love on the cross—an act that appeared as utter weakness and foolishness to the world, yet was the ultimate, paradoxical display of divine strength and wisdom ([1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "God's Weakness is Stronger than Human Strength")). The "legs of a man," symbolizing human effort and self-reliance, could never achieve salvation for humanity; instead, it was the perfect obedience, sinless life, and atoning death of the God-man, Jesus, who offered Himself as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")). God's ultimate pleasure and delight are unequivocally in His beloved Son, in whom He is well pleased ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "God's Delight in Jesus")). Through Christ, believers are graciously invited to share in that divine favor, not by their own strength, merit, or earthly accomplishments, but by placing their faith and hope solely in His finished work on the cross ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Saved by Grace Through Faith")). Thus, Psalms 147:10 powerfully foreshadows the New Covenant reality where salvation, divine favor, and true security are found exclusively in Christ, apart from any human effort or earthly power.

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 20:7

Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

1 Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

Proverbs 21:31

The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD.

Psalms 33:16

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

Psalms 33:18

Behold, the eye of the LORD [is] upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

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!

Ecclesiastes 9:11

¶ I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.