Psalms 146:7-8
who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse emphasizes God's active, hands-on intervention for the vulnerable—not just abstract justice, but practical provision like feeding the hungry and freeing prisoners. It’s easy to overlook the parallel structure of "executes justice for the oppressed" and "gives food to the hungry," showing God’s care extends from societal wrongs to basic physical needs.
This psalm is a powerful declaration of trust in God alone, contrasting His faithfulness with the unreliability of human leaders. The verses preceding this one highlight God's creative power and eternal truthfulness, setting the stage for a list of His specific actions of care and justice for those in need. These examples—executing justice, feeding the hungry, and freeing prisoners—paint a picture of God as the ultimate source of relief and vindication for the vulnerable.
Ever feel like the world is unfair? Like the powerful get away with hurting others?
Psalm 146:7 kicks off a powerful description of God's character, starting with His commitment to justice. This isn't just about legal rulings; it's about God actively intervening on behalf of those who are being crushed by oppression. Think of people today who are exploited, silenced, or mistreated. The verse declares that God sees this, hears their cries, and will bring about justice.
This is echoed throughout Scripture. God's heart is with the vulnerable. He doesn't stand idly by when people suffer injustice.
Feeling empty? Like your basic needs aren't being met, or you're just running on fumes?
The psalm doesn't stop at justice; it moves to practical, life-sustaining compassion. 'Who gives food to the hungry' points to God's direct provision. This isn't just about physical hunger, though that's certainly included. It speaks to God meeting our deepest needs, filling the void when we feel depleted.
In Jesus' time, He demonstrated this by feeding thousands. Spiritually, He offers the 'bread of life,' satisfying the soul's hunger for meaning, purpose, and connection.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 146:7-8 is available in the Sola app.
Do you ever feel trapped? Stuck in difficult circumstances, habits, or even by your own past?
The final phrase, 'The LORD sets the prisoners free,' is a profound declaration of liberation. This can refer to literal imprisonment, but it also speaks to spiritual freedom. Think of being bound by sin, fear, addiction, or oppressive systems. God's power is specifically shown in His ability to break those chains.
Throughout biblical history, God freed His people from slavery and exile. In the New Testament, Jesus proclaimed liberty to the captives. This is God's ongoing work – releasing us into freedom and wholeness.
Understand the original words
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
The exercise of divine judgment to ensure fairness, equity, and righteousness, particularly defending those who cannot defend themselves. In the Bible, it involves setting things right according to God’s holy standard.
ashuq · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
Those who are treated unfairly, crushed, or exploited by others. God positions Himself as the protector and defender of the powerless and marginalized in society.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The proper name of the Creator God of Israel, the I AM, who enters into a covenant relationship with His people. It signifies His eternal self-existence and His active involvement in history.
tsaddiq · Hebrew Adjective
Those who live uprightly according to God’s law and character. It refers to those who are justified by faith and whose lives demonstrate conformity to God's moral requirements.
This psalm bursts forth from the context of exile and return, reminding God's people that even when human leaders fail, the LORD remains the ultimate source of justice, provision, and freedom for the oppressed, the hungry, and the captive.
c. 539 BC
Fall of Babylon
The Babylonian Empire, which had exiled many Israelites, was conquered by the Persians under Cyrus the Great. This event marked a shift in power and created an opportunity for the return of Jewish exiles.
c. 538 BC
Cyrus's Edict for Return
Cyrus the Great issued a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This was a significant moment of liberation and restoration for the Jewish people.
c. 516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem was completed, symbolizing the restoration of Jewish religious and national life after the Babylonian exile. This was a time of great joy and reaffirmed God's faithfulness.
c. 458-444 BC
Reforms of Ezra and Nehemiah
Ezra the scribe and Nehemiah the governor led further waves of returnees and implemented religious and social reforms. They worked to re-establish covenant faithfulness and order among the returned community.
Late 5th century BC— this verse
Composition of Psalm 146
Psalm 146 was likely composed during or after the exile, reflecting on God's faithfulness and power to deliver. It serves as a powerful affirmation of hope in God amidst the ongoing challenges of rebuilding and maintaining their community.
This passage is a direct echo of Psalm 146:7, specifically describing the Messiah's mission to bring justice, comfort the afflicted, and proclaim freedom to those held captive, highlighting the compassionate actions of God's anointed.
Luke 4:18-19Jesus explicitly quotes from Isaiah 61:1 (which mirrors Psalm 146:7) to describe His own ministry, showing how these acts of justice, liberation, and provision are central to God's redemptive work through Christ.
Psalm 103:6This verse expresses a very similar theme, stating that 'The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed,' underscoring the consistent character of God as a defender of the vulnerable throughout the Psalms.
Matthew 25:35-36Jesus' parable about serving the least among us connects feeding the hungry and visiting prisoners to serving Him directly, revealing that acts of mercy and justice are how believers embody God's care for the needy.
ellicottPsalms 146:7: "Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:"
(7) Comp. Psalm 103:6 ; Psalm 104:27 ; Psalm 107:9 ; Psalm 136:25 ; Isaiah 55:1 . Here follow five lines, each beginning with the Divine name, and each consisting of three words, the rhythm prominent in the book of Job.
clarkePsalms 146:7: "Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:"
Which ewecuteth judgment for the oppressed - For those who suffer by violence or calumny. This may refer to the Israelites, who suffered much by oppression from the Babylonians, and by calumny from the Samaritans, etc., who had prejudiced the king of Persia against them. Giving food to the hungry - No doubt he fed the poor captives by many displays of his peculiar provide…
This verse emphasizes God's active, hands-on intervention for the vulnerable—not just abstract justice, but practical provision like feeding the hungry and freeing prisoners. It’s easy to overlook the parallel structure of "executes justice for the oppressed" and "gives food to the hungry," showing God’s care extends from societal wrongs to basic physical needs.
This psalm is a powerful declaration of trust in God alone, contrasting His faithfulness with the unreliability of human leaders. The verses preceding this one highlight God's creative power and eternal truthfulness, setting the stage for a list of His specific actions of care and justice for those in need. These examples—executing justice, feeding the hungry, and freeing prisoners—paint a picture of God as the ultimate source of relief and vindication for the vulnerable.
This psalm is a powerful declaration of trust in God alone, contrasting His faithfulness with the unreliability of human leaders. The verses preceding this one highlight God's creative power and eternal truthfulness, setting the stage for a list of His specific actions of care and justice for those in need. These examples—executing justice, feeding the hungry, and freeing prisoners—paint a picture of God as the ultimate source of relief and vindication for the vulnerable.
"who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;
the LORD loves the…" — This verse emphasizes God's active, hands-on intervention for the vulnerable—not just abstract justice, but practical provision like feeding the hungry and freeing prisoners. It’s easy to overlook th…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.