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Psalms 149:8

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To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;

To bind {H631} their kings {H4428} with chains {H2131}, and their nobles {H3513} with fetters {H3525} of iron {H1270};

to bind their kings with chains and put their nobles in irons,

to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with shackles of iron,

To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron;

Commentary

Context of Psalms 149:8

Psalms 149 is a vibrant psalm of praise, calling the faithful to rejoice in their Maker and King. It combines exuberant worship with a prophetic vision of God's people executing divine judgment. The verses immediately preceding verse 8, particularly Psalms 149:6, speak of "high praises of God in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand," setting the stage for the forceful imagery of judgment and the execution of God's will upon the nations and their rulers. This verse, therefore, should be understood within the broader context of God's ultimate triumph and the role of His saints in that victory.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Victory: The primary message of Psalms 149:8 is the triumphant execution of God's judgment upon those who oppose Him. "To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron" signifies the complete subjugation and defeat of hostile powers.
  • Spiritual Authority of Believers: While historically this might have referred to literal victories of Israel, in a broader prophetic and spiritual sense, it points to the authority given to God's people. This authority is not for earthly conquest but for spiritual warfare and the advancement of God's kingdom.
  • Fulfillment of God's Will: The psalm concludes by stating that this is the "honour all his saints" have, referring to the "judgment written" (see Psalms 149:9). This emphasizes that the actions described are not arbitrary but are a fulfillment of God's predetermined plan and righteous decrees.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "chains" (`ziqqim`) and "fetters" (`kebel`) denote instruments of literal captivity and subjugation. `Ziqqim` often refers to iron shackles, while `kebel` can refer to heavy chains or fetters. The use of these specific terms emphasizes the complete and inescapable defeat and restraint of the opposing forces, whether literal enemies of Israel or spiritual adversaries.

Practical Application and Reflection

For the believer today, Psalms 149:8 speaks less of literal conquest and more about spiritual authority. We are called to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy, not against "flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places," as detailed in Ephesians 6:12. This verse encourages us that through Christ, we have been given authority to overcome sin, death, and the forces of darkness. It reminds us that God's justice will ultimately prevail, and His kingdom will triumph over all opposition. Our "chains" and "fetters" are spiritual, binding the influence of evil through prayer, faith, and living out God's righteous principles. It is a call to participate actively in the spiritual victory that God has already secured.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Judges 1:6 (3 votes)

    But Adonibezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes.

  • Judges 1:7 (3 votes)

    And Adonibezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered [their meat] under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he died.

  • Joshua 10:23 (2 votes)

    And they did so, and brought forth those five kings unto him out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, [and] the king of Eglon.

  • Joshua 10:24 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.

  • Job 36:8 (2 votes)

    And if [they be] bound in fetters, [and] be holden in cords of affliction;

  • Joshua 12:7 (2 votes)

    ¶ And these [are] the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west, from Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon even unto the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir; which Joshua gave unto the tribes of Israel [for] a possession according to their divisions;