Psalms 118:8-9
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The psalmist isn't just saying God is good and people aren't; he's highlighting that trusting people is inherently flawed because they are fleeting and fallible, whereas placing hope in the Lord offers true, enduring security. This isn't a judgment on all human relationships, but a stark reminder of where ultimate safety lies when all else proves insufficient.
The psalm recounts a time of great distress and deliverance, likely following a period of exile or intense opposition where human alliances failed. After recounting how enemies attacked and God intervened, the psalmist declares that any help found in human leaders or powerful figures pales in comparison to relying on the Lord. This declaration flows directly from experiencing the unreliability of man and the steadfast faithfulness of God.
Understand the original words
chasah · Hebrew Verb
To rely on, lean upon, or place confidence in someone or something for security and salvation; it is the fundamental act of faith.
batach · Hebrew Verb
To feel secure or confident in; to put reliance upon a person or power for safety and stability. In Scripture, true trust is exclusively reserved for God.
nedibim · Hebrew Noun
Those in positions of authority, power, or leadership; often used in Scripture to denote human rulers who may seem powerful but are ultimately subject to God.
This Psalm speaks to the deep-seated human tendency to rely on powerful people or political alliances, especially during times of crisis, like Nehemiah's struggle to rebuild Jerusalem's walls against fierce opposition. The ultimate message is that human leaders and their power are fleeting and unreliable, but God's faithfulness endures, making Him the only true source of lasting security.
c. 538 BC
Cyrus Decrees Return from Exile
King Cyrus of Persia allows the exiled Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This event marks the beginning of the post-exilic period.
c. 515 BC
Second Temple Completed
After significant delays and opposition from surrounding peoples, the Second Temple is finally completed, a major milestone for the returning exiles.
c. 458 BC
Ezra's Reforms
Ezra the scribe returns to Jerusalem, leading a group of exiles and initiating religious reforms to re-establish adherence to the Law among the people.
c. 445 BC— this verse
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem Walls
Nehemiah, cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, receives permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city walls. He faces considerable opposition from local leaders like Sanballat and Tobiah.
This passage echoes the sentiment by directly stating a curse on those who trust in man and make flesh their strength, highlighting the precariousness of human reliance compared to divine trust.
Psalm 146:3Similar to our verse, this Psalm warns against putting trust in princes or any human being, as they cannot provide lasting salvation or security.
Isaiah 2:22This verse reinforces the idea from Psalms 118:8 by instructing readers to cease relying on humankind, emphasizing that humans 'are but breath' and thus unreliable.
John 2:24-25Jesus's refusal to entrust himself to people, despite his miracles, reveals a deep understanding of human fallibility and an unwavering reliance on God, mirroring the Psalmist's wisdom.
Romans 8:6This New Testament passage contrasts the 'mind of the flesh' with the 'mind of the Spirit,' suggesting that trusting in human capabilities (flesh) leads to death, while trusting in God (Spirit) leads to life and peace.
gillPsalms 118:8: "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."
It is better to trust in the Lord,.... This, with what follows in Psalm 118:9 , is the conclusion from the above premises and experience; it is good to trust in the Lord; such enjoy peace, are in safety, shall not want any good thing, nor ever be ashamed and confounded: the Targum is, "it is better to trust in the Word of the Lord;'' than to put confidence in man; it is not good to put confidence in man at all; it…
clarkePsalms 118:8: "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."
Better to trust in the Lord - Man is feeble, ignorant, fickle, and capricious; it is better to trust in Jehovah than in such.
The psalmist isn't just saying God is good and people aren't; he's highlighting that trusting people is inherently flawed because they are fleeting and fallible, whereas placing hope in the Lord offers true, enduring security. This isn't a judgment on all human relationships, but a stark reminder of where ultimate safety lies when all else proves insufficient.
The psalm recounts a time of great distress and deliverance, likely following a period of exile or intense opposition where human alliances failed. After recounting how enemies attacked and God intervened, the psalmist declares that any help found in human leaders or powerful figures pales in comparison to relying on the Lord. This declaration flows directly from experiencing the unreliability of man and the steadfast faithfulness of God.
The psalm recounts a time of great distress and deliverance, likely following a period of exile or intense opposition where human alliances failed. After recounting how enemies attacked and God intervened, the psalmist declares that any help found in human leaders or powerful figures pales in comparison to relying on the Lord. This declaration flows directly from experiencing the unreliability of man and the steadfast faithfulness of God.
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c. 444 BC
Opposition Frustrated
Despite the efforts of enemies like Tobiah and Sanballat to disrupt the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, Nehemiah and the people persevere, attributing their success to God's intervention.
"It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes." — The psalmist isn't just saying God is good and people aren't; he's highlighting that trusting people is inherently flawed because they are fleeting and fallible, whereas placing hope in the Lord offe…
