Psalms 118:9

9 It is better to depend on the LORD than to trust influential people.

Psalms 118:9 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 118:9

[It is] better to trust in the Lord
The Targum is,

``in the Word of the Lord.''

This is repeated for the sake of what follows:

than to put confidence in princes;
who have greater ability to help, and whose honour should engage them to keep their word; and yet it is better to trust in the Lord than in them; see ( Psalms 146:3 ) . Two different words being used in this verse and ( Psalms 118:8 ) ; for trust and confidence, Jarchi has observed, that the one signifies a lesser, the other a stronger confidence; as if the sense was this, "It is better lightly to trust in the Lord than to put the strongest confidence in men and princes." But the observation is scarcely solid enough.

Psalms 118:9 In-Context

7 The LORD is on my side as my helper. I will see [the defeat of] those who hate me.

8 It is better to depend on the LORD than to trust mortals.

9 It is better to depend on the LORD than to trust influential people.

10 All the nations surrounded me, [but armed] with the name of the LORD, I defeated them.

11 They surrounded me. Yes, they surrounded me, [but armed] with the name of the LORD, I defeated them.